Brigg Freemasons mark member’s 100th birthday

Freemasons from Brigg-based Ancholme Lodge have help celebrate the milestone 100th birthday of member Eddie Instone, writes Lodge Secretary Chris Fletcher.

Eddie is very popular, and the lodge visitors could not get a booking to take their birthday wishes until two days after his September 3rd birthday.

Lodge Almoner, Dave Gillman designed a card for Eddie, which was signed by many of the Brigg Masons, who were joined by Deputy PGM John Crutchley to pass on our congratulations.   Dave reported that Eddie was overwhelmed by the kind thoughts and didn’t stop talking for over an hour.

Eddie was initiated in May 1968 (yes, that’s 56 years in Freemasonry) and was the lodge almoner foe 10 years!  His health precludes him attending at present, but he is remembered at every meeting as he wrote many of our poems that we use at the lodge, such as this one:

There is a place in Cary Lane
That’s known to but a few
To a world a sign proclaims
Yet wonders what we do

Inside our Master rules the Lodge
Direct from Solomon’s chair
The workings of our mystic art
To brothers gathered there

Assisted by his Wardens, Deacons
The inner guard as well
Who when called upon
Chimes the muted bell

The D. C. upright wand in hand
Ensures and overseas
The workings of the Brethren
In the three degrees

Before our Lodge is duly formed
The Chaplain leads in prayer
Invokes the “Great Architect”
To bless all assembled there

The Tyler sits outside with sword
And guards the outer door
To ward off all intruders
Off our chequered floor

The Stewards and the Almoner
All know their special tasks
To wait upon the Brethren
At table, or when asked

The secretary pen in hand
With skill dexterity
Records the minutes of the Lodge
For all prosperity

The Treasurer collects our dues
Divides them equally
Some to cover costs
The rest to Charity

The Organist plays in open Lodge
Later with one accord
Accompanies the singers
At the festive board

The Brethren come from far and wide
Of every class and creed
But once inside our open Lodge
Their differences recede

The furnishings and working tools
How still they brightly shine
Since our Lodge was founded
In eighteen sixty nine

Our order stands to ridicule
Some may mock and goad
The world would be a better place
Following our moral code

So Brethren all, let’s face the world
Raise our glass and cheer
And shout, how proud we are in Ancholme Lodge
In famous Lincolnshire

Eddie is an inspiration to everyone!

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