De Shurland Lodge History

DE SHURLAND LODGE THE SESQUICENTENARY CONTENTS Part One - The First 100 Years……………………………………..…..1 Chapter 1 - Masonry in Sheppey…………………………………...…....3 Chapter 2 - The name of the Lodge - A Historical Retrospect ……...…..7 Chapter 3 - The Lodge and Incidents from its History………………....13 Chapter 4 - Gifts to the Lodge and in the Lodge…………………….....23 Chapter 5 - Co-operation between the Lodges - A New Home………...28 Chapter 6 - National History Reflected in the Lodge’s Records……...…32 Chapter 7 - Honours Board………………………………………….....39 Part Two – 1966 to 2016………………………………………...……..43 Chapter 8 - A Major Milestone – The Centenary Year…………...……..44 Chapter 9 - Moving On – The Next Ten Years………...………………48 Chapter 10 - Out of the Seventies, and Into the Eighties……………….53 Chapter 11 - Still Moving On – 1986 to 1995…………………………..61 Chapter 12 - Towards 140 years – Into the “Noughties”……………….71 Chapter 13 - 2006 and On – Towards 150 Years……………………….81 Chapter 14 - The Sesquicentenary Year………………………………...95 Chapter 15 - Conclusion – the New Challenge…………………………96 Appendix 1 -. Founders and Original Members………………………...98 Appendix 2 - Founding Officers………………………………………..99 Appendix 3 - Sesquicentenary Officers………………………………..100 Appendix 4 - Past Masters…………………………………………….101

PART ONE THE FIRST 100 YEARS FOREWORD In presenting this volume I cannot do better than quote a very apposite passage from R. L. Stevenson’s “In Retrospect”.

“When we are looking at a landscape we think ourselves pleased, but it is only when it comes back upon us by the fire o’ nights that we can disentangle the main charm from the thick of particulars. It is just so with what is lately past. It is too much loaded with detail to be distinct; and the canvas too large for the eye to encompass.

“But this is no more the case when our recollections have been strained long enough through the hour-glass of time; when they have been the burthen of so much thought, the charm and comfort of so many a vigil.

All that is worthless has been sieved and sifted out of them. Nothing remains but the brightest lights and the darkest shadows.”

Such has been the experience in writing these memoirs of the Lodge.

Innumerable details were contained in the old records. Memories of various incidents kept rising to the mind, mental pictures of past and present brethren thronged into view, until all these details threatened to overcrowd the work, and the most onerous part of the task was in selecting which details to omit and which to include. I have tried to leave out those things which would tend to turn the book into a list of tabulated facts; such items as lists of candidates, degrees worked, accounts of installations and banquets. ladies’ nights, children’s parties and so forth, and have attempted to separate the remaining more interesting news items under a few main headings, thus doing away with the chronological 1

sequence of events. This plan I sincerely hope has produced a much more readable and entertaining document.

The task has been an enjoyable one despite the hard work, and now, as Sir Edward Fitzgerald says in the “Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam”, “the moving finger writes, and having writ moves on”. The task is done; and I trust it will prove of value to all who prize their connection with De Shurland Lodge, and that it may help to lighten the work of any future lodge historian.

WBro. T. S. Watkins PPGStdB.

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CHAPTER ONE Masonry in Sheppey Masonry in Sheppey appears to have had its beginnings towards the end of the eighteenth century, for records show that Adam’s lodge, No. 158, was granted its warrant in 1778, although in such a small town as Sheerness then was, having only about 5,000 inhabitants, chiefly Dockyard employees and servicemen who were constantly on the move, it must have been extremely difficult for a lodge to function very successfully, and indeed, for a time this fine old lodge was forced to close down. However, with the coming of the Napoleonic Wars and the consequent arrival in the area of increased naval and military personnel, many of whom were, no doubt, members of the Craft. There followed a time of greater Masonic activity. Meetings were held in various convenient places both by Adam’s Lodge and by service lodges, the premises most frequently used being the “Marquis of Granby”, which was in the precincts of the barracks itself, the “Bell and Lion” and the “Masons’ Arms”.

As time went on the population of Sheerness greatly increased until, by the time De Shurland Lodge was founded in 1866, there were probably more than 15,000 inhabitants, and the town itself had spread past the limits of Blue Town to the marshes beyond, to form the newer areas of Mile Town and Marine Town; the street names of the latter being those well-known names of the Crimean War which were then so fresh in people’s memories, just as the name, Banks Terrace in Mile Town, commemorates the great part played in the development of the Dockyard and Sheerness itself by that great engineer, Sir Edward Banks, the builder of London and Waterloo bridges. A further boost to the island’s development came in 1860 when the railway was extended to Sheerness from Sittingbourne, crossing the Swale by a new toll bridge, so that we 3

find a great number of mainland residents being enabled to join in island Masonry.

In consequence Adam’s Lodge became somewhat overcrowded and it was apparent that there was room for a new lodge in the area. Therefore, the necessary permission having been received from Grand Lodge, the new De Shurland Lodge was consecrated on Thursday, 1st March 1866, the first Worshipful Master being WBro. C. B. Shrubsole, a member of Adam’s Lodge and a previous Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Harmony, No. 133 of Faversham. Both of these lodges appear to have sponsored the formation of the new lodge and the connection has always been a valuable and helpful one.

At the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the lodge’s foundation, in 1916, one of the most honoured guests was the above named first Worshipful Master and, in the minutes of the occasion is a copy of a letter from that worthy Mason which is worth quoting in full, as it gives a revealing insight into our early history.

Brother Shrubsole writes, “I was born on the 24th day of June, 1829, at Faversham and was educated in Queen Elizabeth School at that town. I came to Sheerness and for some years was a teacher in the Holy Trinity Sunday School. In 1859 I was initiated in Adam’s Lodge, and I have a lively recollection of the happy hours spent in the top floor of the British School Room. In 1860 I was given the office of Provincial Superintendent of Works at Gravesend by Lord Holmesdale. In 1866 I conceived the idea of founding this Lodge, and with the assistance of three naval and three militia officers with three civilians the lodge was duly consecrated, and I had the honour of being the first Master.

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“I had a great desire to find premises set apart for the use of the Craft, and on the Victoria Hall being built, now the Hippodrome, I had the plans prepared for a suite of rooms suitable for Lodge and banqueting rooms, I being then the Chairman of Directors in building that large block of buildings. Adam’s Lodge, did for a time occupy those rooms now called the Assembly Rooms, but for some reason I now forget, they left and returned to their old ways.

When the United Service Lodge was formed, with the cooperation of the other two lodges, this noble block of buildings was erected*, of which I am sure every Mason must be proud, and thus the great work of my heart was realised.

“I have done my duty to my country in bringing up six children, all of whom are still alive, and one has just returned from HMS Glasgow after an absence of nearly four years. If I am spared till next Saturday I shall enter my 88th year. I am very grateful for the kind reception you have given me this evening and in return you have my hearty good wishes for the Happiness and Prosperity of the Lodge”. *The present premises in St. George’s Avenue.

At the time of the consecration of the lodge the Provincial Grand Master of Kent was Viscount Holmesdale, the Grand Lodge ruler being the Marquis of Zetland. As Viscount Holmesdale was unable to be present that day, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, WBro. W. Dobson, presided in his stead, but the Provincial Grand Master handsomely atoned for his unavoidable absence by sending two dozen bottles of champagne for the inaugural banquet, which was held in the Co-operative Board Room, at which sixty-six members and guests were entertained. One can imagine that the toast of the “Provincial Grand Master” was drunk that day with more than the usual good feeling and relish. Another unusual feature of 5

the day’s proceedings was that the ceremony itself ended with the singing of the National Anthem and the “Hallelujah Chorus”, but, unfortunately there is no record stating which was the heroic choir brave enough to render the latter difficult music on such an occasion.

Thus De Shurland Lodge was born, and its course, after a few teething troubles, some due to financial worries and some to questionable conduct on the part of one or two members, has run very smoothly and successfully. so that although it has now reached the grand old age of one hundred years it can still boast of being one hundred years young.

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CHAPTER TWO The name of the Lodge - A Historical Retrospect The choice of the name De Shurland as the name of the Lodge was indeed a happy inspiration on the part of our founders, for there we have a name which revives memories of past glories and one which seems to breathe the very history and tradition of the Island. It is a name deeply respected through the ages, one which became nearly forgotten and then, by the imagination of our “Grand Originals” has been revived to shine again in Sheppey annals.

De Shurland seems first to have come into prominence when Hoestan the Dane, after defeating a small fleet of Alfred the Great’s, landed in Sheppey with the men from his three hundred ships, sacked Minster Abbey and, to secure himself from reprisals, fortified the place which later became known as De Shurland, and built a powerful fort at Queenborough. His triumph was quite short-lived, for when he attempted an invasion of the mainland, our great Saxon King eventually defeated him, routing his forces and putting them to flight with great slaughter at the battle of Farnham.

Hoestan was obliged to come to terms with Alfred, became a Christian and was allowed to retain possession of Sheppey, after which he seems to have settled to more peaceful ways.

De Shurland Castle later became the family seat of one of William the Conqueror’s followers whose family name was De Shurland, the first of a long line of this family, whose services were constantly recognised by their sovereigns by appointment to various high offices. In AD 1225, for instance, Sir Geoffrey De Shurland was appointed High Constable of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports, a very considerable distinction in those days. He was succeeded by his son Robert, probably even more distinguished and celebrated than his eminent father. It is Sir 7

Robert De Shurland whom the Rev. Richard Barham, in his extraordinary and wonderful book, “The Ingoldsby Legends”, has immortalized in that amazing narrative of “Grey Dolphin: a Legend of Sheppey”. What a marvellous imagination the author must have had to conjure such a tale from the sight of a tombstone in Minster Abbey, bearing the knight’s effigy with a horse’s skull by its feet, which is even now to be seen in that ancient church.

Edward I came to the throne in AD 1272, and then Sir Robert, like his father, became Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, no doubt in recognition of his services in Sicily, where Edward himself had fought before his accession to the throne. Sir Robert also accompanied Edward on his Scottish campaigns. When Sir William Wallace, with 50,000 men, was routed at Falkirk, De Shurland himself and two other prominent Sheppey landowners were knighted during this campaign for their conduct at the siege of Caerlaverock Castle in AD 1300.

On the death of Sir Robert, he was succeeded by his daughter Margaret, the family name being lost when she married Sir William Cheyne, De Shurland Manor becoming the home of this new family until the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Proceeding onwards through the years, we find that it was mainly through the efforts of a Sir William Cheyne that land was made available for the rebuilding of All Saints’ Church at Eastchurch in 1431. In 1455 came the Wars of the Roses, that savage struggle which dealt the death blow to the Feudal System and led to the beginning of the modem era. In this year, Sir John Cheyne, who was then the occupant of De Shurland Hall, became Sheriff of Kent, and although not much more is heard of this worthy Sheppeyite, we find that, thirty years later, at the last battle of these wars, the battle of Bosworth, his son, John, who had by then succeeded him, was standard bearer to Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII after that 8

battle. Naturally the eminent services of Sir John were gratefully rewarded for he became, in good time, a Knight of the Garter, Privy Councillor, Lord Chief Justice and, in 1487, a Baron of the realm. The next holder of the Cheyne name, Sir Thomas, also had a memorable, long and distinguished career, becoming a trusted and honoured servant of four English monarchs. Henry VIII, Edward VI, Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth 1, during which reigns he held various offices, such as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Governor of Queenborough Castle, Sheriff of Kent, Governor of Rochester Castle and Treasurer of the Royal Household. He also fought against the French at the Battle of the Spurs.

He was evidently a man who also had his eye to business for he received a royal licence to export from England no less than five hundred sacks of wool from his estates in Sheppey, this wool being shipped at Queenborough for a Flemish port.

As can be expected from the high esteem in which their respective sovereigns held so many of Sheppey's notabilities, these monarchs paid frequent visits to the island, where they were richly entertained in this most pleasant part of the country, for it must be remembered that, at this time, the island was well-wooded and quite picturesque, being noted for its oaks and elms. Later, however, national emergencies which caused requirements for timber for the Navy and the Dockyard, led to a gradual denudation of the woods, so that now Sheppey is rather bare and in need of reforestation.

One of the most noted of these royal visits was made by Henry VIII at the time when he was contemplating divorcing his Spanish wife Catherine, and marrying Anne Boleyn, a relative of Sir Thomas Cheyne. The latter invited the King to honour his house by paying a visit and in October 1532 Henry, accompanied by Anne, after a reception at Queenborough Castle, which he had reached by boat from London, rode on to De Shurland Manor, where he was regally entertained for four days. Feasting, 9

coursing, hunting and indulging in general sports; the King spending from his privy purse on that occasion about £30, equivalent now to near £2000.

No doubt his host spent a great deal more in order to make the visit a truly memorable one, and in order to enhance the prospects of his kinswoman, the Lady Anne. Shortly afterwards Catherine is divorced and the King married Anne Boleyn, who became the mother of that great Queen, Elizabeth, who succeeded in building so much of England’s fortunes during the Renaissance period.

Sir Thomas Cheyne seems always to have been a champion of the King’s cause for he aided and abetted his royal master in his campaign against the Roman Catholic Church, assisting with all his power the King’s reformation measures. The dissolution of monasteries and other religious institutions followed, their wealth was seized, the buildings swept away and the occupants dispersed. Sir Thomas purchased the whole of the farm stock of St. Sexburga Abbey after its seizure by the crown for £198, and he also received from the King all the Abbey’s lands, windmill, sundry premises and other possessions as well as the lands and possessions of St. James Church, Warden.

For helping in his land-grabbing and for his support of the King’s actions, Sir Thomas was made a Knight of the Garter. When he died in 1559 he had a wonderful record of adapting himself to all the contingencies and changes of the times, with an ease which almost outrivalled the deeds of that famous Vicar of Bray of later Stuart times, whose actions are chronicled in the well-known ballad.

Sir Thomas Cheyne’s son, Henry, was not of the same calibre as his father, nor does he seem to have had any fondness for Sheppey which he deserted for Tuddington Manor, where we read of him spending enormous sums on entertainment, Queen Elizabeth herself paying his mansion a visit. Consequently he soon found himself short of means; De 10

Shurland was sold, reverting to the crown, later to be granted to Sir Edward Hoby, and thus the Cheyne family finally severed all connection with Sheppey; one of the only local reminders of that name now existing being Cheyney Rock.

In 1604 De Shurland Manor was provided by James I with a new owner, Sir Philip Herbert who was granted the title of Baron Herbert of Shurland. This new peer had a notable and successful career, being given several additional honours, and again the name of De Shurland was in the ascendant. It is interesting to note that Baron Philip was the last holder of the title of Constable of Queenborough Castle, which was destroyed after the Civil War. When Sir Philip succeeded his brother, the Earl of Pembroke, the Sheppey title became secondary to that more senior one.

During the period of Cromwell’s dictatorship, De Shurland Hall, together with so many other ancient manors, was almost entirely destroyed and the owners of the dwellings dispossessed because of the support they had given to the Stuart cause. Thus the glory departed from Sheppey never to return except as a shadow of its former self. As was to be expected, at the Restoration, “when the king returned to his own again” in 1660, those who had suffered in the royal cause were re-instated by the grateful Charles II, but Sheppey lords did not generally continue to reside on the Island, although the new owner of De Shurland, the Hon. James Herbert, continued to live in what was left of that home and still maintained a great interest in the agricultural development of his estates. He even became a Member of Parliament for Queenborough, which in those days returned two members to our legislative assembly. When no further male members of the family were left, the property descended to two daughters of James Herbert and they ceased to reside at the Manor. They seem to have made no impact on the life of Sheppey. So the old Manor gradually fell into decay until only the gate house remained and the name, De Shurland, was barely remembered until revived by those pioneers of De Shurland Lodge, 11

who must surely have been imbued with a genuine feeling for the fitness of using so typical a Sheppey title, and a real sense of local patriotism in choosing that name for their new lodge. De Shurland Hall made a further short incursion into the National History during the Second World War, when it became a Royal Observer Corps post which played its part in combating the air attacks launched by the enemy in this area.

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CHAPTER THREE The Lodge and Incidents from its History Fo1lowing the founding of the lodge it seems rapidly to have become a very virile institution for regular meetings were held, usually in the Wesleyan Church near the Fountain Hotel or at the Fountain Hotel itself, many candidates being initiated. In fact throughout the succeeding years, so great appears to have been the demand, that at practically every meeting two or three degrees were worked. On more than one occasion ten candidates being dealt with at one meeting. There is a note even as late as January 1916 showing that two candidates were raised, five were made fellow-crafts and three were initiated in one evening. It must be remembered that in those days it was permissible for more than two candidates to receive a degree at any one session. Such mass entry could not have created the best working conditions, nor could it have enhanced the decorum and stately conduct of the lodge, and the practice has now ceased.

At first meetings were held continuously throughout the year, there being no summer recess, but in 1868 it was decided that meetings be from September to May, a programme which is again in operation, although for a great many years the installation meeting became an extra one, being held in June.

