The International Association of Lion Clubs is a
worldwide network of clubs dedicated to the service
of humanity in general and to the underprivileged in
particular, coupled with a sense of loyalty to their
country and to their civic duties.
By its very nature the Lions' code of ethics runs
parallel with and often intertwines with the
fundamental principles of Freemasonry. It is
therefore not surprising that many Lions are found
to be staunch and active masons.
So it was natural that involvement in both
Freemasonry and Lionism should give rise to the
notion of forming a Lodge to be comprised of members
of Lion Clubs. The thinking was that such a Lodge
would engage in practical activities for the benefit
of the community to a larger extent than is normal
in the average lodge.
The originators of First Pride Lodge were W Bro
Bernard Lotzof and Bro Brian Stredder and a senior
founder was W Bro Teddy Sachs, PAGReg, who had been
the District Grand Registrar since 1962. Through
their efforts, a total of 13 Lions who were masons
became the founders of First Pride Lodge. Such was
their enthusiasm that they named the lodge 'First
Pride' believing that it would be the first of a
number of lodges formed by 'prides' of Lions in
different parts of the country.
Initially every member of the Lodge was a Lion but
as the years passed the membership changed and
businessmen who are not Lions are now in the
majority. However, the legacy of Lionism is still
apparent and it was traditional that once every
year, in concert with the Lions Host Club of
Johannesburg, the Lodge entertained more than 100
senior citizens to a scrumptious and convivial lunch
at Freemasons'Hall in Parktown, where the Lodge
holds its meetings.
W Bro Brian Stredder attained the rank of Assistant
District Grand Master in 1988, and in 1991 that of
Past Junior Grand Deacon. His sudden death in
October 1991 was a severe blow to English
Freemasonry in the Transvaal.
The Lodge displays a youthful spirit both in its
workings and at the festive board, the majority of
its members being young at heart as well as in
years.
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
