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Death of Robert Wareing»

New Masonic Centre in Bourne» Lincolnshire Masons attend Quarterly Communications»

W.Bro. Eric Booth is honoured by County»

Grand Lodge Visit - by Michael Moncaster» A Visit to Nigeria - by Alan Petherbridge»

The Spalding Breeches Bible»

The First Templar in Lincolnshire» Oldest Masonic Grave

Harold Gravells - a Mason in service»

Symbolism - in the air and on the ground» Jack Wayman " Gentle man and Gentleman"»

Robert Wareing, DFC (Bar), AE Award, PAGDC
Born 22 December 1916, Died 26 November 2011

Photograph taken when Bob was 70 years old

St Lawrence Lodge, No 2078 and freemasonry in general, has suffered the sad loss of W Bro Robert Wareing, DFC and Bar, AE. He died on the 26 November 2011, in Scunthorpe General Hospital and would have been 95 years old on the 22 December.

Bob was initiated into St Lawrence Lodge, No. 2078, on the 6th February 1956 aged 38 years; his Proposer was Bro Edward Rowley and his Seconder was Bro George Neale. He was passed on the 4 June 1956, raised on the 4 March 1957 and achieved the Chair of Worshipful Master in 1967.

Bob was appointed the Deputy Provincial Director of Ceremonies in 1974 and became the Provincial Director of Ceremonies in 1978

He received the Grand Rank of PAGDC in 1978 was pleased to be also asked to be the Worshipful Master of his mother Lodge, St Lawrence Lodge, No. 2078, in 1994.

He was appointed Sphere of Influence Officer for St Lawrence Lodge in 1989 and held that position until 2009.

He was the last surviving Founder Member of the Lodge of St John, No. 7840. When the Lodge of St. John was consecrated in 1962, he was to be the first Assistant Secretary but, due to one of the other founders unable to take Office, became the first Inner Guard instead.

He was exalted into St. Lawrence Chapter on 10 October 1957 aged 40 years.

On the 13 April 1972 he was installed as MEZ and became the ADC on the 11 April 1974.
Promotion to DC followed 3 years later, a position he held until 14 April 1988. He then continued as ADC until 12 April 1990.

As in the craft, his promotion in the Royal Arch was rapid, receiving his first appointment in 1974 as Provincial ADC.
In 1976 he was promoted to PPrGSN and Prov Dep GDC in 1976. In 1978 he received promotion to PGStB and in 1983 became the Provincial 2nd Grand Principal. His last promotion was to PAGSoj in 1989.

He was appointed Sphere of Influence Officer for St Lawrence Chapter in 1989 and held that position until 2008.

He was the Worshipful Master of the St Oswald Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 387 in 1973 and also attained Provincial Grand Rank and then Grand Rank followed in 1986 in that Degree.

He was the Worshipful Commander of the St Oswald’s Lodge of RAM in 1982 and received Grand Rank in 1992.

He was the Most Puissant Sovereign of the Thornholme Conclave, No. 314, in 1982 and also attained the Grand Rank of Past Great Chamberlain in that degree.

He was a 31° member of Patmos Rose Croix Chapter, No. 446, a member of All Saints Preceptory, No.320, of Knights Templar, with the rank of Past Great Standard Bearer (VB) and a member of the Lincolnshire Tabernacle of Knights Templar Priests holding the rank of Past Grand VII Pillar.

He had received Grand Rank in all the Degrees of which he was a member.

He was a very good ritualist and worked to a very high standard, which he also expected from the brethren. He was truly part of the fabric of masonry not only in Scunthorpe but in the whole Province.

W. Bro. Robert Wareing was a Scunthorpe man, born in John Street – where the bus station now is - in a family of 6 sons and is only survived by one brother Reg. He started his working life as an articled clerk with Stephenson and Smart. In 1939 he joined the Volunteer Reserve in Waltham. He only had 75 hours flying experience when joined the RAF 106 Squadron at Finningley.

He married Joan on 30 May 1942 and they had two sons Andrew and Christopher. In 2002 they celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary and would have been celebrating the 70th in May 2012.

Bob had a very distinguished war service.

He flew Lancaster bombers during the War and was the first man to win a major decoration when he received the DFC for a raid over Brest in France to destroy 2 Cruisers. Flying at an altitude of 1,000 ft he couldn’t see the target. However, despite search lights and heavy anti-aircraft fire went in again to make a successful attack on his target. The citation for this DFC appeared in the London Gazette on 25 April 1941. He received DFC Bar for a successful raid over Germany when he made several re-runs to successfully accomplish his mission – he was 25 years old at the time. For the younger brethren, the DFC is awarded for gallantry during active operations against the enemy. His name is the first to appear on the honours board at RAF Coningsby. He also received the Air Efficiency Award - an honour given for ten years' efficient service in the Reserve Air Forces of the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and Empire.