Sometimes reading through the early minutes, one pauses to try to picture the men and times, and a great deal of amusement can be had from such thought wandering. For instance, after one meeting held at the Fountain Hotel is recorded the fact that “after partaking of refreshment the brethren departed in harmony, and picture comes to the mind of these very worthy top-hatted, bearded and whiskered brethren in their Victorian frockcoats wandering homeward by the dockyard wall, leaning unsteadily 13

on each other and lifting their voices in the latest refrains while other Masonic bigwigs were safely hoisted into their traps, the sagacious horses trotted them off home in the usual manner observed among horses.

As is always the case when a new society is born there was inevitably great emphasis on finance, the new De Shurland Lodge being no exception to this all-prevailing anxiety. Not only was it necessary to purchase regalia and furnishings but there were many outside appeals for assistance. So well, however, do the early brethren appear to have managed, that by 1870 the Secretary was able to declare the lodge out of debt, but there was nothing left in the accounts for the following took place at the April meeting.

“Proposed by Bro. Irgleton, seconded by Bro. Middlewick, that, as we have no funds there be no installation banquet.” As an amendment Bro. Shrubsole proposed and Bro. Pannell seconded that a banquet be held and that every brother pay for his ticket.

Strangely enough, both the proposition and the amendment were withdrawn at the next meeting, and an alternative proposition was carried that the installation banquet be held at the expense of the Lodge, the price not exceeding seven and sixpence, including half a bottle of wine to each person. The banquet was duly held at the Fountain Hotel, of which WBro Howe was the licensee.

Just about this time Masons throughout England were concentrating on the provision of new and better headquarters in London for Grand Lodge, their efforts culminating in 1869 with the opening of new premises in Great Queen Street. Since those days the much more palatial and magnificent buildings now in use have been erected in the place of this earlier, but no doubt equally useful building. In each of these ventures De Shurland Lodge played its part by subscribing to the funds.

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Leaving finance for a while, as that subject will occur at later stages of this document, let us return to other more normal though by no means less interesting incidents in the life of the lodge. It is, of course, only possible in the scope of this small book, to deal with a minute selection of such events. Thus we find that while the lodge was growing up and maturing it had several troubles which needed careful handling. There was for example the case of the lapsed Lodge of Instruction, a section of the Lodge’s works which had been formed soon after its inception. This Lodge of Instruction seems to have functioned without having recourse to any Lodge assistance and appeared almost disconnected from its parent, having its own secretary and arranging its own meetings. However, in 1871, the former secretary was ordered by the main Lodge to hand over the books of the Lodge of Instruction which he had retained, and it was decided to restart this branch of the activities which had ceased owing to the secretary failing to call any meetings. This action does not seem to have solved all the troubles for there is frequent reference to the poor administration of the Lodge of Instruction, until in 1874, a new one was started on lines which appear to have stood the test of time, for the Lodge of Instruction is still functioning at the present day on much the same basis as in those far-off formative years, although in 1894 there were again a few lapses.

One would venture a guess from reading the old records that our Masonic ancestors were much more apt to air their grievances and to stand on their dignity than their present day counterparts, for many times can be found references to quarrels and disagreements such as the one just quoted, and yet a very warm feeling of brotherhood evidently pervaded the Lodge as other much happier, incidents could prove, some of which will he quoted later, but for the moment a look at one or two of the less happy occasions will not be out of place.

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In November, 1872, at a meeting held in St. Pauls School Room Bro. Smith refused to salute the Worshipful master in the three degrees and was rebuked. Later at the banquet he again offended, so at the next Lodge meeting he was dealt with under clauses 20 and 21 of the Book of Constitutions. He wrote letters of apology but, despite this, he was made to resign for "indecent and un-Masonic behaviour" A much more serious incident happened in 1895 over the election of the Senior Warden as the ensuing Worshipful Master; the name of this brother had better not be disclosed as it is a very well-known one locally, and there may still be descendants here who would not desire publicity. After the election a zealous brother rose in the Lodge and asked the Senior Warden not to accept the new office as "He was not a fit and proper person to be installed in the chair of King Solomon". This action naturally created a furore; the new Master Elect refused to withdraw, so the complaining brother told the brethren that, at one time during his service in the Navy, the Senior Warden had been convicted by a court-martial for inappropriate misappropriation of funds and had been sentenced to imprisonment and dismissal. This fact was not disputed but the accused Senior Warden declared that as he had already paid the penalty for his misdeeds, had lived a respectable and honest life ever since and had shown himself a consistently earnest Mason, he thought he was entitled to the indulgence of the Lodge. Since the Lodge committee could not reach a decision the case was forwarded to the Provincial Grand Master for adjudication, the result being that the Lodge was advised not to allow the Senior Warden to become Worshipful Master, advice which was accepted.

Again in 1876 we find a little trouble brewing, for the secretary was instructed to write to a former secretary asking him to return the frame of the Grand Lodge Certificate and the Lodge die which he had not handed ever when he relinquished office.

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The same former officer was again “in the wars" when a member complained that, although he had paid his subscription, the secretary had failed to credit him with the payment. This led to a special committee meeting being held to investigate the complaint.

Nobody was above being singled out for criticism, for sometimes even the Lodge committee or other officers came under fire from the more crusty of the members, who evidently were very jealous of their rights. When new collars were purchased for the Lodge without the sanction of the members, a brother voiced a strenuous complaint which was only soothed when the Worshipful Master, Bro. Pannell, said that rather than any unpleasant feeling should ensue he would defray the cost himself. On another occasion the Secretary, according to rule, excluded Bro. R.... from the Lodge for non-payment of dues. The latter retaliated by circulating rather libellous stories concerning the secretary, accusing him of having written to Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge slandering another brother’s private character. This, the incensed secretary, WBro. Pannell, denied most vigorously, and Provincial Grand Lodge was informed of the complaint and dispute. The Provincial Grand Master seems to have been somewhat of a Solomon for he not only upheld the Secretary’s statement that no slanderous communications had been sent concerning any brother's character, but he also placated Bro. R.... by allowing him to rejoin the Lodge, asking the committee not to apply the exclusion rule too rigidly. Once, the Worshipful Master himself was in “hot water" for being absent from a lodge meeting without having made arrangements to appoint a Past Master to take his place, and adding insult to injury, had taken his collar and gauntlets away when he attended Provincial Grand Lodge, which he had failed to return. He was accordingly asked for an explanation for thus ‘treating the Lodge with contempt”, an explanation which when given was adjudged satisfactory.

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Leaving the more contentious incidents, mention must also be made of the more usual happenings in the organisation. Brethren know that it is customary at meetings to read a portion of the scriptures, a practice which is not usual in all lodges, so it is interesting to note that this idea was started in 1873 and has continued ever since. Now, no doubt, if something caused its discontinuance the members present would be disconcerted to find such a landmark missing. While thinking of the scriptures and our accepted belief in the Great Architect of the Universe we discover that, in 1878, Grand Lodge sent an instruction to all lodges, including our own, not to admit visiting brethren, particularly those from France, who had not affirmed their belief in the Supreme Ruler. This was in consequence of a disagreement that Grand Lodge had, to new paragraphs in the Constitutions of the Grand Orient of France, which no longer required a belief in God as a qualification for membership. On another occasion Grand Lodge had to issue a warning to lodges to be exceedingly careful to examine all would be visitors, as many instances were coming to light of unqualified strangers gaining admission.

Grand Lodge’s communications did not, however, always receive friendly reception, as was instanced in September, 1882, when the following request came from our Masonic rulers. “That for the purpose of extending the fund of benevolence all county lodges shall pay quarterly to the fund the sum of ninepence instead of sixpence per member as at present." After some heated discussion the secretary was instructed to write stating that “this Lodge does not see any reason for such increase.”

There is no reference as to the outcome of this open defiance, but there is probably no doubt that later our indignant brothers “toed the line", although at headquarters they would almost certainly be classed with that race mentioned in the Lecture on the Second Tracing Board, the Ephraimites. “Who were always considered a clamorous and turbulent people."

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Music has always played a large part in assisting to provide the right atmosphere and tone at Masonic functions, so it is not surprising that early on in its development a Lodge organist was appointed. At first he played on a borrowed instrument lent by a member, which proved such a welcome addition that, finally, £10 was given for the purpose of purchasing it, provided the organist "thought the instrument was in tone and in other respects worth purchasing". This organ, or rather, harmonium, served its purpose from 1874 until it finally breathed its last in 1889, when a piano was bought. Maybe “breathed its last" is hardly accurate, for the minute says that it was sold. Almost without a doubt the one thing in our lodge room that has rarely been up to standard is the quality of the organs that have been or are in use. One day it may be found possible, when all other main wants are satisfied, that a fund may be raised for the purchase of a new electronic organ, which will give our long-suffering organists an opportunity to exhibit their skill and talents.

A purchase whose purpose was not at first sight apparent, was the obtaining by the Lodge of an iron fire screen, until one realises that it was for use during the raising ceremony, to screen the bright light from the blazing fire in the lodge room at the Fountain Hotel so that the correct impressive atmosphere could be created. An item of quite unexpected expenditure was sanctioned by the lodge in 1888 when it was decided to pay for a new Grand Lodge Certificate for Bro. Gardner from Lodge funds, as, on the original certificate, his Christian name had been spelt Parrett instead of Parratt.

On rare occasions in any lodge’s history one can find instances of both fathers and sons and even grandsons being members, and De Shurland Lodge is no exception to this kind of family inheritance. Twice in the hundred years since it started, past masters have seen their sons installed as Masters of the Lodge. In 1889, WBro. Pannell, the secretary, installed his son, and in 1950 WBro. C. N. Woodley, who had initiated his son in 19

1940, presented him for installation. Some other instances of this trend may be of interest; WBro. P. Cook was allowed by the reigning Worshipful Master to raise his own son, while on another occasion a son was responsible for his father’s entry into the fraternity when the late Bro. Reg Whiddett was introduced by his son Roy. Both these brethren, in due time, occupied the Chair. Recently another father-son-brother relationship of peculiar interest has been established, for Bro. Hedge, the organist, in 1964 and 1965, saw his two sons initiated, passed and raised together at the same ceremonies, he himself assisting by presenting the working tools.

The Lodge records also instance other occasions when two or more sons have become brothers of their fathers, for WBro C. Hooker’s two sons became members, while the three sons of the late Bro. F. Jack also joined the Lodge. WBro. Stupple, the present treasurer, has also seen his son initiated as a member of this lodge.

De Shurland has shown great adaptability in moving with the times as can be seen from the number of occasions that the By-Laws have had to be changed, most changes being due to financial reasons. Rules concerning fees have often had to be altered to keep pace with the ever-pressing, everconstant burden of the increased cost of living, coupled with the diminishing purchasing power of the pound. In July, 1867, in only the second year of the lodges existence, the joining fee was raised to one guinea but, “in future”, to quote the entry, “members of the Army, Navy and Civil Service, because of their stay being temporary were to pay seven and sixpence joining fee”, while the annual fee for non-resident members was lowered from fifteen shillings to ten shillings.

In 1874 all the By-Laws were again revised and, in 1878, an addition was made, when a proposition was carried which said that “an extra fee of one guinea be charged any candidates who shall require a Lodge of Emergency, and that the fee for initiation be seven guineas instead of five, while the joining fee should be thirty shillings. Many years later, in 1920, 20

the initiation fee was raised to £l5-15-0, a figure which lasted for several years. At the present moment the fee for initiation is twenty guineas and the joining fee five guineas. Before closing this chapter on the general life of De Shurland Lodge there are just one or two other fragments of interest which the reader may like to peruse.

Weather can always play a big part in helping the success of any function and, in the course of time, the brethren have had to contend with downpours of rain, thick fogs, frost, snow, thunder-storms and even floods. What an incredible experience it was, for instance, to see our present building like an island standing in the midst of the flood waters of 1953, and to notice boats being rowed along the adjacent streets. Our brethren of an earlier age, on January 18th, 1881, could point to another time when the elements were most unkind for the annals state that “on this day we had a fearful hurricane which prevented the brethren coming from Mile Town to the Lodge at the Fountain Hotel, the result being that only four brethren arrived. Consequently no lodge was held, and as the railway to Sittingbourne was blocked with snow the Worshipful Master, Bro. Archer, could not arrive”.

Special ceremonies are also pointed out in the Lodge’s chronicles. It has often been the custom for Provincial Officers and past Masters to be invited to assume the various offices on specially selected evenings, or to invite other lodges to participate in the work. It would, of course, be impossible in the scope of such a short journal as this to enumerate many of these happenings, but there are one or two which merit more than passing notice. In February 1948, when Dr. Faulkner was to be raised to the Third Degree another Past Master, who was himself a doctor, H. Madwar PPGD, occupied the Chair and, assisted by other Provincial Officers, performed the ceremony. One of the brethren present, more curious than the others, discovered that the combined ages of those officers working the degree was 820 years, an average of 68 years per 21

person. In February 1950, the Lodge received a visit from its daughter Lodge, the Isle of Sheppey, whose officers then took over and worked the Second Degree to the great interest of all assembled.

Such small changes in routine have always been considered of great interest, adding a zest to the meetings which benefits the Lodge in general.

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CHAPTER FOUR Gifts to the Lodge and in the Lodge A has been mentioned earlier, although bickering occurred on a few rare occasions, happier things usually predominated and, amongst these there are several instances which show how much good feeling and the real spirit of fraternity existed in the Lodge, which was ever ready to recognise true worth by some special mark of its favour, gifts being made to various brethren in appreciation of services rendered or to mark special occasions.

In 1896 the secretary was presented with a handsome jewel and a gold pencil case bought by subscriptions given by the brethren so that no charge fell on the funds of the institution. At a later date in 1877, the secretary was presented with a time piece valued at six guineas which was procured for the lodge by that very well-known local watchmaker and jeweller, Bro. Highley. Twice in the history of the De Shurland fraternity the Worshipful Master has married during his year of office and, on each occasion the bridegroom has been presented with a suitable wedding gift.

In 1907, WBro. G. Lutfoot received a silver-plated tea and coffee service, while in 1950, WBro. C. J. Woodley was the recipient of a clock. While thinking of WBro. Lutfoot's present one finds that a similar gift was the choice for presentation when, in 1904, the treasurer’s services were recognised by the brethren.

There is one reference in a minute of March, 1874, which has a particularly naive but happy note and is, therefore, worth quoting in full.

“The late secretary, WBro. Bourne, was presented with an engraved silver goblet. The presentation gave great satisfaction to the Provincial Grand Lodge Officers, who were pleased that the brethren of De Shurland Lodge appreciated and knew how to recognise worth. The brethren and visitors then adjourned to the Fountain Hotel, there to partake of a most sumptuous banquet prepared by Bro. Howe in that style which gave such 23

evident satisfaction to the visiting brethren that the representatives of several of the lodges gave the brethren of De Shurland Lodge a hearty invitation to their respective lodges”. After this evening there are several records of our brethren being entertained by other lodges, particularly in the Medway towns and in Faversham. Indeed Lodge No. 133 of Faversham, the Lodge of Harmony, appears always to have had a special interest in De Shurland Lodge, no doubt because of the initial link between the two associations.

The WBro. Howe who has just been mentioned, when he retired from his work at the Fountain Hotel, wrote to the Lodge in the following vein.

"Dear Sir, Having retired from the proprietorship of this hotel it will afford me great pleasure in presenting the lodge with its Coat of Arms and hope it will continue to occupy its present position where it was placed at the formation of the Lodge; and that every year the Lodge will increase in prosperity is the sincere hope of Yours Fraternally A. W. Howe" This coat of arms is still in existence, hanging in the ante-room. Recently it was used as a specimen from which to form the basis of a design for a new Lodge banner which is the gift of several members to commemorate the centenary. While on the subject of the coat of arms another crest was made in oak in 1932 to be hung in the banqueting hall.

Portraits always form popular presentations in all kinds of institutions and De Shurland Lodge has been no exception to this form of gift. Lord Holmesdale, in 1884, presenting his portrait, while in 1880 the retiring 24

Worshipful Master gave a portrait of HRH The Prince of Wales, afterwards King Edward VII, in his full regalia of Grand Master of England. This regalia, a particularly handsome piece of craftsmanship, can now be seen in the museum of the Grand Lodge in Great Queen Street.

Articles for use in the lodge room are naturally quite a good choice for presentations, combining as they do not only a thought of giving something useful but a sense of the affection and devotion felt for the Lodge by the givers, and many such tokens have been donated in the past.

