The Lodge banner was presented
to the Lodge by one of the founders, W.Bro H.E. Mitchell and
his good lady on 7th May 1971.
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The North Worcestershire
Lodge Banner |
The ceremony of Unveiling, was
performed by the Provincial Grand Master at that time, The Right
W. Bro Lt Col O.W.D. Smith J.P. DL followed by an address to
the Brethren of the Lodge coupled with words of congratulation
to W.Bro Mitchell and Mrs Mitchell on their generosity in giving
the banner to the Lodge.
Mention was also
made of the wonderful skill of Mrs Mitchell, who had beautifully
embroidered it.
The banner is
of Worcester Cathedral, with the River Severn in the fore ground.
The North Star, which is a pivotal point of mariners, is also
a feature.
The tribute to
Worcestershire is two fold, firstly, the name is a reminder
that Stechford and Yardley for centuries were part of Worcestershire.
And secondly,
the banner's illustration may remind us that on the site of
the medieval cathedral once stood the earliest church and various
buildings of the Benedictine Monastery.
Dedication to the Lodge Banner
The following is a dedication
of the Lodge Banner as written in the North Worcestershire Lodge
minute book by: W.Brother Rev A. Webb – Provincial Grand
Chaplin in 1968.
Banners have a long and venerable
history as visible, recognisable rallying points. Masonic banners
are visual recognition signals around which Freemasons rally.
There are five points I would like to make about what it represents:
Cathedral and County - To remind us that spiritual renewal is essential
among men who put their trust in God. Hence labours here are
symbolised by a fruit bearing pear tree from the county arms,
which also benefit from such renewal.
The Lodge itself -
Is named and subtly indicated by a representation of the north
star as its house here is on the northern edge of the province.
I am told that there is no connection whatsoever with a hostellery
just across the road named the North Star.
Industry -
Is prominent in this northern part of the province. The members
of this Lodge will I am sure be no less industrious in their
masonry than the world outside over its industry.
Vision - This
banner will I trust remind all who see it that Freemasonry continuously
represents to us a vision of the qualities of the virtuous man,
those virtues we veil in allegory and illustrate symbolically.
Enthusiasm -
In the 18th Century an enthusiast was one who upset ordered
society and the existing religion by hippy-like orgies of a
supposedly religious character. We are reminded not to be an
enthusiast in that sense, but we must be enthusiastic about
our Freemasonry, and encourage masons to progress both in the
Lodge and in their understanding of Freemasonry.
During the moves which led to
the founding of this Lodge, there was one W.Bro who was a tower
of strength and wisdom. He suggested its name, assisted at its
consecration, but regrettably passed to the Grand Lodge above
only one year after its consecration.
You will all know that I refer
to W.Bro Ted Clive. In closing and to sum up some respects of
this banner, I give you a simple acronym C.L.I.V.E.
City
and County , the Lodge itself, Industry, Vision, Enthusiasm
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