Prior to 1977 there was only one English
Constitution lodge in Botswana, Pikwe No 8715, which
had recently been formed to meet in Selibe Pikwe. It
fell under the jurisdiction of the District Grand
Lodge of Zambia, but there were obvious problems of
distance, and the group of brethren who sought to
establish a lodge in Gaborone visualised it as
falling directly under Grand Lodge administration
from London. However, there was a problem over
accommodation as while the Scottish Constitution
Lodge Notwani had built their own masonic hall in
Gaborone, its members felt that there was not room
for another lodge. So the next thought was to meet
initially in Zeerust, just over the border in South
Africa. But while El Dorado was happy to sponsor the
new lodge, meeting in Zeerust was another matter and
neither Grand Lodge nor the District Grand Lodge of
the Transvaal found the idea acceptable. As a result
the petition, signed early in 1977 by twelve
brethren, provided for the Lodge to meet in Lobatse
in Botswana, but fortunately, fairly soon after
consecration, a better understanding was reached
with Lodge Notwani and it was agreed that Gaborone
Lodge should become tenants of the Scottish lodge's
hall in Gaborone.
At the request of United Grand Lodge, the District
Grand Master of the Transvaal had consecrated the
Lodge on Grand Lodge's behalf, an invitation which
had been willingly accepted, and the result was to
establish a 'rapport' between the Lodge and the
Transvaal District which helped towards the
decision, in 1981, to include Gaborone Lodge,
together with the Royal Arch Chapter consecrated in
that year, in the Transvaal District.
When the Lodge was formed, the main source of
recruitment was expatriates on contract, for limited
periods, in Botswana. There was no shortage of
candidates; on the contrary there were more than
could easily be accommodated in the Lodge programme,
but a high proportion were only to be in Botswana
for a few years. So, in order to develop a strong
lodge, multiple workings were practised almost as a
matter of course, and despite losses through
repatriation and transfers there has been a
heartening growth in numbers to around 80.
Also, by 1987, the outgoing WM was able to report
the attainment of 'excellent relations' with Lodge
Notwani, which had led to close co-operation in
improving the facilities at the masonic hall.
However, there remained a potential problem in that
the premises were on short lease, and a new masonic
home had to be sought.
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.
Freemasonry a web site for and about Freemasons - South African
Lodges