The Lodge of Instruction once gave a new pedestal; a new cushion and ribbon for the Volume of the Sacred Laws was provided; and, to mark his two years as Worshipful Master, WBro. W. Johnson presented the Lodge with its present magnificent cabinet containing the tracing boards, the craftsmanship of a brother of another lodge. But as a list of all the gifts that the Lodge has received would no doubt be too factual and make wearisome reading, only two more of particular interest will be detailed in this chapter. Firstly there was the presentation, in 1956, of a new volume of the Sacred Law with a new ribbon to replace the ones just mentioned above, in remembrance of the services to masonry of the late WBro. J. Turk who had been a member since 1908, serving as Worshipful Master in 1919, then as Treasurer and charity representative, and finally as Director of Ceremonies, in which tasks he showed himself ever ready to assist the Lodge and the brethren. He became a noted Provincial Grand Lodge Officer, gaining the rank of Provincial Grand Registrar, and was on the point of becoming a Grand Lodge Officer, a Past Grand Standard Bearer when he passed to the Grand Lodge above before being actually invested, an honour to which he was greatly looking forward. With this Volume of the Sacred Law a large sum of money was given by the brethren to be added to the Lodge Charity Fund.

The other gift to which attention is particularly drawn is that of a complete set of working tools in a case which was recently presented by 25

Bro. R. S. Churchill, the Assistant Secretary, in appreciation of the happiness and companionship which he had always found in the lodge during his long membership. This set of instruments, a really beautiful collection, should for many years serve to remind us of a very devoted brother.

Jewels, collars, cuffs and other regalia have, at many different times been presented by thoughtful beneficent brethren, which have greatly helped to add dignity to the working in the Lodge: one of the latest being the gift of ten Stewards’ collars by WBro. C. J. Woodley and Bro. H. Easom and no doubt, in years to come, many more such contributions will be given by various benefactors so that, as time goes on, the Lodge will become even more enriched with the reminders and memories of its generous predecessors.

Besides these more internal kinds of presents and donations that have been detailed, the Lodge has been associated with many efforts to mark great events and special occasions, not only in the lives of Masonic rulers, but in national and local life as well. Lord Zetland, the Grand Master, having completed twenty-five years in office in 1878, a commemoration fund was opened to which a contribution was sent. Similarly gifts were made to funds which were inaugurated at other times to mark the various landmarks in the Masonic careers of succeeding Provincial Grand Masters; and many were the sums allotted to commemorate notable public events, such as five guineas to the Grand Master’s Fund to signalise the jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign in 1887. Local needs were never forgotten and most appeals did not go unanswered. Thus a sum of money was given to assist in providing Trinity Church with a peal of bells. A donation to the town’s memorial fund was made. Sums were sent to swell the funds of the "Castle Memorial Hall” in Queenborough, and to provide an additional bell to the peal at Queenborough Parish Church in order to complete the set, the Vicar of Queenborough, the Rev. J. Castle, having been an 26

honoured and popular member of De Shurland Lodge for many years.

Help was furnished in answer to an appeal by Minster Abbey for its Restoration Fund, £10 being sent. Nor was Canterbury Cathedral forgotten, various funds for the benefit of that historic centre of our church life being augmented by our gift. Masons of Kent must indeed be proud of the “Masons’ Window”, in that beautiful old cathedral which has played so large part in our national life.

Besides all these objects which have been remembered, Masonic Charities were always, right throughout its history, in the forefront of the lodge’s special consideration., but enough has been described to show that the brethren have been ever mindful of the "dearest wish of a mason's heart, brotherly love, relief and truth".

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CHAPTER FIVE Co-operation between the Lodges - A New Home One of the happiest features of Masonry is the spirit of brotherhood and co-operation that exists and has always existed between the various lodges.

Throughout the century of its life there are numerous references to the bonds of union which have been established between the De Shurland Lodge and other neighbouring lodges. As could be expected, Adam’s Lodge has played a large part in joining with this Lodge in many activities which have included combined Ladies’ Nights and Children's Parties, conjoint attendances at Church services, local ceremonies, commemoration banquets and in many other efforts far too many to mention. The banquet held in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee was a highlight in the history of both lodges.

For some years members of the “Peace and Unity Lodge” at Gillingham and our own lodge paid each other return visits, a manifest display of real fraternal feeling being markedly apparent at these gatherings.

Unfortunately these visits have now lapsed, although it is quite possible that, from time to time in the future, there will be revival of the custom.

Like other lodges, the De Shurland Lodge has, on sundry occasions, given support to the founding of new lodges, having helped sponsor the forming of the Queenborough Lodge, the United Service Lodge and the Isle of Sheppey Lodge. There is also a belief amongst many of the brethren that the formation of St. Michael Lodge at Sittingbourne was mainly due to the sponsorship of De Shurland Lodge, although no note of this is to be found in the minutes. Most of the early Masters and officers of the Isle of Sheppey and the Queenborough lodges seem to have been well-known, experienced past officers and brethren of De 28

Shurland, so it is no surprise to find such a strong feeling of helpfulness existing.

No doubt the most outstanding example of this unity was the joining together of the three island lodges in the early years of this century to provide themselves with a more suitable meeting place. The members had for long years been gathering in all kinds of buildings many of them not well adapted for the purpose, such places as the Fountain Hotel, the Wesleyan Schoolroom, St. Paul’s Schoolroom, the Co-operative Hall, the Victoria Assembly rooms and the Britannia Hotel, and a great deal of dissatisfaction must often have been felt at the lack of a desirable venue.

Adam’s Lodge also had a long record of working in various premises and desired a change. Thus, when the United Service Lodge was founded in 1905, it gave an impetus to the search for better premises and more acceptable accommodation. A committee was formed of representatives from each lodge, and after a rather disappointing search, during which a piece of land was nearly purchased at the rear of Acorn Street, and later some land at the corner of Cavour Road being nearly acquired, the present site was obtained and a suitable building was erected, which came into use in 1909. This project was not carried out without a great deal of difficulty, chiefly financial, each lodge having to find quite large sums of money.

Even then the amounts contributed by Adam's and De Shurland Lodges proved to be insufficient, and the United Service Lodge, which appears to have been relatively wealthy agreed to pay the balance to the builders.

The record showing this is quite interesting and reads thus, “That the United Service Lodge pays the builders of the Masonic Building the remainder of the money owed. That Adam’s Lodge pay 41/2% interest on their portion of this money owed to the United Service Lodge, and that, if De Shurland could not pay their share then the United Service Lodge be entitled to draw any profits accruing from the Club according to the proportion of the money that had been advanced.”

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Various money raising efforts were also tried such as whist drives and dances, but it certainly seems as if Sheppey Masons owe a great debt of gratitude to those very good fairy “Godbrothers" of the United Service Lodge whose magic wand was flourished so successfully. As time went on the debt to this munificent lodge was gradually liquidated. In 1910 twelve guineas was paid off, in 1915 twenty five pounds was sent, and in February 1916 the final day of reckoning came with the payment of £104-15-0.

In addition to this debt the members of the Lodge themselves lent money to the project, one member, in 1917, applied to the lodge for £100 he had invested to be returned, as he required it for other purposes. This large sum was not immediately available so the member received £50 then, and the remainder was paid at a later date when the lodge could afford it. The remaining debt of £337 to the members, on which 4% interest had been promised, was not repaid until 1919 ten years after the completion of the building.

The work of organising and running of activities in the building was placed in the hands of trustees elected from each lodge and, from various items in the minutes, it certainly seems as if financial worries connected with the venture were constantly recurring, so that several times the trustees had to make appeals to the lodges for further increased financial help, often having to raise the rent of the lodge room. These appeals did not always meet with ready response; sometimes the members of the Lodge refusing additional payments until the trustees had put forward a better case, and once the request for more was met with a demand for outside accountants to examine the financial structure of the Club, to see where improvement in administration could he made. However a compromise was usually reached in all these disagreements and progress was constantly being made in the handling of affairs.

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Nowadays owing to the increase in membership of the lodges, the growing use of motor-car and other mechanical transport, these premises, which were so adequate in the more leisurely days before the first Great War, are showing signs of having outlived their usefulness, and the day must surely come when new buildings will have to be provided, with ample provision for the caterers. for members and their ladies, and with far better facilities for the parking of vehicles and, so rapid are the changes of the present day, maybe a landing strip for helicopters may be needed!

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CHAPTER SIX National History Reflected in the Lodge’s Records To any student of history it is always a matter of more than usual interest to find how national and, indeed, international events are mirrored in the lives of the ordinary people of the land, and the archives of De Shurland lodge are rich in references to our national history and throw a strong side-light on the social life of the times.

One thing which is particularly noticeable from these past entries is the concern caused by the very real poverty which was the lot of many in those mid-Victorian days, before the coming of any real State Welfare schemes. Under such conditions one finds that often brethren of the Craft were not immune from hardship and trouble caused by poverty, for it cannot be denied that, in those days particularly, “among the thousands who ranged under our banners there were some who, from circumstances of unavoidable calamity and misfortune, were reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress". On their behalf, therefore, great efforts had to be made by their more fortunate companions to relieve their necessities.

The brethren of De Shurland Lodge were never chary in extending relief and consolation to those of their number who were in need. Thus from its inception the Lodge has participated in subscribing to masonic funds for charitable purposes and a great number of our members have received help of one kind or another. Annuities have been granted to members and widows, children of deceased brothers of the lodge have obtained places at the Royal Masonic Institutions for Girls and Boys, and many brethren have received treatment at the Royal Masonic Hospital, to which the lodge has regularly subscribed. Thus many who would have existed in penury or died from privation, because of the cruelty of the times in which they lived, had their lives brightened and their days lengthened by the timely 32

help of those who so faithfully accepted their obligations and honoured their masonic vows.

The prevalence of poverty, and the powerful effect the thought and dread of it had on all ordinary individuals, is reflected in other ways, for we find that our members were equally anxious and determined that no one in their midst, even if not in any monetary difficulties, should have financial outlay as a consequence of his duties to the Lodge. Consequently even the Worshipful Master received help in carrying out his obligations. Here is an extract from the minutes which shows this feeling, and there are several notes of a similar nature. “It was proposed that a sum of £5-5-0 be placed at the Worshipful Master’s disposal to enable him to entertain his Lodge”.

No doubt the brethren who accepted this proposition had an eye to their own future for the record goes on to say that “the Lodge was closed in harmony and the Worshipful Master entertained the brethren sumptuously. They departed in peace at 10.50 p.m.”. One hopes it really was as peaceful as the words suggest.

There was another occasion when, evidently, the Lodge thought it wise to defray an expense, for in September 1883 WBro. John Saffery passed to the Grand Lodge Above, and it was agreed that the cab fare to convey the brethren to the funeral be paid by the lodge.

Once, in 1904, a member fell upon such hard times that a sum of £5 was provided for his assistance, this to be paid at the rate of ten shillings weekly; a fitting reminder not only of the poverty of fifty years ago, but also of the changing value of money. Ten shillings in those days being quite a princely sum to anyone an straitened circumstances.

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While helping its own members the Lodge also frequently answered calls from other quarters, contributing to local funds opened for the relief of distress, such as the Sheerness Benevolent Fund for providing Christmas fare for the aged and needy, and the Soup Kitchens’ Fund, while donations reached national societies which dealt with sickness, accident or distress.

One rather pathetic appeal was received from the Worshipful Master of Rutland Lodge who sent a letter asking for help for distressed brother, the Rev. John Francis Nash Eyre D.D. Vicar of Ilkeston, “who is ruined through allowing his name, or rather, entering by persuasion of other parties, to work the glebe lands, which proved a failure, and his living has been sequestrated by the Bishop of Lichfield to pay his debt, which has left him penniless and his income wholly gone”. This sad case was investigated and the brethren decided to send two guineas to help the unfortunate clergyman. Such an incident reminds us of the traps into which it is only too easy to fall, but it also recalls that the lot of clergymen throughout the ages has always been an unenviable one for those without private means, needing a great sense of vocation in the individual to accept such a responsible job for such poor pay.

Memories of royalty are to be found periodically in the writings of the Lodge, particularly of those members of the Royal Family who have not thought it “derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel”. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, and Grand Master of England, is several times referred to, especially when his health gave rise to anxiety. In 1871 he had a very severe illness and it was a great relief to the Lodge when a telegram was received from Sandringham which was read by the Worshipful Master to the brethren which said. “The Prince of Wales has passed a very quiet day, and progress has been in all respects satisfactory". Again, in 1901, just before the date fixed for his coronation, the king was taken very seriously ill and once more masons throughout the country welcomed the news of his recovery, which opened the way to the 34

crowning of this very popular monarch, whose death in 1910 was deeply mourned. In April 1884 the death of another royal prince, the Duke of Albany took place, the lodges of the country being placed in mourning for three months as a mark of respect to departed merit. The deaths of Queen Victoria, King George V and King George VI were also occasions for masonic mourning, and were not passed over without proper tribute being paid. When the Duke of Connaught, a previous Grand Master died, many messages of sympathy and condolence were sent from the lodges of the world.

Royal weddings have also become opportunities for demonstrations of loyalty to the Crown, their wedding present funds, often initiated by Grand Lodge, being subscribed to not only by De Shurland Lodge, but by Masons throughout the country. When the Duke of Kent, a Mason like his brothers, whose premature death was such a shock to the nation, was married to Princess Marina, a lady who has endeared herself so much to the people of Kent, a present was given from the Masons of the country to which De Shurland Lodge contributed.

Even foreign royalty comes into the picture now and again. A specific case, to which a slight reference has already been made earlier, being when the Emperor Napoleon III of France, was deposed following the tragedy of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, and the abortive interference by the Emperor in 1875, in Mexican affairs. A new French republic was then proclaimed and, as was the case with Napoleon Buonaparte's first Republic, the belief in God was actively discouraged by the state. This process has often been noticeable after revolutions in other countries, when the Masonic fraternity has been pilloried for holding to its beliefs and tenets. Thus Grand Lodge had to issue its warning that no masons should be admitted who had not affirmed their belief in God. The news of various disasters also points out other detail of our national life, happenings which afford further opportunities for masons 35

everywhere to show the real reason for their existence, charity, "which blesses him who gives as well as him who receives". Funds opened after the "Princess Alice" disaster and the “Abercorn" pit explosion, both in 1878, were answered; in 1912 the news of the loss of the “Titanic" had great repercussions throughout the land, and was the subject of special mention in the Lodge. The blowing-up of HMS “Bulwark” and HMS “Princess Irene” in Sheerness harbour, with the loss of so many lives, was a matter of great concern.

Landmarks of the two great wars are recorded in our archives, forming a constant reminder of those terrible days of strife and discord. When Lord Kitchener was drowned with the sinking HMS "Hampshire”, a real national disaster in those gloomy days, a memorial fund was opened to which the Lodge was invited to subscribe, but decision on the point was postponed until a later date. During the 1914-1918 war the Lodge managed to continue practically without any interruption, three degrees often being worked in an evening, with many service candidates becoming members, particularly men from the aerodrome at Eastchurch, and thus the lodge became connected with a new phase in British history, the birth of that service, which starting as the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps, eventually developed into that wonderful Royal Air Force whose unconquerable spirit in the Second World War was to pave the way to final victory.

Sheppey can well be proud of its connection with the cradle of British flying, and De Shurland Lodge must honour those early pioneers who joined the fraternity in Sheerness.

In l917 the new era of war in the air and the fact that civilians at home were equally in the front line with servicemen, was vividly demonstrated to the members of the Lodge, when on the 19th December, after the 36

meeting had just opened, an air raid warning was sounded, and it was considered advisable to adjourn the meeting. Because of the menace of aerial activity and the general uncertainty prevailing at the beginning of the Second World War, in 1939 the Grand Lodge requested that, for a time, meetings be suspended until the pattern of the war emerged and until certain safeguards and provisions could be made. One recommendation was that the Lodge Warrant should be photographed and the original then deposited in a safe place. This was accordingly done. Meetings recommenced in February 1940 and, although on several occasions the air raid warnings were sounded while the lodge was in session, work sometimes being punctuated with the sound of Anti-Aircraft fire, enginedroning, bombs exploding and such like hostile sounds, all meetings were carried to a successful conclusion. The writer himself well remembers his own Initiation when, at a most impressive part of the ceremony, the sirens sounded, but the meeting continued its work without fluster or hurry before dispersing.

In remembrance of those Masons who had given their lives that others might live, a memorial was placed in the temple, the cost of which was shared by the lodges using the building, this memorial being unveiled in 1922. In 1949 an additional tablet was provided in memory of those who died in the Second World War. The claims of our wartime allies were also of paramount importance in those anxious days of strife, so whenever an appeal was made for their assistance, the Lodge was ever willing to respond. Such funds as the “Belgian Relief Fund” and the "Help for Russia Fund” being two of such efforts to be supported. Remembering the strong alliance this country had with Russia during the 1939-1945 conflict in Europe, it is sad to realise the present strained relations between our countries, and one can he forgiven hope that one day the spirit of fraternity and brotherly love will overcome 37

national boundaries and prejudices, tearing away the “iron curtains”, to establish a reign of goodwill and co-operation throughout the world.

History is now entering a new era which may perhaps be called in future books the Atomic Age and here again, as in the case of the beginning of the Royal Air Force, De Shurland can claim to have some small connection with this inception of a new phase in the progress of mankind, for in January 1950 there appears an entry in the minutes which reads. “W. Bro. Penney was congratulated on the Knighthood conferred on his son, the atom scientist”. Worshipful Brother Penney had joined the Lodge in 1919 and his son, who has won international fame for his work in atom science, received his early education in Sheerness. In fact the present Secretary of the Lodge, WBro. Woodley, was one of the school masters who taught this amazing genius.