In July 1944 he was shot down over France. He was rescued and hidden by a French family but they gave him over to the Germans because he was badly burned and required hospital treatment which he received from the Germans. He was held in a POW camp on the Baltic coast until liberated by the Americans in 1945.

After the war Bob resumed his career with Stephenson & Smart and in 1954 qualified as a Chartered Accountant and became a Fellow of the Institute of Secretaries and Administrators.
After the war he was Commanding Officer of the local Air Cadets for many years.

He joined the Rotary Club of Scunthorpe in 1969 and was its President in 1980-81
His wife Joan, a former Scunthorpe magistrate, who is 91 years has been ill for quite some time and Bob has spent the last few years caring and looking after her and so had not attended the his lodges since 2008; up to that time he had been a regular attendee at all lodge and committee meetings of both his craft lodges.

He was a perfect gentleman, very amiable and a man of strong principles who always stood by them and an inspiration to many. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Raymond Wade, Scribe E
St. Lawrence Chapter, No. 2078

NEW MASONIC CENTRE DEDICATED IN BOURNE

September 5th. 2011 saw a new chapter opened in the history of Bourne Freemasonry when a new Masonic Centre was Dedicated in the town. The Provincial Grand Master and his team of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers joined with the Freemasons of Bourne and other visitors to give the new centre a wonderful start.

The start of a new Masonic era for Bourne

Council Development of Bourne Town Centre meant that the previous Masonic Lodge had to go and so the Bourne Lodges began a search for suitable premises. A lease was signed in December 2010 on some existing premises on Roman Bank, Bourne and then in 2011 began a labour of love to convert the building ready for the new Masonic season.

The Lodge Room awaits the Dedication Ceremony

Preparing the dining room for the capacity Festive Board

An essential piece of Lodge furniture - the new bar

The Brethren involved in converting and decorating the building have done a splendid job and the Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, paid a glowing tribute to them during the recent Dedication Ceremony.

The ceremony, in a packed to capacity Lodge Room, followed the usual Masonic protocols with the Provincial Grand Master taking the gavel from the Worshipful Master and carrying out the ritual. After the Dedication, Rt.W.Bro. Ives unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

The Brethren of Hereward Lodge and Lodge of Aveland after the Dedication Ceremony

A special moment then followed when the Provincial Grand Master was escorted to W.Bro. Raymond Ringrose’s seat in the Lodge Room whereupon he gave a resumé of the long and dedicated service that W.Bro. Ringrose, who is aged 97, still attends Masonic functions and is the senior Mason of Hereward Lodge in Bourne, had given to Lincolnshire Freemasonry for over 70 years.

The Provincial Grand Master, Grand Officers and the Provincial Team with W.Bro. Raymond Ringrose holding the Certificate of Merit

W.Bro. Ringrose had been initiated on 21st April 1939 and was subsequently Exalted in the Holy Royal Arch on 15th November 1948. He is highly respected Freemason and has been head of several other Orders within Freemasonry.

The Provincial Grand Master thanked W.Bro. Ringrose for his friendship, guidance and support over many years and stated that he wished to show his appreciation in a special way - by presenting his Certificate of Merit to W.Bro. Ringrose. All the Brethren rose, with one accord, and applauded this wonderful act of recognition and merit.

This was a most fitting tribute at the end of a very special night for Bourne Masons and we wish both Hereward Lodge and Lodge of Aveland well in their splendid new home.

LINCOLNSHIRE MASTER MASONS ATTEND QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS

The Quarterly Communications Meeting of Grand Lodge is held at noon on the second Wednesday in the months of March, June, September and December each year in the magnificent setting of the Grand Temple at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London. This colourful and prestigious meeting is usually presided over by the Pro Grand Master or, occasionally, by the Grand Master, and begins with a most impressive procession into the Grand Temple by the Presiding Officer, the Active Grand Officers for the year and many of the Rt. W. Provincial Grand Masters under the United Grand Lodge of England.

Those who are entitled to attend these meetings, in addititon to the Grand Officers, are the Worshipful Masters, present Wardens , and Past Masters of our Lodges, none of whom require to give notice of their intention to attend and no tickets are needed by them. Recently Grand Lodge decided to invite a number of Master Masons below the rank of active Warden of their Lodge to attend the Quarterly Communications Meetings from time to time, such invitations being extended to Provinces on a rota basis.

