South Africa Freemasons New Zealand Lodge
in the District of South Africa North
Freemasons: New Zealand Lodge No. 8824
Witfield
District Johannesburg
Consecrated: 1978
Meetings: 1st Mon Feb, Mar, May, July, Sep, Nov, Dec
Meeting place: Freemasons' Hall 8 Park Lane,
Parktown Johannesburg
The idea of forming the Lodge arose during a social
discussion following an RAF Officers Club meeting in
1976. The prospective Charter Master, Laurie
Chegwidden, was a New Zealander who fought in the
Battle of Britain and the founders included brethren
from 'down under', as well as ex-RAF personnel. And
while the prime objective was to establish a masonic
home for New Zealanders living in South Africa, and
visitors from that country, it was always recognised
that viability would require a somewhat broader
membership base. Indeed the membership was largely
built up by joining members, including a group from
another 'fellowship' society who did not see eye to
eye with the current members, resulting in some
quite serious dissension. However, stalwarts in the
Lodge saw it through and the active support of some
joining members from a very strong lodge resulted in
New Zealand Lodge reaching an adequate membership
level.
The Lodge meets at Park Lane, as a dining lodge, and
makes a feature of fellowship at the festive board.
Of the Past Masters who have served the Lodge well,
special mention must be made of W Bro Bert Suffling,
a founder and twice the Master, with a good record
of service to the District.
To close on a lighter note, the Lodge crest embodies
a kiwi, and one wonders what the several ex-RAF
pilot members thought of this use of the
acknowledged RAF term for a non-flying member of the
airfield staff?
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
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