Thus it can be seen that the documents of associations can be valuable hunting grounds for historians, so well do they reflect national and international happenings. Therefore it is most gratifying to find the whole of the Lodge’s minute books intact, containing such well-written, full descriptions, which give such vivid insight into the lives of people of past days. The Lodge has indeed been fortunate in its choice of secretaries, many of whom have occupied the office for long periods, during which their work has been of the highest standard, a great help to the reputation of this ancient institution.

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CHAPTER SEVEN Honours Board It is difficult to select from amongst those who have, by their work and influence, built up the reputation of this Lodge, a few of the most outstanding names for special mention, for it is so easy to miss someone of real merit from such a selection. As Byron says, “Their praise is hymned by loftier pens than mine, yet one I would select from that proud throng”. Here I wish to mention more than one to talk about, but hope to keep the list to manageable proportions. Whether membership of the fraternity has any beneficial influence on the expectation of life of its members is a moot point, but there would certainly seem to be some reason for supposing this to be the case, for there are many cases enshrined in our records which seem to indicate that a real interest in the lodge add years to a man’s normal span of life.

“Will Shakespeare, who in verse did prate.

He knew a thing or two.

Of seven ages could relate that man is heir unto.

But other men, nigh just as sage, can prove that bard untrue; Not seven ages on this earth, but four score years can do”.

So in De Shurland Lodge there have been many members who have lived to a ripe old age, continuing their membership for forty or fifty years, enjoying the companionship of their brethren and adding their quota to the advancement of Masonry. Such men as the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1866, who was able, 50 years later, to attend the anniversary celebrations. Then there was WBro. Pannell who was Secretary for thirty years; and his son who, in April 1935, held a banquet to mark the fiftieth 39

year of his membership of the Lodge and continued his association until his death in 1946, a period altogether of sixty-one years. We remember WBro. J. Turk who joined the Lodge in 1908 and was a member until 1956. WBro. Penney who was initiated in 1919 and is still a member.

WBro. S. Cheeseman joined in 1918 and still attends meetings, and WBro. V. Stupples, our present Treasurer, has been a member for about fortythree years. The present veteran of the lodge however is Bro. A. McKinnon who joined in 1916. Other instances of long and meritorious service must be omitted, but it would be wrong not to draw attention to one more case, that of the recent Tyler, Bro. A. Davies. PPAGPurs, who, joining the Lodge in 1918, became Tyler in 1920, an office he held for 45 years until growing infirmities caused him to resign. After he had completed twenty-five years of Tylership the Provincial Grand Master bestowed on him Provincial Grand Rank, his regalia being presented by the Lodge. When he finally laid aside his rank the Lodge gave him a cheque subscribed for by the Brethren which amounted to £1 for each year of his service. In the course of time most Past Masters have received Provincial honours, and a list of such honours that have been thus awarded would undoubtedly make wearisome reading, so only a general reference to them need be made. The list is a long and honourable one, reminding us of the valuable services rendered to the Craft in general and to De Shurland Lodge in particular by those, who having performed their duties in the Chair, have by virtue of their knowledge, become high rulers in the craft. There remains, however, a special, indeed a vital duty and that is to insert in this volume the intense satisfaction and pride which all members have in the knowledge that some representatives of our company have been awarded the supreme honour of Grand Lodge Rank.

WBro. H. Small, who died in 1935, became a Past Grand Standard Bearer.

As this office was awarded at the time when that brother was secretary of Queenborough Lodge we can hardly claim a share in that honour. Then, in 1956, as has been stated elsewhere, WBro. J. Turk was also granted the 40

same distinction, but to our great sorrow, he did not live to be invested.

However, the Lodge was not to be without a Grand Lodge Officer for long, for in March 1963, came the announcement that the Secretary.

WBro. C. Woodley, PPJGD, had been elevated to the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer in the Grand Lodge of England. WBro. Woodley had joined from another lodge in 1928, became Worshipful Master in 1940, at a time of great national anxiety, when by his leadership he steered the lodge through the first difficult months of the Second World War. Then he served successively as Treasurer and Secretary, a post he has held since 1949. Many and sincere were the congratulations offered to him on his advancement. The Lodge showed its appreciation by presenting him with the regalia of his new office, and a few privileged members were able to witness his investiture, afterwards holding a celebration dinner in a London restaurant, at which a hearty toast was drunk in honour of a very worthy recipient of a thoroughly deserved honour.

On such a happy note it is wise to conclude this book which, it is hoped, will not only prove of value and interest to the members, helping them to understand the development of the Lodge from infancy to maturity but also that a certain amount of entertainment will have been found in its pages.

Tennyson has remarked that “the old order changeth, yielding place to new”. What will De Shurland be like in the future? This centenary we are celebrating is but a milestone we must leave behind us. It is an achievement we can record with pride and pleasure, but our work leads ever onwards: many more milestones will be passed; many more events recorded; many more honours awarded in the course of time, and only the future pages of history will show whether the men of De Shurland Lodge have remained loyal to the Queen and the Craft, to the brotherhood of mankind, and to all the promises made in their obligations.

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May the Great Architect of the Universe inspire us all to give of our utmost in the cause of “Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth”, and lead us finally with honour to the Grand Lodge Above whence all goodness emanates.

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PART TWO - 1966 TO 2016 FOREWORD With such a comprehensive account of the first one hundred years of De Shurland Lodge, pitching the story of the third fifty years is more difficult.

Much of the background and history set out in WBro. Watkins’ excellent work need not be repeated, so I am left trying to present a story which stands both on its own and in company with the former.

With that in mind, I have sought to follow a more sequential, narrative approach. In this way, I hope to lead the reader through the story, introducing some of the brethren who have had a major impact in recent years. In itself this can present challenges, as many of the brethren mentioned are still with us, and a number also continue to be very active in Lodge life. The balance has to be struck in whom to leave out, as mentioning everyone could almost lead to a transcript of fifty years’ worth of minutes. I hope, therefore, that none feel slighted by their omission, but will recognise that their contribution to what is still a very happy Lodge is implicit in everything the Lodge has achieved.

Clearly, too, there have been some contentious episodes in the last fifty years, as there were in the first hundred. I do refer to these, as they also have helped to make the Lodge what it is today. However, some of the individuals involved are still around, either within or outside Masonry, and where appropriate, names have been omitted to prevent embarrassment.

I must record my thanks to WBro Nick Waller for his help in turning a chronology of people and events into a structured document, and to Bro. Gerald Cox for the final proof-reading and many helpful suggestions

WBro. D. T. Wraight PM, Secretary 43

CHAPTER EIGHT A Major Milestone – The Centenary Year There was much work in the years and months leading up to the 100th Anniversary of the Lodge. As early as January 1960, the General Purposes Committee minutes record the decision that the Centenary would support the Royal Masonic Hospital. In June of the same year there was agreement to form a subcommittee to organise the event. Discussions about providing a new Banner were started as early as October 1964.

There is little of interest in the Committee minutes in 1965 relating to the Centenary, and the records for the next few years seem to be missing.

However, mention was made in May of 1965 that Lodge contributions towards the 1970 Provincial Festival had reached £1041-18-9. That works out at almost £19,000 in 2016 terms.

1966 - Events Outside the Lodge Rightly or wrongly, there is very little mention in the minutes over the last 150 years of events outside the Lodge. Perhaps mentioning significant events since the Centenary will assist the reader in placing the Lodge in its historical context, as they are still within living memory of many of those celebrating our 150th year In 1966, England won the World Cup, that is in soccer of course, it then, as now, being a common topic of conversation before and after our meetings. For those who prefer cricket, unfortunately, in that year we managed to lose the test series against the West Indies 3-1. The year also saw the opening of the Severn Bridge.

At the end of the year we witnessed one of the most haunting tragedies in Britain’s history, the Aberfan Disaster. On 21st October, 1966, at 9.15am, 44

just after our Centenary meeting, the children of Pantglas Junior School, in the small mining town of Aberfan, South Wales were returning to their classrooms after morning assembly. After heavy rains, a slag tip slid down the mountainside and took everything in its path, swallowing the village and killing almost half of Pantglas’ students. The tragedy saw the loss of 144 lives, 116 of them schoolchildren.

All of these events went totally unremarked in the minutes.

The Lodge was not the only Masonic organisation gearing-up for a milestone, as in January 1966 details emerged from Grand Lodge, outlining proposals for its own, 250th, Anniversary in 1967.

Although the Lodge meeting on 16th March 1966 was closest to the centenary of the Consecration, that was not to be the celebratory one, which was instead to be held in October.

At the meeting closest to the actual centenary in March, the Worshipful Master, WBro. D. Bellinger initiated two candidates, Mr Robert Bailey and Mr Leonard Silvester. Later, the Master congratulated WBro. R.S. Whiddett and Bro. Rev. C.W. Nicholson, who were to be appointed Provincial Assistant Director of Ceremonies and Provincial Assistant Grand Chaplain respectively. Also, a report was given on the progress of the Banner Fund, the unveiling being planned for the October meeting.

The September, Installation, meeting was well attended with 43 Officers and Members and 24 Visitors, with WBro. C. N. Woodley, PGStdBr (interestingly, our own Grand Lodge Officer) appointed to represent the Province. Bro. Arthur Flisher was Installed into the Master’s Chair. The Centenary therefore saw two different Masters in the Chair, WBro. D. Bellinger for the meeting in the anniversary month of March, and WBro. A. Flisher for the Centenary celebration meeting in October, but for both of them the Secretary was WBro. C.N. Woodley. He had been Secretary 45

since 1949, and remained in office until 1967, a total of sixteen years. The Director of Ceremonies, again for both meetings, was WBro W. G. Baxter, who held this office from 1961 to 1977, until he was succeeded by WBro. Flisher, who held it for the succeeding ten years. These last two worthy Brothers are still mentioned within our ceremonies today, such was the impact they had on the Lodge. In addition, of course, WBro Flisher was the father-in-law of WBro Malcolm Brooks, Grand Tyler from 2008 to at least 2017.

The Centenary celebration meeting itself was held in the Masonic Temple in Queenborough, with the Festive Board afterwards at the Borough Hall in Queenborough, both in the presence of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Cornwallis, KBE, MC, PGW. There is no information on the reason for the move away from the United Masonic Club for this special meeting.

Included in the proceedings was a reading of the minutes of the first meeting of the Lodge on 1st March 1866, and a presentation of some parts of the Lodge History compiled by WBro. T. S. Watkins (which forms the first part of this history). The Provincial Grand Master presented the Centenary Warrant to the Worshipful Master, and afterwards unveiled the new Lodge Banner, which is still in use today. The Provincial Grand Master was presented with a cheque for £290 to the Royal Masonic Hospital, bringing the total donated by the Lodge and the Brethren since 1954 to 1200 guineas, almost £22,000 in 2016 value.

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The dinner for the Centenary meeting consisted of: Shrimp Cocktail Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Chipolatas, Roast and Creamed Potatoes Brussel Sprouts and Garden Peas Strawberry Melba Ice Cream Cheese and Biscuits Coffee Dessert Clearly the brethren still had appetites approaching those of our Founders, 100 years earlier!

At the time of the Centenary meeting, the Lodge had 173 members, and two of those are still with us in 2016. Bro. John Victor Stupples is the longest serving member, being initiated on 19th December 1956. WBro. James Brindley (“Brin”) White is next longest, having been initiated on 18th December 1957, and taking the Chair on18th September 1971. He was Lodge Almoner from 1975 to 1978, and was appointed Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1980.

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CHAPTER NINE Moving On – The Next Ten Years The next few years in the Lodge were busy ones, with most of the meetings having two Candidates. Although there were only two Initiates and four Joining Members during the remainder of the centenary year, by May 1967 there were a further seven Brethren Passed to the Second Degree and six Raised to the Degree of Master Mason.

In the March 1967 meeting, still as part of the Centenary year commemorations, the Senior and Junior Wardens’ columns were presented to the Lodge by WBro. D. Bellinger and WBro. W. G. Baxter. It was also in the summons for that meeting that the first reference appeared of there being a Junior Lodge of Instruction. At that time, the Junior Lodge was on the Monday after the Regular Lodge of Instruction, rather than before.

But not always! At some stage it changed from the week prior, so may have been something of a moveable event.

The total of 173 Lodge members recorded in 1966 increased to 174 by 1976, including 51 new Masons and 16 Joining Members. The net growth of only one member was the impact of resignations, some expulsions and sadly the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of 23 Brethren.

The Installation Meeting in September 1967 saw Bro. K. A. Lintott installed as Worshipful Master, and for reasons which are unclear, he was again installed as Master the following year. WBro. Flisher was the Installing Master on both occasions. This was only the fourth time in the Lodge History that a Master has served for two consecutive years.

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It was at this meeting that the recent Installation of HRH The Duke of Kent as Grand Master was formally announced. A change to the Lodge By-laws was also announced; the Initiation Fee was to be raised from 20 guineas to £30. (A guinea was £1. 1s, or £1.05 in today’s currency). This represents, in 2016 value, an increase in the fee from £350 to £500.

In October 1967, WBros. Flisher and Baxter were appointed to represent the Lodge at a meeting of the Club Management Committee, to consider the housing of all five Island Lodges under one roof. At the November Lodge meeting they reported the details of the proposal to the Lodge. A show of hands confirmed that the members were in agreement that an amalgamation would be advantageous to all concerned.

The April 1969 meeting saw two candidates for Initiation, one of them being Mr. Ronald Reveley. Now a senior Past Master, WBro. Reveley is our longest serving “active” member and still a regular attendee at meetings the Lodge, Lodges of Instruction and the Committee. In another three years we hope he will be celebrating 50 years in Masonry, and even after all this time still volunteers to stand in for any officer absent from Lodge meetings or Lodges of Instruction There appears to be no documented reason for the proposed change, but at the October 1967 meeting there was recommendation from the General Purposes Committee as to the desirability of changing the day of the Installations from Wednesday to Saturday. A Notice of Motion was discussed at the November and December meetings, with the intention of having a ballot in January. In January, on hearing the views put forward by some Brethren, both in favour and against the motion, it was temporarily shelved in favour of an application being made for a Dispensation to hold the Installation meetings of both 1970 and 1971 on a Saturday.

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1970 - Events Outside the Lodge In April 1970, the world held its breath when Jim Lovell, the captain of Apollo 13, on its way to the moon, sent the now famous message “Houston, we have a problem”. Despite a serious set of disasters, starting with an exploding oxygen tank, Houston and the astronauts managed to get the spaceship back safely back to the earth with a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

In the Risings at the April 1970 meeting, the Secretary read the official notification that WBro. K.A. Lintott had been appointed a Provincial Grand Steward, and that a Dispensation had been received to permit the Installation meeting to be held on Saturday 19th September 1970.

The Installation meeting of September 1970, one of the first pieces of business was for the Secretary to read the letter from the Provincial Grand Secretary granting the necessary Dispensation to hold the meeting on Saturday 19th September, rather than on the 17th. This was possibly a mistake in the minutes; the 17th was a Thursday, and it should have read the 16th. Clearly no-one spotted the error!

The Signature Book for that meeting showed that 26 Officers and Past Masters, 20 other Members and 30 Visitors attended this meeting. This total of 76 attending compares very favourably with the 71 and 66 attendees at the previous two Installation meetings. The move from Wednesday therefore seemed to be quite acceptable. Bro. C.W. Hammond was installed into the Chair of King Solomon that year.

Before the next Installation meeting in September 1971, four new Masons were initiated, six Brethren were made Craftsmen, and four were raised to Master Mason

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The 1971 Installation meeting was again held on a Saturday, with another very good attendance of 67. Despite the evidence of good attendances for these two Installations, at the December 1971 meeting there were further discussions about the Installation day. A ballot in favour of returning to a Wednesday was passed by 50 votes to 13.

We are now beginning to see the names appearing in the minutes of more Brethren that many current members will have known. January 1972 saw a ballot for a candidate for Initiation, Mr Samuel Arthur Johnson. He was Initiated in the May meeting, in a double ceremony with Mr R. Marsden.

At the Installation meeting in September 1972, Bro. J.B. White was installed into the Masters Chair. Sadly the Lodge rose in respect to Departed Merit for WBro. C.N. Woodley PGStdB, who had been one of the Lodge’s longest serving Secretaries. At the next two meetings there were Obituaries for a further five Brethren, with a further two early in 1973. This was a sad time for the Lodge indeed.

At the February meeting the following year, the Secretary read a letter from the Provincial Grand Master, detailing the proposed split of the Province into two smaller Provinces of East and West Kent. This was to become effective at the Provincial meeting on 31st May 1973. The Summons to the April 1973 Regular Meeting of De Shurland Lodge, for the first time, bears the heading ‘Province of East Kent’.

