Oration by the Provincial Grand Chaplain
Given at the ceremony to dedicate the banner of Harpenden Lodge
Introduction:
Brethren - from time immemorial men have marched and gathered under banners which have enabled them to proclaim their allegiance. A banner has always been an emblem of the fealty and homage whether to a man, a country or an ideology.
Brethren - we are told in the charge to the Initiate, to abstain from every topic of political or religious discussion when we are in the Lodge, - and so now I am about to almost go astray - I wish to state how tired I am fast becoming at the strictures put upon us by the so called ‘political correctness’ of today. On National News last week there was discussion regarding Devon County Council and the ruling that the Flag of Devon must not be flown above Devonshire County Council Buildings. During the Six Nations Competition some fourteen days ago there was disruption in one of our Universities when students were forbidden to display National flags or Banners in support of their respective teams.
Just about eighteen months ago we remembered the life of perhaps the greatest Naval hero of all time - Lord Nelson - and remembered his amazing victory – The Battle of Trafalgar.
One begins to wonder how the battle of Trafalgar could even take place today, let alone be won – Hardy raised thirty one flags in order to inspire allegiance and patriotism from his men – ‘England expects that every man will do his duty’.
However - let’s get back to reality !!!
…….There is strong evidence to suggest that just like all of us assembled here today - Lord Nelson was also invested with the distinguishing badge of a mason – and I guess - No !! - I am pretty confident - that he would have been told that --‘it is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle - more honourable than the Garter or any other Order in existence’ and he would have been charged to ensure that his future conduct would never disgrace that Badge - and let us remember Nelson received many titles - and was decorated with many honours.
The History of The Banner:
The Roman Eagle was adopted as a military Standard or Banner by Consul Gaius Marius in 103 BC and men marched behind it because it was seen to be the symbol of the Senate and of the People of Rome.
In battle it was the rallying point – it symbolised Loyalty, Fidelity and Unity. The banner before us today, therefore reminds us of our Duty and fidelity to The Great Overseer of the Universe and acts as a rallying point for the three Grand Principles upon which our Fratenity is founded – Brotherly Love Relief and Truth.
Banners in Masonry:
In Grand Lodge and In Provincial Grand Lodge the Pursuivant or Inner Guard is asked – ‘What is your duty’ and he replies ‘to give a due report of all approaching Brethren and to see that they are properly clothed and ranged under their respective Banners’ - Although the brethren so assembled have no visible banners with them, symbolically, it means that Grand Lodge is composed of Lodges – each with its own particular characteristics - its banner - each contributing to the beauty and harmony of the whole Order.
The Harpenden Lodge Banner:
It is fitting then - that we meet today under the Banner that is - the Harpenden Lodge - and whose ideals are embodied in this physical Banner that we are about to Dedicate.
In 1960 a group of Mark Master Masons based in St Albans and Harpenden decided to seek to create a New Lodge to be called the Harpenden Lodge of Mark Master Masons, which was to meet in the Harpenden Public Hall – Many of the Petitioners were members of either Debenham or St Albans Mark Lodges.
The Lodge was consecrated by R W Bro the Rev’d Joseph Moffett on the 9th June 1961. W Bro Arnold Simon was the first Master- he was later to become the Craft Deputy PGM another notable Founder was W Bro Richard J Hammond. Over the years the membership steadily increased and many members have served with distinction in this Order as well as holding prominent positions in many of the other Orders in Masonry. The Lodge moved to Ashwell House in 1997 where it has comfortably made its home.
When R W Bro Keith Emmerson, our present Provincial Grand Master’ indicated his vision for Lodges within the Province to – ‘range under their respective banners’ - particularly at the Meetings of the Provincial Grand Lodge - it was not long before the Secretary of the Harpenden Lodge, V W Brother Michael Cross, felt that one should be made - and supported by the members of the Lodge - we see before us - the evidence of their commitment. The financial cost has been found from the Lodge General Fund, which means that all the members of the Lodge have made their contribution to the realisation of this Banner as have those past members who, though not with us, are remembered today.
The Banner is simple in design - The Blue, or Azure, background indicates Truth, Strength, and Loyalty: The Red, or Gules, indicates Fortitude and Passion.
It is surmounted with the Provincial Emblem or Logo confirming the Lodge allegiance to the Province and embodying, above all, allegiance to the teaching that is at the very heart of the Mark Degree and depicted on the banner by the Keystone, the emblem of our Order. A symbol revered as the chief and most sacred portion of the Arch.
I remind you of the importance of the keystone - to us - it is not only the jewel of the Degree, and bears the Mark Master Mason’s Mark of approval, but it teaches us to appreciate the fact that honest work, faithfully performed, even though unappreciated, will vindicate itself and bring just rewards. It teaches us to practice charity of thought, as well as deed, and not to judge harshly or condemn others through our own lack of understanding.
You will see that the Central feature of the Banner is taken from the Harpenden Shield, which announces entry to the Town and also bears a Hart the County emblem of Hertfordshire. It also shows three sheaves of corn – and bears the Latin motto ‘Fide et Labore’.
Brethren – when this Lodge was consecrated – just over 45 years ago – Corn was sprinkled upon it – Corn being the emblem of Abundance and Plenty and here on your banner you have the happy reminder of that occasion – May the great Overseer of the Universe continue to bless your Lodge and your members with an abundance of his goodness and in return may you bring forth a harvest - yea - an hundred-fold.
This hope links well with the Latin inscription – ‘Fide et Labore’ – which translated means - With Faith and with Work.
Our Application of The Teaching of the Order:
Brethren of the Harpenden Lodge, as you maintain your faith in the Great Overseer and as you endeavour to carry out your daily living with honest and industrious labour carried out to his glory – may you continue to ‘mark well’.
And so it is appropriate that today we set apart - we Dedicate - this Lodge Banner - symbolic of the members of this Lodge - who have declared their Faith in the Great Overseer of the Universe and who ….by precept and example are willing to live well and to display all the Masonic Virtues - in the midst of the errors and vices of the world and to exhibit in their lives and conduct the effect of the hidden mysteries which our symbols and teaching are intended and well calculated to unfold……!.
Charge:
I therefore, charge each member of the Harpenden Lodge of Mark Master Masons here today, to meditate upon the symbols of your banner and to live by the precepts that those symbols imply. Thereby will you be able to receive the approving Mark of the Great Overseer of the Universe - and be ‘fitted to form part of that Spiritual Edifice – that Temple – that House not made with Hands – Eternal in the Heavens’.
David M Sawyer - Provincial Grand Chaplain
7th March 2007
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