London West Africa Lodge

Introduction

The laudable object of founding a Lodge, whereby Brethren in Masonry connected in their working lives with an Empire outpost can continue an association when they come home on furlough or else on their final retirement, has much to commend it. A further object is also embraced by its existence – that of establishing a more intimate relationship between Brethren in England and Brethren abroad, and incidentally better contact with the Grand Lodge of England. Both these objects, excellent in their intention and possibilities, occupy a minor position when estimating their value as a means of promoting the true cause of Freemasonry and spreading its principles.

Such a Lodge possessing all these objects and intentions has been formed in connection with our West African possessions. This latest addition to the many existing Anglo-Colonial Lodges, to be known as the London-West Africa Lodge, No. 5485, was on Tuesday, 10th July (Year TBC) consecrated.

The new Lodge would be a great source of strength to the Craft and to the District Overseas. The first Officers were men of such experience that they would readily realise their responsibilities.

Following the opening ceremony and the reading of the Warrant by the Grand Director of Ceremonies, an oration on the nature and Principles of the Institution was given by V.W.Bro. Canon Curtis. In an inspired address he referred to a visit he had recently paid to Ireland. While he had been in the County of Limerick he came across an old bridge on which was a stone bearing an inscription which had withstood the ravages of time. Deciphering the inscription, it read: “Strive to live with loving care, on the level and the square.” His mind pondered on the number of people who had read that inscription during its long existence. The memories it had awakened and the inspirations it had been responsible for. The words were symbolical of a Lodge and symbolical of life when one crossed over the bridge to the other side. Members of the Craft should always remember the words associated with the bridge. It was perhaps wonderful to contemplate how symbols taught mankind. Masonry was full of symbols. Continuing, the speaker dilated on the subject of symbols and Masonry, referring particularly to the elements used at a consecration and their symbolic significance. Jn connection with the symbol of salt, in ancient times there was a Covenant of Salt. When two people met together, this covenant was signed and salt was sprinkled over it, making it a binding contract. To take salt meant the binding of a friendship Masonry was intended as a vehicle to find and make friends. True friendship was one of the greatest possessions in life. Happy the man who could claim a real friend, and happy the Lodge in which all its members could be friends and help each other. A good Mason was a man of character, a man who could sympathize in the failings of another. A man who could look in the face of the most degraded of God’s creatures and see some good in him. In conclusion the speaker stated he understood the Lodge was to be a sort of home for those whose vocations took them to and from to West Africa. He hoped it would prove a real home and the means of affording help to each other in various ways. Above all, he hoped it would lead them across the bridge of life till they reached the other side and entered into the presence of the Most High.