South Africa Freemasons Alchemy Lodge
in the District of South Africa North
South Africa Freemasons Alchemy Lodge
No. 7956 P.O. Box 3490 Rivonia
District Johannesburg
Consecrated: 1964
Meetings: 4th Monday Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov
Meeting place:Freemasons' Hall 8 Park Lane, Parktown
Johannesburg
The lodge was formed to foster closer and fraternal
ties between pharmacists who are freemasons. The
name reflects the connection between the ancient
'science' of alchemy, the forerunner of chemistry
and the modem art of pharmacy. The Consecrating
Chaplain, W Bro Leslie Wheal, said in his oration:
'Alchemy cannot transform base metals into precious
ones nor can Freemasonry convert base souls into
noble ones but our constant endeavour "every day to
begin the task anew", like the purifying flame of
the alchemist's crucible, may ultimately enable us
to attain that state where we shall "remember all
the commandments of the Lord, and do them."
The lodge had the rare privilege of being
consecrated by the Grand Secretary, RW Bro James
Stubbs, who visited Alchemy again in 1980. A senior
founder, W Bro Alf Reichenberg, a mason for many
years, was to serve the lodge in several capacities
until shortly before his death in 1986.
The lodge has always met at Freemasons' Hall in
Parktown. Its progress has been one of mixed
fortunes, with the membership being adversely
affected by transfers, emigration and resignations
and this has meant that the intention of the
founders to have and maintain a strong
pharmaceutical presence in the lodge has yielded to
a widening of the basis of membership. But the
current membership, although small, is enthusiastic
and hopefully the lodge can be rebuilt to a position
of strength, while retaining links with the
pharmaceutical community.
Exsequi Lodge meets at Park
Lane in Johannesburg, South Africa on the fourth Monday of
February (Election Meeting), April (Installation Meeting),
June, August, October and November. Exsequi is a Freemasons
Dining Lodge and masonic guests are most welcome.
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