The January meeting in 1974 was a First Degree, and once again a Past Master was given the Chair; WBro T. S. Watkins had the honour of initiating his son Ashley, a “Lewis”. WBro. Watkins was, of course, the author of the Centenary Lodge history. At this same meeting an explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board was given, something now very rarely delivered.

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Number six on our 2016 list of Members, still seen at every meeting is WBro Tom Lambkin. Along with Mr A. L. Bargrove, The then Mr Lambkin was initiated at the May 1975 meeting.

At the Provincial meeting in April, two Brethren received active Provincial honours, WBro. R. B. Mansom, as Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, and WBro. D. Bellinger as Provincial Grand Standard Bearer.

The following year also saw another of our well-known names receiving active Provincial Office. WBro. A. Flisher is appointed Provincial Junior Grand Deacon.

In the ten years following the Centenary meeting, the Lodge was still doing well. There did not appear to be any signs of discord in the Lodge (unlike the initial years in its life), and there is no record of the Master Elect’s list of officers being challenged, as had happened in earlier years.

Charity donations are proposed and donated on a regular basis to the main Masonic charities; the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls, Royal Masonic Institute for Boys, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and the Royal Masonic Hospital. October 1975 also saw a donation of £250 to the United Masonic Club building fund. At the end of the same year, Grand Lodge announced the creation of the new Office of Charity Steward. It also, recommended that lodge dues should not include dining fees, not that this affected De Shurland.

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CHAPTER TEN Out of the Seventies, and Into the Eighties

1976 - Events Outside the Lodge January of 1976 saw the first commercial flight of Concorde, and June saw the end of the third Cod war between the UK and Iceland. In July in the UK, the ‘great heatwave’ reaches its peak.

Bro. M. Towler was Installed as Master in the September meeting of 1976.

Following the decision of Grand Lodge the previous year, one of the officers the Master appointed and invested was Bro. A.M. Brown into the new office of Charity Steward, an office he held for five years until he was succeeded by Bro. Sam Johnson in September 1981. One of Bro. Brown’s charity initiatives was a collection to be sent to Cancer Research following the death of Bro. Don George, who had been a member of the Lodge since 1958.

The Lodge continued its strong support of the United Masonic Club, with an interest free loan of £5,000 for three years to aid in extensive works to the building.

Another name that appeared quite often in the minutes around this time was that of WBro. Harold “Snowy” Easom. WBro. Easom was a joining member from Adam’s Lodge No. 158. At the December meeting in 1977, WBro. Baxter presented to the Worshipful Master, on behalf of WBro. Easom, a beautifully-made pair of Ashlars and a block and tackle for use in the Lodge. Only five years later, he gifted the Lodge a new tripod for the Senior Warden’s Ashlar, which we still use today. It was at this meeting, following a recommendation from the Lodge Committee, that singing of ‘Fidelity’ was introduced when the Volume of the Sacred Law was closed, a practice continuing to this day.

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At the Provincial meeting in April 1978, WBro. Love was appointed as a Provincial Grand Steward.

Looking through the members list between 1974 and 1980, one can see family names recurring, with sons and brothers being initiated into the Lodge; proof that Freemasonry is indeed one big family. This has happened throughout the Lodge’s history, but a few names from this period are worthy of mention: Henry Forrest (Snr) proposed his son Henry Forrest (Jnr) as prospective candidate.

R. C. Lambkin, proposed by T. J. Lambkin and seconded by D. A. J. Lambkin S. T. Owen, proposed by his father, G. T. Owen L. C. (Len) Whitehead JD, proposed his brother, L. H. (Les) Whitehead.

At the December meeting of 1978, when Mr Steven Owen was initiated, his father Bro Trevor Owen, Inner Guard, delivered the Ancient Charge.

The practice of family members performing part of the ceremony is something that has always been a feature, and still is today One thing that hasn’t seemed to change is the question of timely payment of dues. At the January 1979 meeting, the Secretary reported the unsatisfactory situation that one third of the members having not paid their dues. One third of approximately 171 members meant that nearly £700 (£3,600 at 2016 values) was overdue.

1979 - Events Outside the Lodge On the 25th March 1979, the first fully functional Space Shuttle orbiter, Columbia, is delivered to the Kennedy Space Centre, to be 54

prepared for its first launch. In May, Margaret Thatcher becomes the country's first female prime minister. December saw the eradication of smallpox, making it the first of only two human diseases that have been driven to extinction.

1979 saw a couple of changes to the De Shurland way of conducting ceremonies. At a Committee meeting in May, it was agreed that the Lodge should be closed in the Third and Second Degrees after working a Third Degree, a practice that still remains today, albeit only at Installations. At the Board of Installed Masters’ meeting that year, it was decided to cease the toast to “Masonic Charities” at the Festive board.

At the September 1979 Installation, it was reported that the Lodge’s oldest member had passed away, WBro. W.A. Penney aged 98, a Freemason for 60 years.

At least as early as March 1966, and probably for many years before that, at every meeting there had been either a First, Second or Third degree, usually a double. In December 1979 that changed. In response to the decision made earlier in the year, that two meetings should be devoted to a lecture rather than working a degree.

For some, a more momentous change was afoot. From the March 1980 meeting, there was no more beer! Until that time, flagons of beer had been placed on tables at the Festive Board, for brethren to help themselves. The Secretary had reported that in recent months very little of it had been consumed. In view of this the Committee recommended that beer should no longer be provided. Unfortunately this was agreed, and this meeting was the first at which brethren had to buy their own.

From the very earliest days of the Lodge, it had been customary to read the Lodge By-laws at every April meeting. It appears that the practice 55

ceased in April 1979. Certainly they were not read in 1980, nor does the custom appear to have been renewed in later years.

In the December 1980 meeting, the Secretary reported that Grand Lodge had sent congratulations to HM The Queen Mother on the occasion of her 80th Birthday. Later he read extracts from letters from some of our widows, expressing thanks for the gift of purses and commemorative coins which the Lodge had sent to them, commemorating the Queen Mother’s Birthday.

It always seems to be the case in Masonry that prices always go up.

Perhaps the exception that proved the rule came at this same meeting, when it was announced that the cost of the meal after the following March’s meeting would be reduced to £2.50 (£11 in 2016 values; cheap indeed). The reason for this generosity was that the supper fund had accumulated a significant surplus.

On the Second Rising of the April 1981 meeting the Secretary read a letter from the Provincial Grand Secretary announcing the retirement of the Lord Cornwallis as Provincial Grand Master from 31st March. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master would assume control of the Province with the title of DepProvGM in Charge.

The Secretary went on to recount information received at the recent Provincial Officers’ Mess relating to the retirement of Lord Cornwallis.

He then read a handwritten letter from His Lordship. On a proposition by WBro. B. Baxter, seconded by WBro. A. Flisher, it was unanimously agreed to forward a copy of the letter to all Lodge members, and that the Secretary would send a suitable reply to His Lordship.

The Junior Lodge of Instruction, seemingly a successful group, had hitherto controlled its own finances. Perhaps this independence was too 56

much, for at the General Purposes meeting in September of 1981 it was decided that the Accounts of the Junior Lodge should become the responsibility of the Lodge Treasurer, and that the Building Society account of the Junior Lodge should be closed. It was agreed that the monies should be sent to the Royal Masonic Hospital in the name of the Junior Lodge.

Another father and son connection emerged, as Bro. D.A. Prince proposed his son A.L. Prince as a candidate for initiation.

The Lodge continued to support the United Masonic Club, with a cheque for £500 being presented in November 1982, followed by a further £1,000 in December 1983. However, the latter gift was clearly stretching Lodge resources, as it was accompanied by an appeal for £10 from every De Shurland member.

1983 - Events Outside the Lodge In January 1983, the wearing of seatbelts becomes compulsory in the front seats of passenger cars, eleven years after they become mandatory equipment on all new cars sold in Britain. In April, the one pound coin was introduced in England and Wales and in June, the first episode of historical sitcom Blackadder is broadcast on BBC One. In September 1983 an Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro W.A. Wootton, was the Representative of the Provincial Grand Master for the Installation meeting. Another APGM was also the Representative the following year, WBro. Stutely.

In October 1983 we see more evidence of family involvement. At that meeting, Mr A. Lambkin was the Initiate, the Working Tools were delivered by Bro. D.A.J. Lambkin (his uncle) who was then a Steward, and 57

the Ancient Charge was delivered by his father, Bro. T. J. Lambkin who was Senior Warden.

At the January 1984 General Purposes Committee, there was a discussion concerning closing in the Third Degree. A proposal was passed that the Master could close in the 3rd if time permitted and he wished to do so.

This may have been the end of closing in this Degree at all but Installations.

1984 was a year in which the Lodge showed its support for music in Masonry. At the March meeting, following a recommendation from the Lodge Committee it was agreed that a new piano be purchased for £500 and presented to the UMC in the name of the De Shurland Lodge. Later, in October, a recommendation to donate £100 towards new organ was approved by the Lodge. This was further evidence of practical support by De Shurland to the Club.

Yet more family connections came in February 1985, when Mr R. Wingett was initiated into the Lodge. Mr Wingett is son-in-law to WBro. Reveley.

As we saw from the first volume of this history, when the new De Shurland Lodge was still only a proposition, it seems that the formation of a new Lodge is not always without grumbles, and occasional outright opposition. This proved to be the case at the February 1985 General Purposes Committee, when a letter from WBro. A.R. Harris was read out concerning a possible new Lodge in Sheerness. It seems that there were also reservations from some of those at the meeting. Despite this, though, the proposal for a new Lodge went ahead, and, as we shall see, Nore Command Lodge No. 9199 was Consecrated in 1987, bringing a sixth Lodge to Sheerness.

In another change to the traditions of De Shurland Lodge, the General Purposes Committee meeting in April 1985, decided that Dinner Jackets 58

could be worn at the Installation meetings. The September Summons shows dress as “Officers Dinner Jacket and Others Dinner Jacket or Dark Suit”.

The Lodge had almost reached 120 years, and still doing exceptionally well. The last 10 years had seen a succession of new candidates, and with the exception of the newly agreed two lectures a year, every meeting conducted a double ceremony, whether Initiation, Passing or Raising.

Despite the new candidates, Lodge membership now stood at 160, 14 fewer than 10 years previous. During that period there were 41 Initiates, but unfortunately, in addition to those who resigned, there were 16 exclusions, all because of non-payment of annual dues. Sadly, too, there were 32 Brethren who passed to the Grand Lodge Above. Except for one who was 43 years old, and two more at 56 and 57 respectively, the majority of these were in their 60s, 70s and 80s, with WBro. William Penney, mentioned previously when he reached his 60 years in Masonry, being the oldest. He passed away in September 1979 at the age of 98 years.

The number of Masons attending meetings continued to be high. For the 1985 Installation meeting, there were 46 members of De Shurland and 47 visitors. This wasn’t unusual; the December meeting in 1985 had 126 in attendance. For the whole of this 10-year period, excluding the December meetings which were all over 100, the average attendance was 78 brethren.

The highest attendance was the December 1977 meeting with 136 present.

It seems December meetings have always been popular!

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CHAPTER ELEVEN Still Moving On –1986 to 1995 At the Committee meeting in March 1986, Bro. J. Harding expressed concern over “the lack of new candidates”. This does seem a bit strange considering there had been 5 new candidates in the previous 12 months, about as many as the Lodge could take. It certainly didn’t seem to be a problem in the ensuing years, with 39 further Initiates by the end of 1995.

The April meeting brought more evidence of the family ties within the Lodge, when Mr Mark Lambkin was proposed as a Candidate for Initiation. His proposer was his father, Bro. D. A. J. Lambkin and Seconded by WBro. T.J. Lambkin, his uncle.

In another innovation, the Board of Installed Masters’ meeting in July 1986 agreed that a custom of progression from Immediate Past Master to Chaplain would be established. The post had been vacant since 1968.

WBro. Tom Lambkin, the then current Immediate Past Master, agreed to occupy the office for the coming year.

For some years, Adam’s Lodge had a close association with a Dutch Lodge, Loge L’Aurore in Brielle. Sheerness is twinned with Brielle, a pretty Dutch town near Rotterdam. In October 1985 the formation of a new Lodge in Brielle was first mooted. They expressed a desire to be linked to De Shurland in a similar manner to the Adam’s Lodge connection with L’Aurore. This was raised by WBro. G.F.P. Herbert, and at the November 1985 meeting this proposition was put to the Lodge and unanimously accepted. Members of the proposed new Lodge welcomed the agreement in April 1986.

The Consecration of Loge Arauna No. 281 in Brielle in Holland was set for November 1986. Five members of De Shurland, including the 60

Worshipful Master, WBro. Sam. Johnson, the Assistant Director of Ceremonies, WBro. Len Whitehead and the Organist, WBro. Alec Stride would be going as official guests, with others attending as well. Although not mentioned in the minutes, one of the others was WBro. I. Jennings, who had been prominent in the twinning arrangements between the towns. He was subsequently a strong supporter of the link between the Lodges. A gift of 5 Candlestick Holders was to be made from De Shurland to the new Dutch Lodge.

The Worshipful Master and WBro. Stride reported at De Shurland’s December meeting on the successful Consecration of Loge Arauna. At the end of that December meeting, when the Senior Warden extended Seasonal Greetings to the Worshipful Master, he also congratulated WBro Johnson on having received the Imperial Service Medal that very day.

1987 - Events Outside the Lodge A total of 193 people died and hundreds more were injured when a ferry capsized just off the Belgian coast at Zeebrugge on March 6th 1987. The Herald of Free Enterprise, a modern car and passenger ferry, capsized in calm conditions just after leaving harbour for Dover. Within moments after casting off, the eight-decked ferry listed to port, turned and tipped onto its side, resting half-submerged in relatively shallow water on a sandbank. Had it not fallen onto the bank, many more deaths were likely to have resulted.

On 15 October 1987,Michael Fish, a BBC TV weather presenter and Meteorolopgical Office employee, said during a forecast: "Earlier on today, apparently, a woman rang the BBC and said she heard there was a hurricane on the way... well, if you're watching, don't worry, there isn't!".

That evening, the worst storm to hit South East England for three centuries caused record damage and killed 19 people.

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In January and February 1987 there are brief mentions of the Nore Command Lodge No 9199 which was to be consecrated on April 1st 1987.

The first was an invitation for the Master of De Shurland Lodge to be a regular guest at meetings of the new Lodge, while the second was a note to say that five places at the Consecration had been offered to De Shurland Lodge members, but that only one had been accepted, although a number would be attending on individual invitations. Two of the members of De Shurland Lodge were to be among the Founders, Bro. Alan Lambkin and WBro. Doug Wyatt.

In March 1987, £250 was sent to the Zeebrugge disaster fund, which included the Temple collection and a collection at the Festive Board from that month’s regular meeting. This seems to be an exception from the perceived isolation (at least in terms of Lodge records) from outside events.

In the May 1988 meeting, the Secretary read a request from the United Masonic Club for members to stop, or at least moderate, the eating of sweets in the Lodge Room, as it not only detracted from the ceremonies but also caused unwanted litter. It sometimes seems that this is a directive which is honoured in the breach!

No reason was given, but at the Board of Installed Masters’ meeting in July 1988, it was decided that the salute to Grand Lodge Officers would be by the Assistant Director of Ceremonies, and to Provincial Officers by the Director of Ceremonies; the reverse of what was the normal practice. As there were only two prospective candidates for the next year, it was proposed to conduct single Initiations in October and February, the first single degrees in many years. The October meeting was indeed with a single candidate, but further candidates came forward. February 1989 therefore saw a double ceremony, and there was to be a further Initiation at an emergency meeting in April 62

The November meeting, WBro. W. G. Baxter gave a small discourse on Masonic Conduct, touching on the distasteful subject of exclusions for non-payment of subscriptions, there having been six that year. He stressed the responsibilities of proposers and seconders, the importance of the Grand Lodge Certificate and the respect and recognition of all officers within the Lodge when carrying out their duties.

At the December meeting the Worshipful Master announced the passing of WBro. Arthur Flisher on 21st November 1988 aged 75 years. The Worshipful Master echoed the feelings of all the Brethren who knew WBro. Arthur and then called on his friend and proposer WBro. Bill Baxter to address the brethren in memory of him. WBro. Baxter gave a precis of WBro. Arthur’s Masonic career and spoke of his many years of dedicated service to Masonry, De Shurland Lodge and to the United Masonic Club, stating that Island masonry in particular would miss him very much.

In February 1989, Bro. John Shepherd donated to the Lodge the regalia case and Consecration Certificate of our Primus Master, WBro. C.B. Shrubsole. These had been given to Bro. Shepherd by the granddaughter of WBro. Shrubsole, prior to her death in 1965. In addition, there was a tankard that had belonged to WBro. Shrubsole, which Bro. John promised to donate at a later date.

In April 1989, WBro. L.C. Whitehead was appointed to the very senior office of Active Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, an unheard of honour as a first appointment, at least in recent times.

