Bro J T Allan, a consulting engineer, while in
London, attended a meeting of the Imperial College
of Engineers. He thoroughly enjoyed the meeting
where like minds discussed matters of common
interest and it gave him the idea that there could
be great value in having a Lodge where matters of
masonic interest could be studied and freely
discussed amongst the brethren. On his return to
South Africa he raised the possibility with a number
of brethren.
The original idea was that it should be a lodge
where the members would be graduates from the
Universities and Technical Colleges and would wear
their academic gowns at lodge meetings. This last
thought was not acceptable to the District but the
founders went ahead, and the Lodge was consecrated
by RW Bro Major General Sir Allan Adair, the
Assistant Grand Master.
In the beginning the Lodge met at the University of
the Witwatersrand but in the 1970s it became clear
that the venue was not suitable and the Lodge moved
to Freemasons' Hall, Park Lane.
The Lodge has been fortunate in having some very
distinguished members. The Charter Master, W Bro Dr
Teddy Schneider was admitted to the Court of Honour
of the College of Medicine of South Africa, the
highest honour the South African Medical Council can
confer on a member. Other founders included
Professor Raymond Dart (from the Apollo Lodge) who
was responsible for the research carried out on the
fossil remains of early man in Southern Africa; W
Bro Harry Aspinall, who played a vital role in the
Society of Electrical Engineers of South Africa,
including writing its history; and W Bro Cecil
Poulton, who was the District Grand Treasurer for 17
years from 1951.
Over the years the character of the Lodge has
changed from one of study and research to one
carrying on normal ritual activity and the pursuit
of charity.
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
Lodgess
