Centurion Banner Dedications
Saturday 27 April 2024
Fraternity Hall, Leigh-on-Sea
The Centurion Lodge No.1804 has had a very busy two years since it was re-purposed as a Roman themed morning Lodge.
Saturday 27 April's meeting was no exception as 50 Mark Men arrived nice and early for the usual 0900Hrs start.
Tea and coffee was served before the meeting to welcome everybody to Fraternity Hall, Leigh-on-Sea.
The meeting started on time, and saw the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Terence D.Sheern enter the Lodge accompanied by his active Officers to great applause.
The Prov.G.M was welcomed by their W.M. Andy Sylvester, who offered the gavel, which he accepted, he then welcomed and introduced his active officers and placed them in their respective offices for the banner dedication.
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The banner dedication ceremony was carried out by the Prov.G.M and his team in a first class manner, and special mention must be given to W.Bro. Roger Smith Provincial Grand Chaplin for delivering a first class oration of banners in general and of the Centurion banner in particular.
The Centurion banner was designed by the Lodge Director of Ceremonies W.Bro. John Finlay Prov.G.M Desiginate, the banner stand was made by W.Bro. Phil Richardson, and is resplendent with a golden Roman eagle watching over the banner.
It is a fantastic work of art, and the Prov.G.M stated that it will probably be the cause of "Banner envy" around the Province and that the members of 1804 should be incredibly proud of their banner and he had no doubt that it would be on display at the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting in May, he then handed the gavel back to the Worshipful Master for the normal business to continue.
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The Provincial Grand Master thanked the Lodge for its support of the Province, and had no doubt that the Lodge would continue to grow and flourish.
The business of the meeting continued by Barry Coombes being elected as Master for the ensuing year.
The Prov.G.M was called upon to present Grand Lodge Certificates.
During the Charity Stewards report, the Prov.G.M was presented a cheque form £250.00 in favour of the 2030 Festival.
The Prov.G.M then went on to present MBF collarettes to V.W.Bro. David Garston, W.Bro's. Terry Birdseye and David Rootkin and Brother Alan Penney and thanked them for their support of the festival.
Once the meeting was closed it was "organised chaos" whilst the Temple was transformed into the dining area in preparation for lunch.
This meeting was an exception to normal dining, as lasagne and salad was served to everyone, well nearly everyone, the Provincial Grand Master was served his favourite full English breakfast complete with fried bread.
Rank defiantly does have its privilege's, although Peter Maloney also had the same.....
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The Prov.G.M was presented with the compulsory tin of chocolate's, providing he returned all of the wrappers.
The main farewell gift was a handcrafted wooden version of the Deacons sword stands, in the form of a desk-top letter opener made by Robin Morley from the wood from the Late Rodney Bass's tree, and was completed with a pewter Centurion and Roman coins.
The Prov.G.M thanked everyone for the warm welcome and although this was his last working meeting, he had a few more Lodges to visit before standing down and handing over to John.
A special mention must be given to Lesley and her staff of Lady Masons who are all volunteers at Fraternity Hall for helping to make Centurion Lodge the success it has become.
CENTURIO RENATUS
Published on 12/05/24