De Shurland Lodge History

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