Chelmer Royal Ark Mariner Centenary
Wednesday 30 October 2024
Chelmsford
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Chelmer Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.342 celebrated their Centenary in fine & majestic style on October 30th at Chelmsford Masonic Centre in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. John Finlay, his retinue of Provincial Executive and 21 members and guests of the Lodge.
The assembled Brethren did, however, commence proceedings without the Prov.G.M. in attendance due to the best efforts of the M25 delaying his arrival after his attendance in the foreign climes of Middlesex, where he attended the Provinces’ Annual Investiture of their Provincial Grand Master. Safely repatriated onto cosseting, home soil he was welcomed into the Lodge that had commenced its’ business of the day in the eminently capable hands of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master V.W. Bro. Richard Goodwin. Despite the relief of the Prov. G.M’s safe arrival, the business of the Lodge on this auspicious occasion had been conducted in suitably fine and duly respectful style by the Dep.Prov.G.M.
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The order of business was continued with agenda items clearly displaying the fine history of the Lodge, from its’ origins and journey to its current achievement of 100yrs of RAM Traditions.
The minutes of the Consecration meeting of the 29th October 1924 were of note, casting our minds-eyes back to that day, of that year, which began the ‘Chelmer Lodge journey’. The Prov.G.M. addressed the Brethren, giving a most thought-provoking insight to us all that we are just Guardians of our Lodges, our responsibility being to maintain and uphold tradition, value, morality and Masonic friendship, passing it on to the next generation pure and unsullied as we received it; in that like manner the Centenary Warrant was presented to the Worshipful Commander, W. Bro. Ian Gager, who received it in the manner as befits the presiding Commander of the Lodge in its’ Centenary year.
The minutes of the Consecration meeting of the 29th October 1924 were of note, casting our minds-eyes back to that day, of that year, which began the ‘Chelmer Lodge journey’. The Prov.G.M. addressed the Brethren, giving a most thought-provoking insight to us all that we are just Guardians of our Lodges, our responsibility being to maintain and uphold tradition, value, morality and Masonic friendship, passing it on to the next generation pure and unsullied as we received it; in that like manner the Centenary Warrant was presented to the Worshipful Commander, W. Bro. Ian Gager, who received it in the manner as befits the presiding Commander of the Lodge in its’ Centenary year.
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The Worshipful Commander then, in response, presented the Prov.G.M. with a cheque for the sum of £1000 to the Masonic Benevolent Fund which was warmly received by him.
The assembled Brethren were then treated to an explanation of the RAM Tracing Board, delivered in superb style and eloquence by W. Bro’s Bill Rudd, David Rootkin, Martin Bates & Ian Gager. |
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At the Festive Board, 49 Royal Ark Mariners dined in harmony, all receiving a booklet of the business of the day and a commemoration of the Centenary. The inner leaves of the booklet contained a History of the Royal Ark Mariner order, written by W. Bro. John J. Edwards, a much-respected Past Commander of the Lodge, sadly no longer with us, but like many, the true RAM spirit lives eternal among us.
In closing, the Prov.G.M. reiterated his utmost pleasure that the survival and longevity of the Lodge was testament to its’ members, long may that continue.
In closing, the Prov.G.M. reiterated his utmost pleasure that the survival and longevity of the Lodge was testament to its’ members, long may that continue.
And so say all of us.
Posted 03/11/24
