Fires can’t destroy enthusiasm

Neville celebrates 70 years as a mason

Neville Simpson joined the Bourke Masonic Lodge on 17 September 1951 at the age of 21, and on 17 September 2021 Nev celebrates seventy years with the organisation.

‘Not many people live that long, let alone get to be part of a group for that many years,’ Nev laughs.

After joining Lodge Central Australia No 88 in Bourke, Neville spent his entire masonic career as a member of the Bourke Lodge and has the rank of Past Assistant Grand Master, a rank not many are awarded, a clear indication of his exceptional service.

Neville’s leadership spanned more than forty years, holding the role of Master on five occasions.

The Bourke Lodge, which began with 126 members in Anson Street premises, relocated to ‘Diggers on the Darling’ in August 2013, due to deterioration of the original site.

Unfortunately, the masonic lodge was another victim of the recent Diggers fire, where the organisation held their monthly meetings and stored their traditional ceremonial regalia.

Neville said that the fire destroyed almost all the lodge’s belongings.

‘We had lots of study tools that members use to make progress and move up the ranks – they’re all gone now.

‘It will take us a while to find somewhere new to meet; somewhere that offers us the space and the privacy we need, like we had at Diggers,’ Neville said.

Although often known for its secrecy, Neville says that although there are some secrets, the masonic lodge is just a bunch of blokes with good old-fashioned values.

Neville and Pam Simpson outside the ruins of ‘Diggers on the Darling’, where the Bourke Masonic Lodge held their monthly meetings

‘We’re pretty conservative in our thinking I suppose, but there’s nothing wrong with good old-fashioned values.

‘In the past, to join the lodge you had to be free and of good repute; slaves could not join, and hence the title, Free Mason.

‘You have to join of your own accord, you cannot be asked to join, and you have to be male, it’s that simple.

‘One of the things you have to believe in, is the Great Architect of the Universe. You have to believe in God – the existence of a Supreme Being,’ he said.

Neville says masons never go around telling people about the work they do; it’s usually just acts of service around the town without recognition.

‘Of course, these things are on public display, but our few secrets – we don’t broadcast those, or else they wouldn’t be secrets,’ Neville laughs.

‘There has always been a little mystery and that’s what attracted me in the first place.’

Neville says it has been a tremendous 70-year journey for him and Pam, who have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people that they otherwise wouldn’t have.

‘Although our wives can’t join, the women are always welcome and part of our big yearly celebrations, as well as always being very willing helpers in our charitable events.

‘Pam has given magnificent support over the years,’ he said.

Recalling some of the highlights over his seventy years, Neville said the annual Sydney meetings would definitely be up there.

Neville says he is very fortunate to have had 70 years with the masons and that he has received enormous satisfaction and pleasure from his membership.

‘I have met some of the most wonderful, gifted men, generous men, generous in principle and in spirit. It has been a wonderful experience,’ Neville said.

For men interested in joining the masonic lodge, Neville says he is happy to talk to them, or they can contact Master Daniel Lowe or Secretary Chris Morrall.