De Shurland Lodge History

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