Progression, Reunion, and a Special Bottle of Whiskey
The Lodge of Honour held their first regular meeting of the new Masonic season, marking the beginning of an exciting period for the lodge as they move closer to their bicentenary celebrations in 2025.
The meeting was filled with significant moments, including a third-degree ceremony, the return of a valued brother, and a special raffle aimed at supporting a worthy cause.
The highlight of the evening was the raising of a junior brother to the rank of Master Mason, continuing the lodge’s focus on progression. This marks the second third-degree ceremony held this year, following an emergency meeting in May where another brother was raised.
With two more third-degree ceremonies planned for November, the lodge aims to ensure that all its junior members achieve Master Mason status in time for the bicentenary event in March 2025.
In addition to the ritual work, the meeting was also a time for reunion. The brethren were pleased to welcome back Mike Scaggs, who served as Worshipful Master in both 1979 and 1995. His return brought an added sense of continuity, particularly as he was reunited with Worshipful Brother Stanistreet, a member he had introduced to Freemasonry many years ago. Their shared presence at the lodge is a reminder of the long-standing bonds that exist within the fraternity.
The festive board that followed was enhanced by the attendance of visiting brethren from across Bath, including Worshipful Masters from Royal Cumberland Lodge, Royal Albert Edward Lodge, and Elizabethan Lodge.
Also in attendance were members of Athelstan Lodge, who travelled from Weston-super-Mare to join the evening’s proceedings.
Their visit was particularly special, as they brought with them a junior member whose father had been a member of the Lodge of Honour in the 1970s. Through careful research, the secretary was able to locate the summons from November 1972, when the junior member’s father, Worshipful Brother Southwood, was installed as Worshipful Master of the lodge. This connection to the past added a meaningful layer to the evening.
At the festive board, a special Whiskey Raffle was organised by Worshipful Brother Stanistreet. The prize, a bottle of fine single malt whiskey valued at around £200, was raffled to raise funds for the lodge’s widows’ fund. This year, the proceeds from the raffle will go towards inviting the widows to the Lodge of Honour’s Bicentenary Gala in March 2025, ensuring that they too can be part of this historic celebration.
The raffle was warmly received, with brethren and guests alike contributing generously. The draw will take place once all tickets have been sold, adding an extra element of anticipation to the coming months as they prepare for their bicentenary.
Lodge of Honour would be pleased to welcome any brethren who may want to join in their Bicentenary celebrations on 8th March 2025, with a special meeting to be followed by a Gala dinner open to all family and friends.
For more information visit https://www.lodgeofhonour.com/bicentenary-celebration-log-your-interest/