For the May Day bank holiday weekend in 1989, the Lodge had planned to hold, by Dispensation, an emergency meeting on Saturday 29 th April. The intention had been to host a demonstration of an English Initiation for 63

the brethren of our twinned Lodge, Loge Arauna No. 281 of the Grand East of the Netherlands. In the event, as there was a candidate in line for initiation, Mr Nicholas Waller, the Lodge decided to undertake a regular Degree ceremony.

The Worshipful Master warmly welcomed all members, guest and visitors and in particular six brethren from Loge Arauna. The Dispensation was read, the reason being to Initiate Mr Waller and host and demonstrate to our Dutch Brethren a regular Masonic Ceremony.

The Worshipful Master vacated the Chair in favour of WBro. Len Whitehead; he had been invited to conduct the Initiation as he was Mr Waller’s father-in-law. This was yet another family connection for the Lodge. WBro Whitehead requested all of the Past Masters who were to assist him to fill their respective offices. The Lodge was opened at 3.05 pm and closed at 4pm, and the attendance book recorded 25 officers and members, and 40 visitors. After the formal Festive Board there was a social evening to which the wives of members, and non-Masonic guests were invited, and were entertained to a buffet meal.

New Initiates at this time were being given a copy of the WBro. Watkins’ Lodge History prepared for the Centenary. By October 1989 there were no more copies available, and it was agreed to wait for an updated version before issuing further copies. That has been a long time coming!

In November 1989, the Lodge Committee discussed a proposal by WBro. Baxter, seconded by WBro. Johnson, that either the extended version of the Working Tools, or the Tracing Board should be presented at a Second Degree, but not both at the same meeting. This had been something of a contentious issue; some felt that doing both extended the meeting too much, to the detriment of socialising at the bar. Others, however, thought 64

that they tied the ceremony together. In the event, the proposal was carried, and it is rare to see both at the same meeting now.

It was not only the Second Degree about which WBro. B. Baxter was concerned. He felt that recent ceremonies were not to an acceptable standard, and called for more attention to detail. He particularly felt that Ritual Books should not be used at regular Lodges of Instruction. He went on to stress that it was of vital importance that the Proposer and Seconder be aware of their responsibility to their Candidate in instructing them in the basics of Freemasonry. Perhaps this was noted by the members; at a Committee meeting only a year later, a Past Master commented on the “high standard of work by the officers at the regular meeting on the 15th May”.

At the September 1990 Committee, there were comments about missing Lodge effects WBro. Easom had removed the top of one of the wands to refurbish it, and on returning it, found that the bottom half had gone missing. WBro. J. Harding reported that there appeared to be a “depletion” of Lodge effects, for example gavels. The following month, WBro. Harding requested a vote of thanks to WBro. Easom, who had presented 3 new gavels to the Lodge of Instruction.

In the February 1991 Lodge meeting, further evidence of the link that had been formed with Loge Arauna, when WBro. Johnson gave brief details of the recent visit, and brought fraternal greetings from them. WBro. Alec Stride explained that WBro. Johnson had worked hard and had been an excellent Ambassador of the Lodge. He also thanked Bro. P. Dummott who had driven them to Holland in the most atrocious of weather conditions. There was a humorous element to this trip. It had been snowing in Holland, and before departure from the UK, WBro Johnson had telephoned one of the Dutch brethren to enquire about weather conditions. He was told that there was about 3cms. Something clearly got 65

lost in translation, for when the De Shurland party got to Holland, they realised it was actually 30cms, about a foot!

To commemorate this, WBro Johnson wood-turned some “3cm Sticks” and attached them to keyrings, which he subsequently presented to all of the Loge Arauna brethren, as well as those De Shurland members who became members of the Dutch Lodge. Even today, one can be challenged to prove you have the stick with you, the forfeit being a donation to charity.

At this same meeting in February four candidates for Initiation were proposed.

The 1991 Installation saw another visit by an Assistant Provincial Grand Master as the Representative, WBro. R. F. W. Whitehead. He was not related to WBro Len, but there was a deal of inter-Service rivalry, the former having been in the Royal Artillery coastal batteries, and the latter in RAF Bomber Command. In particular there was a degree of banter at the Festive Board about coastal gunners firing at returning bombers, mistaking them for doodlebugs!

Sadly, the Worshipful Master announced the death of five members who had passed away in the previous seven months, with the most recent being WBro. W. G. Baxter on 3rd July 1991 aged 79 years. WBro. Stride gave the eulogy for WBro. Bill, stressing the hard work he had put in over the years to make the United Masonic Club one of the finest in Kent. He had contributed much to the community he having been Council Chairman and Mayor of Queenborough, had visited Brielle in conjunction with the town twinning and had lunched with Queen Juliana.

In the months following the death of WBro Baxter, much thought had been given about how the Lodge should commemorate him. Later in the year, it was decided to create the “W.G. Baxter Memorial Jewel” which 66

would serve perpetuate the memory of WBro. Bill, who was affectionately known as the “father” of the Lodge. It was to be worn by the Worshipful Master and passed onto each new Master as part of the Installation Ritual.

It was presented for the first time at the Installation meeting in 1993.

In October 1992 more family ties were cemented in the Lodge, as brothers, Fred and Peter Jackson were Initiated, with the Working Tools presented by their proposer and father Bro. Fred Jackson.

At the December 1992 meeting, WBro. Sam Johnson informed brethren that it was exactly 50 years since he had left the Masonic School for Boys.

Visitors to the Kent Museum and Library of Freemasonry will see that his school cap, along with documents and reminiscences from his time at the school can still, in 2016, be seen there.

In May 1993 there was an Obituary for WBro. Harold ‘Snowy’ Easom who had died on 24 April 1993. He had been Initiated to Adam's Lodge in January 1956, had been of that Lodge in 1972 as well as of De Shurland in 1973. The Worshipful Master pointed out that there would be constant reminders of him in the Lodge, as much of the furniture had been made, or was presented to the Lodge, by him. Also mentioned was the late Bro. Hendrikus Verdonschot, Senior Warden of Loge Arauna.

At the 1993 Installation, WBro. Alec Stride made the maiden presentation of the W. G. Baxter Memorial Jewel to the new Master, WBro. M.A. Holmwood. Bro. Barry Barnes sang the Masters Song for the first time, and he still sings it today, and he also delivers the Ladies’ Song at Ladies Nights to the current day.

In November 1993 the Lodge was due to welcome the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, John Bonomy. Unfortunately he was unable to attend. The Secretary read a letter from the him apologising for his absence due to having to attend a meeting of governors of a local school 67

where he was Chairman. He stressed that he hoped to attend De Shurland in the near future. Messrs. T. Holland and H. Cooper were initiates at the meeting which saw 46 members and 54 visitors in attendance. Mr Cooper was the son of another member, both called Henry; yet more family connections.

The Provincial Grand Master was thankfully able to attend the February meeting in 1994, which saw Messrs. R. Standish and H. Hunter initiated.

In addition, WBro. J.A. Price, PPSGW of the Province of Somerset was attending. He had been initiated in De Shurland in 1934, and was celebrating his 60 years in Freemasonry. The PGM delegated the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro. P. Brooshooft to read the Provincial Certificate of Citation. WBro. Price was presented to the PGM, who heartily congratulated him and gave him his certificate.

In the early part of 1994 the Lodge Summons saw two new items appear.

In light of the importance the Provincial Grand Master gave to the Almoner and Charity Steward, their reports appeared as regular agenda items, as they have done ever since.

At the Board of Installed Masters’ in July, WBro. L. Whitehead expressed his concern that some of the younger brethren were taking their progression through the Lodge for granted. They were not showing the dedication required, for instance by not attending Lodges of Instruction, yet still expecting to progress when they reached the top of the Stewards’ list. It was agreed that, in future, Officers would be selected on merit and that there was no automatic right to progress.

1995 - Events Outside the Lodge The Channel Tunnel, a 51 km (32 mi) long rail tunnel beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover, officially opened. Three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna is killed in an accident during the San 68

Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as South Africa's first black president.

At the May 1995 meeting, Bro. G.P. Lambkin delivered an explanation of the 1st Degree Tracing Board, the first time this had been done since 1974.

A ballot was carried on a proposition that Bro. T. Simms, a member of United Service Lodge, be made an Honorary Member. Bro Tom had served De Shurland Lodge for 17 years as Tyler, and was due to retire in September.

The December Lecture in 1995 was delivered by Bro. N.P.P. Waller, Charity Steward of the Lodge. The lecture was entitled ‘The Launch of 2004’ in which he explained the Province’s next Charity Festival in aid of the Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls, and how Lodges could maximise their support. A copy of the Lecture is appended to the December 1995 minutes.

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CHAPTER TWELVE Towards 140 years –Into the “Noughties” The Lodge has now entered 1996, 30 years since the Centenary, but Lodge numbers are dwindling somewhat, there now being 130 members. Most of the reduction is due to 36 deaths and 28 resignations, but there were also 17 exclusions, almost all due to failure to pay dues. The longest serving member was WBro. J.A. Price who joined some time before 1936, was Master of a Somerset Lodge and who is shown in the Lodge records to be living in Bath as early as 1967. Numbers attending meetings seemed to have settled at an average of 80 per meeting.

In January 1996, WBro. Johnson presented to the General Purposes Committee Bro. G Yates’ regalia together with two sets of Charity Jewels going back for a number of Festivals. It was agreed that WBro. Sam would take one set of Jewels to present to Loge Arauna, while the other set would form the basis of an exhibition at the Club.

Because of continuing pressure on Lodge finances, the March 1996 General Purposes meeting agreed to change the By-laws, reducing the time to pay Lodge dues to 6 months. There were still concerns being expressed about the commitment of some of the more junior members of the Lodge.

The Committee meeting on 23rd September heard that Bro. R. Ormsby, was soon to be due a 50 year certificate. The Secretary was to request a certificate from Province for onward transmission to South Africa. Sadly, and by a dreadful coincidence, it was later learned that Bro. Ormsby had passed away that same day.

At the February General Purposes meeting, the Secretary presented artefacts of the late WBro. W.G. Johnson (Worshipful Master in 1947/8), 70

passed to the Lodge from his son via WBro. B. Hughes. One of the most significant of these was his Past Master’s Jewel, which had previously been presented to WBro. Pannell in 1890. It was agreed that this Jewel would be presented on Installation night to the retiring Master and thereafter to every Master on relinquishing the Chair as the Immediate Past Master’s Jewel. A suitable piece of ritual to go with the presentation was produced

by WBro. M. Towler.

Although not unusual, there was much discussion around this time of the rising cost of Freemasonry. Increases in Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge dues (including a proposed levy of £2 from every member of the Province towards a building fund, which was subsequently dropped) meant that the Lodge had to increase dues. The April meeting passed a proposal to increase dues to £70 (£60 for country members).

The May meeting saw two ballots taken using the new balls purchased by the Lodge and ballot boxes made by WBro. Sam Johnson.

The meeting in October 1997 received an obituary for Bro. David Lambkin, the Lodge Almoner. Bro. Lamkin had been Almoner since 1988, and had been outstanding in the Office. WBro. M. Williams was appointed and invested as his successor at the November meeting.

At the September 1998 Installation, more evidence of family continuity was evident. The Past Master’s Breast Jewel, presented to the outgoing Master, WBro. Peter MacDonald, had previously been presented to his Grandfather, who had been Master of De Shurland in 1925. This meeting also saw the Treasurer, WBro. Sam Johnson, and the Director of Ceremonies, WBro. Jack Harding, both relinquishing their offices. The October meeting was to Initiate Messrs. A.G. Boulter and C. A. Bridger.

Before this, though WBro. M.R. Bailey, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was (again!) welcomed into the Lodge. WBro. Bailey was to present WBro. 71

Charles Matthews with his 60 year certificate. WBro. Bailey gave a resume of WBro. Charles’s civic and Masonic careers. This included details of how he had been a prisoner of the Japanese during the war and along with other Masons had to destroy his Grand Lodge Certificate. On returning to the UK, WBro. Charles relocated to the West Country, and became a founder member of a Lodge in Bath.

There were concerns about this time, that, although there were plenty of junior members, not many wanted to go on or learn the ritual. Past Masters were having to stand in for absent officers, and it would be more desirable for Stewards to fill in for an absent Inner Guard or Deacon.

The May meeting conducted the usual business of elections and so on, and was closed. Afterwards, though, the Brethren, still wearing their regalia, escorted their Ladies and non-Masonic guests into the Lodge, where WBro. David Mander, a member of St Michael’s Lodge No. 1273, gave a talk on Freemasonry, its origins, symbolism and its aims. The Ladies and guests then dined with the Brethren. This was probably one of the first instances in the Lodge of a “Wide” or “White Table” event.

The Provincial Grand Master’s Representative at the September 1999 meeting was Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro. Ronald Byers DeGrey. The Master Elect, Bro. N. P. P. Waller was presented by his father-in-law, WBro. Len Whithead and Installed into the Chair of King Solomon. WBro. Waller was replaced as Charity Steward by Bro. David Cain. One of the visitors in the Lodge was WBro. Dennis Tuff, who had travelled from Australia. On the third rising WBro. Johnson presented to the Lodge a set of Gavels, made by him, in a box manufactured by WBro. T. Redman of King’s Navy and United Service Lodges, with its interior furnished by WBro. J. Black.

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At the December meeting, the Worshipful Master announced the sad and very unexpected passing of WBro. Ian Jennings, the Lodge Assistant Director of Ceremonies, a prominent supporter of our links with Holland, and a regular visitor to and Joining Member of Loge Arauna.

WBro. John Price, who was then the longest surviving De Shurland member, having been initiated in to the Lodge in 1934, had passed away on 22nd November 1999. At the January 2000 meeting, the Worshipful Master gave a brief resume of his masonic career.

The Lodge was privileged when another Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Russell Race visited the Lodge in March 2000, and after a double Second Degree, presented 50 year certificates to Bros J. W. Pond and R.E. Winch.

The May meeting in 2000 was to be a very different and special one, with many mixed emotions. An explanation was placed on the Lodge Summons, as detailed further down. The Lodge was opened at 6.30 pm and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro. G. Smith was welcomed and offered the Gavel, which he most politely declined. The usual business of a May meeting was conducted and the Lodge was then closed at 7.30pm, for the remainder of the evening’s proceedings to take place. The information placed on the Lodge Summons describes what was to happen: “After the Lodge is closed the Brethren will retire and assemble downstairs (still wearing their regalia) where Bro. Martin van der Valk will explain “De Rouw Loge” (The Mourning Lodge) ceremony in memory of WBro. Ian Jennings who died on the 14 th December 1999 and was a member of Lodge Arauna No 281. After the explanation the Brethren will return to the Lodge according to Dutch Ritual and the Ceremony will be conducted by Officers and 73

Brethren of Lodge Arauna under the Grand East of the Netherlands with the approval of that Grand Lodge and the Province of East Kent. The Ceremony will be in English and normal regalia will be worn. The Festive Board will take the form of a Dutch Table Lodge.”

A precis of the Ceremony is contained in the De Shurland Minutes for May 2000. This was a very moving meeting for all who attended, and exceptionally rare in this country.

Although the level of discord in the Lodge was almost non-existent, particularly when compared to events in the nineteenth century, there were some differences of a more serious nature which had to be resolved.

October 2000 saw the culmination of one such dispute. As those closely concerned are still with us (although none now in the Lodge) we shall not go into great detail.

There had been a complaint from one member that another had, effectively, breached his Third Degree Obligation, which meant, in the view of the complainant that he felt unable to attend Lodge meetings. He considered the other brother’s behaviour prejudicial to the harmony and good conduct of the De Shurland Lodge.

The Immediate Past Master, WBro. Waller was invited to take the Chair by the Worshipful Master, WBro Pettit. The Immediate Past Master asked all non-members to retire, with the exception of the Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro Brooschooft who was there to oversee proceedings. The Brethren involved presented their respective cases. After this a secret ballot was held, which resulted in the two-thirds majority required for such exclusions under the Book of Constitutions. Overall a very sad episode, with no winners, not the Brethren concerned nor the Lodge, which lost at least four members as a consequence of subsequent resignations.

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On a much happier note, April 2001 saw the introduction of a St George’s Day theme to our Festive Board. A number of members had noted that some other Lodges observed particular events, such as Burns Night, but De Shurland had nothing. From then on, at April meetings, the Lodge has enjoyed roast beef suppers, commenced with a procession into the hall of the said meat, accompanied by singing “Oh, The Roast Beef of Old England”.

In May, rather than a Lecture, because of the number of members waiting for their Passing, there was an extra Second Degree, with Bro. David Wraight being Passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft.

2011 – Events Outside the Lodge “9/11.” September 11th 2001. First New York, then the world, looked on in horror as terrorists flew two passenger jets into the World Trade Center in New York. The fires and the collapse of both the North and South Towers along with the victims from two further hijacked jets (one into the Pentagon and one into a field in Pennsylvania) took the lives of 2,977 people.

WBro. R. Standish’s year started with an excellent Installation ceremony in September 2001, but was touched with some sadness, as a result of the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of Bro. H. Hunter; Bro. Harry and the Worshipful Master were initiated together in 1993.

