On this page we pay tribute to one of our Past Masters of the Lodge W.Bro Bernard Garthwaite who passed to the Grand Lodge above on 13th October 2008.

Bernard was originally from Yorkshire, but a very early age his family moved down to the Midlands and B'ham. He and his brother fitted into the life in the area and following schooling and early working life went on to form a local Scout group and build motor cycles. He emigrated with his wife Iris to South Africa where they started there family with sons Paul and Neil. We also leant that he also served in the RAF as a rear-gunner from one of his neighbours. If a "funeral could be an enjoyable affair then the W.Bro. Bernard's would certainly rank high in places! It was supported by two members of the Lodge, with Past Masters of the Lodge W.Bro. Ray Hart and W.Bro. Eddy Earl also in attendance.

The Chaplain for the ceremony was a Lady and performed her tasks with excellence. The coffin and congregation gathered in the Chapel at Redditch to "Nessum Dorma" sang by Pavarotti. The hymns during the service were "The Lords my Shepherd" and "Abide with me" and the address was delivered by W.Bro. Eddy Earl, who started with a verse and chorus of the Worshipful Masters song, followed by a pocket history of W.Bro. Bernard's Masonic career, reflecting on his love for "North Worcestershire Lodge" No. 8180. This included eventful dates including his initiation, 3 times as Worshipful Master and the sad fact of having to resign from the Lodge in 2002 due to failing health and distance. He spoke of how proud W.Bro Bernard was, having been honoured by the PGM and being promoted to the office of P.Prov.S.G.W.The Chaplain then went on to complete the address describing Bernard's love as a family man, business man and mason. The committal music was an organ recital of the closing ode and the Exit music was "Unforgettable" sung by Nat King Cole.

W.Bro Bernard's son Neil said that he has made a case for his fathers Past Masters and Provincial Jewel with a name plate and has passed these on to Bernard's Grandson. At the next North Worcestershire Lodge regular meeting, W.Bro Bernard will be remembered as a mark of respect and we plan to use the Working tools made by Neil and presented to the Lodge by Bernard during the planned 3rd Degree Ceremony. The Lodge has also plans to donate £50.00 to the Air Ambulance Service in Bernard's name.The funeral was a touching and "pleasing" passing for W.Bro. Bernard and our thoughts are with Iris and the family at this trying time.

W.Bro B. Garthwaite Masonic Carrear

Initiation

Initiated on 3rd April 1970, the 14th regular meeting of the Lodge. His Proposer Bro. R.F. Smith (Steward) S.B.St.J. (Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem). His Seconder was W.Bro. T.E. Walker (IPM)
There were 43 brethren present, members 26, visitors 6 & Tyler (Acting).

The Worshipful Master was W.Bro. E.J. Harris and the Working tools were presented by Bro. R.F. Smith.

Charity box contained £14-0-0. (lsd or pounds, shilling & pence as 1970 pre decimalisation!)

Passing

Passed to 2nd Degree on 3rd December 1971, the 23rd regular meeting of the Lodge. There were 2 "passing" that night, Bernard first and then Bro. T. Elwell.
There were 32 brethren present, 25 members, 6 visitors & the Tyler.

The Worshipful Master was W.Bro. D.L. Jessop.
For Bernard's "passing", the Worshipful Master in the chair for ceremony was W.Bro. E.J. Harris and the Working tools of a Fellow Craft were presented by Bro. R.F. Smith.
That same night the "Loving (Initiates) Cup" was presented to the Lodge from Bro. R. Birtles.

Charity box £10-0 (Decimal)

Raising.

Raised to 3rd Degree 3rd November 1972, the 28th Regular meeting of the Lodge, Past Masters Night. It was the second meeting of 8180 at the NEW Stechford Masonic Hall.
There were 36 brethren present, 25 members, 1 guest organist, 9 visitors & a Tyler.

The Worshipful Master was W.Bro. W.R. Burn.
For the first part of Raising W.Bro. A.J. Cutting was Worshipful Master in chair and the Traditional History was done by W.Bro. D.L. Jessop. The Working tools of a Master Mason. Bro. R.F. Smith and a book of ritual was presented by W.Bro. D.L. Jessop.

Charity box was not recorded!

Grand Lodge Certificate.

Presented on 6th April 1973, 32nd regular meeting By W.Bro. D.L. Jessop.

Steward of the Lodge 1973
Inner Gaurd Feb 1978
Junior Deacon Feb 1979
Senior Deacon Feb 1980
Senior Warden Feb 1981

Worshipful Master

Worshipful Master of the Lodge 5th February 1982. (40 members) Presented by W.Bro. J.G. Harding. The Working Tools were presented by the following brethren - 3rd degree tools W.Bo. K.F. Hunter, 2nd degree tools W.Bro. D.L. Jessop, 1st degree tools W.Bro. R.W. Hart.
There were 69 brethren present, 27 members, 41 visitors & Tyler.

Charity box contained £70.00

Installing Master & IPM Feb 1983
78 brethren, 31 members, 46 visitors & Tyler.
Charity box £73.60

Provincial Honours

Appointed to P.Prov.S.G.D. 12th August 1987 Promoted to P.Prov.G.Swd.B 12th August 1992

Resigned from the Lodge 15th January 1998 Continued to "Visit" the Lodge during 1998 Rejoined the Lodge 5th February 1999 W.Bro's R. Birtles & T. Light At the meeting on 5th March 1999, he was W.M. in the Chair.
The demonstration of the 2nd degree was performed with Bro. D. Hanson acting as candidate.
The Working Tools of a FC were presented by W.Bro. J. Crawford-Edis in the "extended" version.

Worshipful Master (2nd Time)

Worshipful Master of the Lodge for the second time 4th February 2000. He was presented by W.Bro. R. Hart and Installed by W.Bro. J. Fitzmaurice.
The Working Tools were presented by the following brethren - 3rd Degree Tools W.Bro. J. Painter, 2nd Degree Tools W.Bro. J. Fitzmaurice, 1st Degree Tools W.Bro. M.I Baugh.

Worshipful Master (3rd Time)

Worshipful Master pf the Lodge for the 3rd time 2nd February 2001 re-installed into the Chair of Lodge for 2nd year, due to the ill health of Master Elect W.Bro. C. Baugh.
With the ballot taking place on that evening.

Installed his successor W.Bro. C. Baugh 1st February 2002.

Provincial Promotions

Promoted to P.Prov.S.G.W. 16th October 2004

W.Bro Bernard resigned from the Lodge on 13th December 2005 due to ill health and distance to travel.

Passed to the Grand Lodge Above 13th October 2008.

Funeral 22nd October 2008.

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