It was to be a busy year, with three Initiates, three Second and three Third Degrees. The Ladies’ Festival was a great success in February but was unfortunately scene to an accident when one of the Ladies was badly scalded by hot coffee. This was possibly due in part to the high numbers attending, so in future years the numbers were curtailed.

There is occasionally the view that the Craft admits candidates too readily, preferring to keep numbers up. However, during the year, two prospective 75

candidates were refused by the Lodge for various reasons, both being deemed unsuitable.

In 2002, for the first time since WBro. Lintott occupied the Masters Chair in 1967/8 the new Worshipful Master was to be a Past Master. In 2001, the Junior Warden had expressed his desire to withdraw from progression, and WBro. John Watson, a Joining Member had taken his place. In September 2002 WBro. Watson was Installed into the Chair of King Solomon. The new Master made a presentation to WBro. Doug Wyatt, who was stepping down as Lodge Secretary after 15 years, the gift being from the Lodge for his excellent and devoted service to the Lodge.

In November 2002, the Lodge was visited by VWBro. Russell Race the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who had been promoted since his last visit. VWBro Race subsequently went on to be appointed the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master when the new Metropolitan Grand Lodge was formed. He was eventually promoted to Metropolitan Grand Master, serving with distinction in that office until 2015.

The January Meeting in 2003 started on a very sombre note, with an obituary following the passing on the 19th December 2002 of WBro. Doug Wyatt who had been very ill for the previous few months. There is a long report in the De Shurland Minutes of WBro. Doug’s career, both in the Lodge and in Freemasonry generally. WBro.Doug was Initiated into De Shurland Lodge in 1961, Passed in 1962 and Raised in 1963. He became Worshipful Master in September 1983. He took the Secretary’s office in 1987, a position he retained until a few months before he died. On a happier note, the Secretary informed the Brethren, that WBro. Nick Waller had been appointed Provincial Grand Steward.

In the months leading up to February 2003, WBro. J. Harding had been working of producing a First Degree Ritual Book, so that new Brethren 76

could join in the Junior Lodge of Instruction. It was by then ready to be sent to the publishers. Subsequently, although the proof had been sent for publishing, mistakes were being found and would be corrected before final printing. At the General Purposes meeting that month, the new model Lodge By-Laws (as proposed by the Province) were voted to be adopted.

Time and use were taking their toll on the Lodge regalia and furnishings.

In particular, the Lodge Warrant was beginning to look a bit scruffy and consideration was made regarding it being re-framed. This was decided against when it was suggested that the existing frame may have some antique value. It was agreed just to refurbish it.

De Shurland Ritual is different and jealously maintained as such! At the September 2003 meeting, a senior member of another Lodge commented that De Shurland members were giving the wrong sign at prayer. He insisted that we should be giving the sign of R….. , rather than F…..., which should only be given during the obligations. It was pointed-out to him that the sign of F….. is always given by De Shurland members for prayers and obligations, and is part of the De Shurland Ritual, and always will be. As many have found out, the Lodge is very protective of its own variations to Emulation Ritual; it had long been a rite of passage for new Master Masons to glue the slips of De Shurland variations into their brand new Ritual Books!

Some good news came in October 2003, when it was announced that the Lodge had already surpassed its £15,000 target for the 2004 Festival, nine months ahead of the closing date.

At the January General Purposes meeting, WBro. R. Harrison suggested that the photograph De Shurland had of WBro. C. Woodley, De Shurland’s only Grand Lodge Officer, should be enhanced and displayed in the Masonic Club. This was agreed and WBro. Ray was asked to deal 77

with the matter. Somewhat embarrassingly, it was later reported that picture could not be found.

Bro. Tom Simms who had been Tyler for many years before being succeeded by Bro. A. Hughes in 1995, passed away in April 2004.

There was no lecture in the May meeting. Instead there was supposed to be a double Initiation, but both gentlemen had withdrawn. One of them had been the subject of some discussion by the members of the Committee, when his initial response to the question “Do you believe in a Supreme Being” had been that he was not sure. Although he had later clarified his reply, it was perhaps appropriate that he withdrew.

In September 2004 Bro. D. J. Brander was Installed into the Chair of King Solomon. On the meeting summons, in addition to the Chief Steward, there were 14 stewards named, with 10 in attendance. Still on the subject of attendance, a comment was made at the following month’s General Purposes meeting regarding apologies only being acceptable if given to the Secretary. This is another rule that is sometimes honoured in the breach!

2004 - Events Outside the Lodge In the early hours of Boxing Day 2004, there was an earthquake (the third largest ever recorded) off the west coast of Indonesia. It triggered a series of devastating tsunamis along the coasts of most landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean, killing 230,000 people in 14 countries. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.

By January 2005 further complaints had been made about ritual, and the need to get back to the proper De Shurland workings. WBro. Harding, who had produced the First Degree Ritual book, was asked to work with the Director of Ceremonies, WBro. M. Williams and WBro. R. Reveley to 78

resolve this, and urged to complete his Second and Third Degree books as quickly as possible.

2005 Events Outside the Lodge 7th July 2005. A series of co-ordinated terrorist bombings strike London's public transport system during the morning rush hour. Three bombs exploded within 50 seconds of each other on three London Underground trains. A fourth bomb exploded on a bus at an hour later in Tavistock Square. More than 50 people are killed and hundreds more are injured.

For the September 2005 Installation, the Provincial Grand Master’s Representative was WBro. Brian Dale, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

The Installing Master, WBro. D. Brander Installed Bro. C. Overington into the Chair of King Solomon.

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN 2006 and On – Towards the 150 Years

By March 2006, the Lodge had 90 members; for each of the last 10 years the number of new members had declined to a couple or so a year, and there were some existing ones that had died, resigned or been excluded.

The worst year was 2005, with a net decrease of 8 members, not helped by the exclusion of 4 brethren for failure to pay their dues. Relations in the Lodge were generally harmonious, with only the occasional falling-out.

The years have seen absences through sickness or work commitments, but this has only resulted in opportunities for the sharing of Offices. Many junior members had early chances to participate, including presenting the Second Degree Tracing Board, Working Tools in all Degrees, and acting as Inner Guard or one of the Deacons, all while still on the Stewards’ bench.

The Second Degree Ritual book and one with all three Degrees were completed. Despite repeated proof reading there were many discrepancies, often due to Brethren having, and using, their ritual books from different eras; historically they were standard Emulation Working books which had been amended by Brethren pasting-in De Shurland’s variations.

The Treasurer was concerned with the financial position of the Lodge, particularly in relation to cash flow. He sent a long letter to all the Brethren with an explanation of the monies we need to pay each year to Grand Lodge, Provincial Grand Lodge and the United Masonic Club. He went on to state that we had already paid out £4733.02 in Capitation fees for 2005/6, but by that time had received barely 50% of membership dues.

Finances came back to the fore, with a Notice of Motion at the May meeting seeking Lodge dues to be raised to £130.00 (£110.00 for Country members). This was an increase of £35.00 and had been agreed, almost 80

unanimously, by the General Purposes committee after several months of campaigning by the Treasurer, WBro. P. Jessett. It was considered rather excessive by some members, but the majority recognised that it was necessary.

WBro. Roger Pettit was appointed Provincial Grand Steward in April 2006.

There was some controversy at the Board of Installed Masters in July 2006, when the Master Elect presented his list of Officers. He had wanted to appoint another Brother as Assistant Director of Ceremonies instead of the then current incumbent. There was much discussion about the proposed change, and the current holder had not been consulted about the change. The general consensus was that the change would be going against the usual Lodge etiquette and would be sure to lead to bad feeling.

The Master Elect agreed to change his list and retain the current officer.

However, while that decision solved the immediate problem, the Master Elect resigned from the Lodge not long after his year in the Chair.

The Installation meeting on 20th September 2006 started with the sad news of the passing of three senior Brethren who had played a large and important part in the life of the Lodge for many years. WBro. J. Harding died on 20th May, WBro. L. C. Whitehead on the 23rd May and WBro. A. Stride on the 11th August. WBro. Harding had been collapsed at the Festive Board after the May meeting and died shortly afterwards. Bro. Peter Neervoort was Installed as Worshipful Master. A vote for a smoking ban at the Festive Board was passed. The Proposer and Seconder were both smokers!

There had been many highlights stemming from the association with Loge Arauna, including the establishment of a Dutch Demonstration Team, 81

mainly comprising De Shurland members. The main item of the December 2006 meeting was a demonstration of the Dutch Craft Masonic Tracing Board. WBro. M. Williams gave an excellent presentation of the Tracing Board, followed by WBro. S. A. Johnson (assisted by WBros. C. C. Overington and R. T. Pettit) who demonstrated how it can be drawn by the use of a straight edge, compasses, the cord with nine knots, and chalk and a blackboard.

2007 saw two Brethren from De Shurland promoted with Provincial honours; WBro. N. P. P. Waller to Active Provincial Junior Grand Warden and WBro. Richard Wingett to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon.

In September 2007 Bro. Colin Bridger was Installed into the Chair of King Solomon. Bro. C. Blackmore, having declined progression to Senior Deacon, was replaced by Bro. M. Lambkin, and some other officers changed also. The September General Purposes meeting was another of those long meetings; 1hr 55min, not finishing until 9.25pm. The main topic of discussion was to do with charity donations. The Treasurer, WBro. P. Jessett stated that he was unhappy that donations were not discussed and that cheques were sent out “willy nilly”. To quote the minutes, ‘this prompted a vigorous and sometimes heated debate’. There were in fact, in the Minutes of General Purposes meetings, lists of where monies collected from various sources are destined.

As has been mentioned earlier, the problem of exclusions because of unpaid dues had been growing. At the January General Purposes meeting, the Secretary mentioned the plight of a Brother who had lost his job and couldn’t afford his lodge Dues. It was agreed that the Lodge would pay them for him and the Treasurer would visit him with the receipt. It was hoped his position would improve, but the Almoner would be keeping in touch.

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Occasional areas of discord continued from time-to-time, leading to unfortunate consequences. While the 2008 Ladies Festival was felt to be a good evening, it was marred by some controversy over the Raffle. Feeling that he had been unfairly criticised over prices for the raffle tickets and the row this caused, the Charity Steward not only resigned from his office but also from the Lodge. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, his resignation stood, and was reported in March, with Bro. Graham Hayes taking over.

At the May meeting there was another visit by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro. Michael Bailey (on his previous visits he had been an Assistant). The usual business of a May meeting was conducted, and the Lodge was closed. The Provincial and Lodge Directors of Ceremonies retired to escort wives, partners and visitors into the Lodge. The PGM presented 50 year Certificates to Bro. Bill Hogben and WBro. John White, congratulating them on their 50 years’ service to Freemasonry. Bro. S. Hogben received the certificate on behalf of his father.

September 2008 saw Bro. Richard Coates Installed into Master’s Chair.

Prior to that, during the closed season, the Secretary had received five resignations, including that of the outgoing Immediate Past Master who had been absent for much of the previous year.

At that month’s General Purposes meeting there was a discussion and vote about cease sending the Widows Christmas gift, something that had been much discussed at previous meetings. The result was 7 in favour, 5 against and 2 abstentions. The vote was passed but after further debate and a strong feeling of disapproval evident, the debate boiled over and two brethren withdrew from the meeting.

However, the question of Widows Christmas gifts continued to be a topic of discussion at General Purposes meetings, In February, the previous decision to cease the gift was overturned by a proposition that they be 83

increased to £20. This was passed by the majority of the members present.

At the March 2009 General Purposes meeting, the Charity Steward announced that he wished to step down from the office. WBro. Bridger agreed to look after the office for the rest of the year. Other officers stated their wish to resign their offices at the Installation meeting, the Treasurer and the Assistant Secretary. It was fairly obvious that there was some disharmony between the brethren. Complaints were also made about the lack of help given, and criticism towards some brethren in relation to the Ladies Festival in February. It was agreed that the Organising Committee was to manage the event in the future! More complaints were made concerning the apparent lack of interest in the Junior Lodge. At the last Junior Lodge of Instruction, only three of the Officers attended. The Director of Ceremonies and his Assistant had done their best, but brethren who had agreed to take part were not turning up. The question was raised, but without any answer “is there any future for the Junior Lodge?”

It is a special meeting at which a father Installs his son into the Chair, and such was the case in September 2009, but with a twist; this Installation meeting saw WBro. Richard Coates Install his father, Bro. Robert Coates.

The problem of filling some offices continued; a Brother had been elected Treasurer at the May meeting, but since then had not been able to undertake the duties. As a consequence, a Dispensation had been requested from Province to allow the Lodge to elect another Treasurer. At the November meeting this was read and in accordance with Rule 112a B Book of Constitutions, WBro. Peter Jessett was elected Treasurer for the remainder of the year.

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On a happier note, the Secretary reported on changes to the Provincial Executive. Of particular interest to De Shurland Lodge was the promotion of WBro. N. P. P. Waller to the office of Assistant Provincial Grand Master. This was the most senior office in Province ever held by a member of the Lodge.

In addition, among the Provincial promotions reported at the January 2010 meeting, was that of WBro. R. Wingett who had been promoted to Active Provincial Senior Grand Warden.

It is unusual for a ‘Chain’ to visit his own Lodge officially, but as WBro. Waller had been appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master it was decided that he would be received into the Lodge in the usual manner for a visitor of that rank. He was announced and escorted in by the Senior Brethren. This was to mark his Provincial appointment, together with his one in Grand Lodge as Past Junior Grand Deacon. WBro. Waller was the Lodge’s first Grand Lodge Officer since 1963.

At the September 2010 Committee meeting, it was reported that Progress towards the 2014 festival had so far been slow with only £2,913.02 raised towards the Lodge’s £11,000 target. It was decided that all charity monies should be directed towards the Festival. WBro. R. Harrison expressed concerned about the number of members who were not attending the Lodge. A discussion followed about what to do about it. This seems to have always been a problem which showed no sign of going away; rather it seemed to be getting worse. However, this was not unique to De Shurland, and later became the subject of a Province-wide initiative to contact such brethren.

In November, as the intended Candidate wasn’t present, at the last minute Bro. G Newman was Passed to the Second Degree. After the lodge was resumed in the First Degree, there was a report and Bro. Cartwright, the 85

intended Candidate was admitted and apologised to the Worshipful Master for his lateness.

2011 - Events Outside the Lodge March 11th a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit the east of Japan, killing 15,840 and leaving another 3,926 missing. Tsunami warnings are issued in 50 countries and territories. Emergencies are declared at four nuclear power plants affected by the quake Difficulties in filling offices continued; at the April 2011 General Purposes meeting the next Master Elect, Bro. D. Wraight, told the Committee that he had been unable to find anyone to take either the Almoner or Secretary offices. It was decided to have a May General Purposes meeting to discuss the problem. However, some good news came in that WBro. Robert Coates was elected Treasurer at the May meeting.

At the extra May General Purposes meeting, WBro. Jessett offered to take the role of Secretary at the Installation meeting. He would also be supporting WBro. Coates in his Treasurer’s work. However, there was still no volunteer for Almoner.

The problem of junior members not wanting to progress continued. The situation that started in 2009 with WBro. Reveley having to fill the office of Junior Deacon had worsened. 2010 again saw WBro. Reveley continuing in that office, while WBro. Alan Lambkin was Senior Deacon.

Now, in 2011, WBro. Lambkin had progressed to Junior Warden with the intention of going through the Chair again, with WBro. R. T. Pettit as Senior Deacon. However, there was at least a Master Mason as Junior Deacon, Bro J. Gates, and Bro Graham Hayes agreed to undertake the office of Almoner.

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In November the Worshipful Master, along with WBros. N. Waller, P. Jessett, and Bro. G. Hayes visited Holland for the 25th Anniversary of Lodge Arauna. Sadly, WBro. Sam Johnson was too unwell to travel to this special celebration. The Worshipful Master, in addition to presenting a new Past Masters Board made by WBro. Johnson, distributed the usual Christmas gifts, also made by him, to some of the Dutch brethren. At the Tafel Loge (Festive Board) after the Lodge meeting, a conference call was arranged so all of the Dutch brethren could pass on their thanks and best wishes to WBro Sam. In December 2011, WBro. Johnson and Bro. J.D. Perry were voted Honorary Members of the Lodge in recognition of their long and distinguished service. WBro. Sam, who was still unwell, had remained out of the meeting, but was admitted to enable the Worshipful Master to inform him that he had been made an Honorary Member, and to present him with a Certificate confirming that decision. The Secretary announced that two Brethren were to receive appointments in April. WBro. D. J. Brander had been appointed to the rank of Active Provincial Assistant Director of Ceremonies, and Bro. Graham Hayes was to be appointed Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. In the case of Bro. Hayes, it may have been the first time in Lodge history that a Master Mason had been so honoured.

At the January 2012 meeting, another Brother was excluded for nonpayment of dues. There was also another Brother whose exclusion was to be considered. However, the General Purposes committee decided that on compassionate grounds, following the recent death of his wife, the Lodge would pay his dues.

February saw a report from the Almoner that two of our Past masters were in hospital, WBro. Sam Johnson and WBro. Bob Coates. The 87

Secretary announced appointments and promotions in Grand Lodge, with WBro. Nick Waller being promoted to Past Senior Grand Deacon.

2012 - Events Outside the Lodge The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II marks the 60th anniversary of her accession to the thrones of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and the 60th anniversary of her becoming Head of the Commonwealth. It was also the year of the much-awaited London Olympics and Paralympics.

At the February General Purposes, the current discord in the Lodge came to a head, with the Secretary announcing that he had given a letter of resignation to the Worshipful Master which was with immediate effect.

The reasons he gave were connected with his belief that a Joining Member could never achieve Provincial Honours. He passed over the Secretaries paperwork and left the meeting. Subsequently it transpired that he had resigned from Freemasonry completely.

WBro.Colin Overington, the previous Secretary volunteered to take over as Secretary on a temporary basis until WBro. D. Wraight was able to be appointed. WBro. Craig stated that he would be pleased to take over the responsibilities of Treasurer until WBro. Bob Coates was well enough to continue or until a new Treasurer was elected. All the brethren present thanked them. The Worshipful Master stated he was very grateful to them both for taking on these two positions at such short notice. Clearly there was evidence of the Lodge now pulling together again.

In September 2012, one of the last and saddest duties of the outgoing Worshipful Master, WBro. D. Wraight, was to announce the death of WBro. S.A. Johnson who had passed away on 12th June 2012. A full eulogy to WBro. Sam was planned for the ‘Rouw Loge’ to be held following the regular meeting in November. WBros P. Craig and C. Overington were 88

invested as Treasurer and Secretary respectively, and WBro. R. Standish was invested as Junior Warden, with the intention of going through the Chair for a second time.

After the closing of the November meeting, which had been restricted to just the basic Lodge Business, there was to be a Rouw Loge for WBro. Sam Johnson. There was a large attendance of 29 members and 45 visitors for this special meeting, which included all four Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, WBros. B. W. Powell, A Notley, R. H. Waltham and N. P. P. Waller, the Provincial Chaplain and numerous other Grand and Provincial Officers.

Following the closing of the Lodge, the Brethren paraded out and remained in their regalia while the Dutch Brethren rearranged the Lodge to the Dutch layout. The Rouw Loge was opened and the Brethren were admitted back into the Lodge in reverse order, Entered Apprentices and Fellow Craft leading. (Some of the Brethren of De Shurland formed part of the sword arch). There followed a moving ceremony performed by the brethren of Lodge Arauna, in English, to commemorate WBro. Sam’s life as a Mason. Bro. Graham Hayes read the De Shurland eulogy to WBro. Johnson.

2013 started with news that three Brethren from De Shurland were to be awarded Provincial appointments or promotions. WBro. P. Craig had been appointed Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro. C. Overington being appointed Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon, and WBro.B. Hughes promoted to Past Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer.

In February, WBro. M. Brooks, the Grand Tyler, delivered and presented to Bro. J.D. Parry the Certificate of Service Citation for 50 Years in Freemasonry.

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In September 2013 WBro. Alan Lambkin was Installed into the Master’s Chair for the second time, the previous occasion being 1998). WBro. Charles Boxer, a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master was the last minute replacement as the Provincial Grand Master’s Representative, as the original one was unwell. WBro. Boxer was particularly pleased to be at the Lodge, as he had been a close friend of WBro Sam Johnson, and had been a personal guest of his many times.

In October at the General Purposes meeting, the Secretary reported that he had received correspondence from Grand Lodge stating that the Lodge must have an Almoner or at least insert a name on the return. There were no volunteers; clearly the post was still proving difficult to fill. The November General Purposes meeting had more troubling news in relation to offices. The Junior Warden tendered his resignation from the office to be effective immediately. In addition, the Junior Deacon intended to step down at the end of the year as he was to move away from the area. To help the Lodge, both WBro. R. Pettit and WBro. C. Overington offered to stand in as Junior Warden. WBro. Pettit’s offer was accepted, but he did not want to go back through the Chair. Initially, Bro. G. Newman ,who was currently the Inner Guard, stated that he didn’t want to jump office, but later offered to do so, and accept the office of Senior Deacon the next year. That still left a further problem in relation to the Senior Warden.

In November, it was reported that WBro. Waller would be standing down from the office of Assistant Provincial Grand Master in April the following year.

January 2014, it was reported that the Lodge had raised £11,000 towards the 2014 Festival passing its £10.000 target, but asked “don’t stop yet as there is still 4 months to go”.

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In September 2014, for the second year in a row, the Master Elect was a Past Master, WBro. R. Standish. The duties of Almoner having been looked after by the Secretary and the Mentor for the last year, it was pleasing to see someone formally appointed to the Office. Bro. Roy Massey, although not present at the meeting, was to be invested as Almoner. Unfortunately, Bro. Roy was unwell himself for much of the following year, so on a day-to-day basis the Almoner’s duties again fell to the Secretary and the Mentor, with some help from all the Brethren. The question of progression in the short term was resolved with WBro. Waller taking the office of Senior Warden. He had previously indicated that he would like to go through the Chair again if a suitable vacancy arose. The Board of Installed Masters had concluded that, as there was no other Brother in line, WBro Waller would be a very appropriate candidate for the following year as 150th Master. The Offices of Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon and Inner Guard are all filled by Master Masons, hopefully looking after succession for the next few years.

All of the Lodge members were now Master Masons or higher, and with no Candidates on the horizon, the February meeting was a rehearsal of the First Degree. In the absence of the Almoner who was himself unwell, the Secretary reported on the status of WBro. Roger Pettit who was again in hospital, very unwell.

In April 2015, thanks to much hard work by the Treasurer, the list of Brethren due to be balloted for exclusion for failure to pay their dues was reduced from the six named at the last Committee, down to one. The Treasurer rose at the Lodge meeting to propose that he should be excluded, but another member rose and asked that as we had not heard from him, and because of his ill health shouldn’t we hold off on the vote.

Understandably, the Treasurer was not very happy at being challenged in open Lodge, but he and the other member spoke after the meeting and harmony was restored! After the Lodge was closed; wives, partners and 91

non-masons were invited into the Lodge room to attend to a presentation entitled “What is a Freemason?” by WBro. Nick Waller. He started with an explanation of why Freemasonry, which in its early years had been well known to the public, had become conceived as a “secret” organisation.

Much of this was a response to the persecution it received in the years leading up to and during WWII. He went on to demonstrate that the best explanation of; what is a Freemason, was contained in our First Degree Charge, which he then delivered.

At the Board of Installed Masters in June it was decided that the 150th Anniversary year should be commemorated by a special meeting in March, being for Masons only. It was agreed that there would not be a Ladies Festival in February, instead having some kind of celebration in June involving families.

In September 2015, as would be expected for a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro. Waller, being Installed into the Chair of the Lodge, there were several senior members of the Province attending the Ceremony. WBro. R. H. Waltham, an Assistant Provincial Grand Master again attended, as the official Representative of the Provincial Grand Master, but also attending were a Past Deputy and Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

At the October meeting came two resignations, one because of ill-health and the other who had moved away from the area. Both were being contacted by the Almoner/Mentor.

However, there was some good news at that month’s General Purposes meeting. The Secretary had received an enquiry through the Provincial web site from someone interested in Freemasonry. A possible Candidate!

The Secretary had met with the gentleman, and felt he was a genuine enquirer, who warranted following-up.

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After a favourable interview, Mr. Randhawa was informed that he would be balloted in January, with the intention being to Initiate him at our March, Sesquicentenary meeting. A concern was raised about doing a First Degree at the 150 Anniversary meeting, possibly blunting the impact of the meeting both for the Candidate and the Sesquicentenary celebration itself, but the consensus was that the Lodge would be able to present a truly memorable evening for the Candidate and Brethren generally.

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CHAPTER FOURTEEN The Sesquicentenary Year At the January meeting the ballot for Mr. Randhawa as a Candidate for Initiation was carried unanimously in his favour. There was also a Notice of Motion for a donation of £1089 to the PGM’s Canterbury Cathedral Appeal to mark the Lodge Sesquicentenary. It was anticipated that if the vote at the next meeting was in favour, the cheque would be presented at the celebration meeting to the Provincial Grand Master, who would be in attendance.

Final planning and preparation for the Sesquicentennial meeting began in earnest. A dispensation had been received to allow the meeting to be held on Saturday 12th March (rather than of the usual third Wednesday).

Invitations were been sent to the Provincial Grand Master and other senior members of the Executive. News was coming through that a significant number of brethren from Loge Arauna wished to attend; aside from joining the celebrations, they are keen to see an English Initiation ceremony. While numbers attending meetings in recent years have been in steady decline, concerns are now being expressed that numbers may have to be limited. Plans are being dusted-off for additional rows of seats to be placed in the Temple; something not seen for many years.

The second volume of the Lodge history, which you are now reading, is the subject of frantic research and editing, in order to present a copy at the 150th Anniversary meeting. The Lodge has also settled on a suitable memento to present to all our members, guests and visitors; a set of ‘De Shurland’ cuff links and tie clip.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN 94

Conclusion – The New Challenge Fifty years ago, in 1966 when the Lodge was 100 years old, there were 173 members. The last half century has not been kind in terms of Lodge membership numbers. Many of our older members have passed on, but there have been many resignations, some for entirely understandable reasons, such as moving away, but others because of irreconcilable differences and cliques between members. There have also far too many exclusions for failure to pay dues. Compounding these losses has been the failure to keep pace by bringing-in suitable gentlemen in sufficient numbers, and once joined keeping them enthused with the Craft.

Many suggest that Freemasonry has become too expensive, pointing out increases in the costs of membership over the last decade or two. A look back over De Shurland’s history suggests otherwise; annual membership dues today are, in terms of relative value of money, around what they were fifty years ago. Moreover, the Initiation fee in those days was the equivalent of £500, over three times the equivalent today, while the cost of meals has remained level in value terms.

It is the case that introducing new members is now more difficult than in the middle and latter parts of the last century. Large employers have gone from the Island itself; historically, work colleagues and friends who lived close-by were “natural” recruits. Today, though, many people commute to work on the mainland, probably wanting only to get home after braving vagaries of the A249 road, having had a long day’s work. As a society, perhaps we are becoming more isolated, losing sight of the traditional values that Freemasonry embodies.

Looking to the future, we need to adapt without losing our traditions and values. The Lodge is still a happy one, with the differences of a few years 95

ago receding from memory. Indeed, as we enter the last quarter of our second centenary, we have reasons to be positive, with Candidates for Initiation, as well as joining and re-joining members on the near horizon.

One particularly successful innovation during the last 50 years has been the Junior Lodge of Instruction, which provides the perfect introduction for new members to learn their Craft. Most of us are totally unused to standing in front of our peers to perform a ritual, but the Junior Lodge allows each individual to learn and participate at every level. The Junior Lodge Preceptor carefully oversees all aspects of the ritual, culminating each June in the Junior Festival where a near perfect rendition is accomplished. This of course leads seamlessly to junior members participating far less fearfully into the main Lodge with the prospect of working through the ranks much less daunting. Most importantly, it supports our newest members in becoming engaged, enthused and committed.

Whilst we might need to adapt to the nature of society today, we must be careful to ensure that we retain the best traditions that we have enjoyed and passed on over the last 150 years; friendship, brotherhood, care for one another as well as those in our communities.

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APPENDICES 1. Founders and Original Members WM SW JW Treasurer Secretary

WBro. C. B. SHRUBSOLE. PPGSuptWorks Bro. J. JASP. M.D. Bro. T. L. STILL. WBro. A. HODGE. PPJGD Bro. W. SHEPHERD. Bro. A. FILMER. Bro. M. P. EDEN Bro. T. GRUCHY. Bro. H. T. LAYLAND. Bro. J. MACDONALD. Bro. T. M. RIGG. Bro. W. PANNELL. Bro. W. SMITH. Bro. A. W. HOWE. Bro. E. M. T. BARLING. Bro. G. BLAND. Bro. W. McKEE. Bro. J. COPLAND. Bro. J. W. W. PARSONS.

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2. Founding Officers of De Shurland Lodge WM SW JW Treasurer Secretary SD JD IG OG

WBro. C. B. SHRUBSOLE PPGSuptWks Bro. JOHN JASP Bro. THOMAS LLOYD STILL WBro. ALFRED HODGE PPJGD Bro. WILLIAM SHEPHERD Bro. ALFRED FILMER Bro. WILLIAM RUMBLE Bro. PHILIP GRUCHY Bro. GEORGE TYLER

N.B.—The Tyler was called Outer Guard, and by a curious coincidence he bore the name “Tyler”.

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3. Officers for the Sesquicentenary of De Shurland Lodge WM IPM SW JW Chaplain Treasurer Secretary DC Almoner Charity Stwd Mentor SD JD ADC Asst Sec IG Chief Stwd Stewards

Tyler

WBro. NICHOLAS WALLER PSGD, PAsstProvGM WBro. ROBERT STANDISH PPSGD Bro. GERALD COX Bro. GARY NEWMAN WBro. MARK LAMBKIN WBro. PATRICK CRAIG PPAGDC WBro. DAVID WRAIGHT WBro. RICHARD COATES WBro. RONALD STORER PPGSwdB WBro. COLIN BRIDGER PPSGD WBro. RONALD STORER PPGSwdB Bro. STEPHEN MUTTON WBro. MICHAEL WILLIAMS PPDepGSwdB WBro. DAVID BRANDER PProvAGDC WBro. BRIAN REAY Bro. TERRY DARTNELL Bro. BARRY BARNES Bro. TREVOR WILSON Bro. WAYNE BEETON Bro. WILLIAM FOSTER Bro. LESLIE MITCHELL Bro. PAUL BRADLEY

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4. Past Masters 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902

C. B. SHRUBSOLE W. SHEPHERD H. F. LAYLAND R. MCDONALD M. H. WEST H. PANNELL H. HANCOCK H. HANCOCK T. M. RIGG A. BOURNE A. BOURNE E. J. PENNEY H. G. CLARKSON J. JAFFERY S. ARCHER H. A. JOHNSON W. J. KEELER T. H. SMITH W. NORRINGTON J. TOWER J. S. FILER J. COPLAND L. T. FILLEY H. E. PANNELL H. HIGWOOD A. A. PALMER F. J. HEALES G. S. GRAMPIN W. LAWRENCE G. H. COLE R. STANNARD A. J. MARTIN G. D. HUMPHREY F. J. NEWING G. THWAITES R. E. HALLIWELL F. T. JAMES

1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 100

O. RICHE J. A. NORRIS C. W. NIGHT G. LUTFOOT J. H. COOK J. MILES W. W. BARNSBY J. E. HUDSON G. A. KING W. ROWE F. M. COLLINS W. L. ALLEN W. MILNE W. H. COVENEY W. LODDER C. E. LEZEMORE J. TURK E. H. HONEYSET F. G. C. EGAN E. W. GAUBERT H. SMALL F. J. MACDONALD E. TINGLE S. B. HOUNSELL W. JENKINS A. BURGESS E. CHILD H. W. F. BEAN Rev. W. P. GASCOIGNE A. JOHNSON M. HOGBEN W. BROWN W. J. HODGES W. A. PENNEY H. CHEESEMAN F. W. BERRY

1939

V. C. STUPPLES

1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976

C. N. WOODLEY H. S. TOWNSIN F. JACKSON H. A. SNOOK E. F. BRADING P. E. COOK D. J. WILLIAMS W. G. JOHNSON W. G. JOHNSON P. J. HANNAN C. J. WOODLEY S. G. CHEESEMAN T. S. WATKINS K. SCOTT E. H. BOWNES W. G. BAXTER R. S. WHIDDETT R. L. LLOYD H. C. A. HOOKER R. S. WHIDDETT S. BOYD-FAULKNER L. H. TOMBS H. S. WHITE J. WYLIE R. B. MANSON D. BELLINGER A. FLISHER K. A. LINTOTT K. A. LINTOTT R. G. BAILEY C. W. HAMMOND J. B. WHITE V. E. BRIGHTMAN H. EASOM J. D. MORGAN C. LOVE M. TOWLER

1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 101

L. S. POND W. H. DIBBLE J. B. FULLER R. D. REVELEY L. C. WHITEHEAD G. F. P. HERBERT G. T. OWEN T. J. LAMBKIN D. J. WYATT S. A. JOHNSON J. HARDING P. J. THOMAS R. W. HARRISON R. S. A. STORER T. E. GOWER I. JENNINGS M. A. HOLMWOOD R. H. WINGETT A. S. WATKINS M. R. WILLIAMS P. J. MACDONALD A. LAMBKIN N. P. P. WALLER R. T. PETTIT R. W. STANDISH J. W. WATSON P. CRAIG D. J. BRANDER C. C. OVERINGTON P. A. NEERVOORT C. A. BRIDGER R. I. COATES R. F. COATES M. D. LAMBKIN D. T. WRAIGHT B. REAY A. LAMBKIN R. W. STANDISH N. P. P. WALLER