In July this year, the Provincial Grand Secretary received a letter of invitation for 16 Master Masons in the Province of Lincolnshire to attend the meeting on the 14th September 2011 and , following his letter to all Lodge Secretaries, was delighted to inform the Grand Secretary that we were able to fill the quota offered so that a number of Brethren throughout our Province would have the honour and unique experience of seeing at first hand the splendour of a Grand Lodge Ceremony.

In his letter to the Lodge Secretaries, the Provincial Grand Secretary took the opportunity of including a reminder of the criteria for attendance, with the result that the total representation of our Province, led by our Rt. W. Provincial Grand Master and including his Deputy, the Provincial Grand Secretary and the Provincial Grand Almoner, amounted to 35 Brethren. Our Master Masons received their own special tickets for the meeting, were received in a private room at Freemasons Hall, and were allocated their own seats in the Grand Temple.

The Deputy Grand Master, Rt. W. Bro. Jonathan Spence, presided over the meeting at which no less than 1200 Brethren were present. The agenda for the meeting, as set out in the paper of business, was duly conducted and was followed by a most interesting address by the Presiding Officer who, before closing Grand Lodge, extended a cordial welcome to the several distinguished visitors from overseas. The singing of the National Anthem by such a large number of Brethren, enhanced by the music from the magnificent organ in Grand Lodge, was a moving and memorable experience in itself.

After the meeting closed, 33 of the Brethren from Lincolnshire were able and pleased to join our Provincial Grand Master at a nearby restaurant for a delicious and good value lunch together, which was enjoyed in a most convivial atmosphere and which represented a fitting finale to a most memorable day.

The Provincial Grand Master's Table

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master's Table

The Provincial Grand Secretay's Table

The Rt. W. Provincial Grand Master was proud to be accompanied by so many of his Brethren from across the length and breadth of his Province and is entirely confident that those who were privileged to attend will share their thoughts of such a special day with their many Masonic friends.

W.BRO. ERIC BOOTH HONOURED BY THE LORD LIEUTENANT

This article was planned to mark the award of the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire’s Certificate of Merit to Eric Charles Booth for the outstanding service he had given to Lincolnshire and to celebrate that lifetime of duty. Sadly, Eric was taken ill during the writing of the article and passed away on Sunday 31st July, 2011, at the age of 88 years - sixteen days before his 89th birthday - never seeing it. We print it here, with the consent of his family, as a tribute to this wonderful man, Freemason and servant of the people.

A justifiably proud moment as W.Bro. Eric Booth received the Lord Lieutenant's Certificate of Merit

For a child who at birth on the 16th August 1922 weighing 2.5 lbs and was given 48 hours to live, Eric Charles Booth had a remarkable and rewarding life, not only for himself and his family, but also for those who were fortunate enough to have benefited from his generosity of spirit and public service. In his later years he continued to exhibit an energy in his devotion to the care and welfare of others which would daunt most people many years his junior.

During the Second World War Eric joined the 1st Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers and was a fine, very young soldier who fought bravely with the Squadron during its final battles in Tunisia, then in Sicily, Italy and, most notably, at Arnhem in September 1944, in which he took part in the gallant 3-day and night defence of the northern end of Arnhem Bridge. After a short period as a recipient of Germany's, hospitality, Eric returned to civilian life relatively unscathed.

After the war in the 'Fifties, Eric Booth, and three ex-members of the Squadron, who had married and settled down in the Donington area (where the Squadron had been billeted before the Arnhem operation) organised a weekend reunion for their surviving old comrades to coincide with Arnhem Week. The reunion (which embraces not only veterans but their wives, sons and daughters, and widows) established a regular pattern of a dinner on the Saturday night, followed by a church parade on Sunday morning involving a march to Donington Church behind the standards of the local Parachute Regiment Associations and a piper.

Eric became the sole organising secretary of the weekend and the reunion club - a post he held for 46 years. Under his leadership the 1st. Parachute Squadron RE Club developed into something very much more than just an annual dining event. As well as being solely responsible for organising accommodation, catering, and arrangements for the church parade, Eric Booth kept in touch with old comrades as far apart as Australia and California, attended funerals, purchased wreaths, wrote to widows - many of whom still continue to attend the reunion dinner and church parade. Far from declining, as old comrades become infirm and die, numbers continued to grow with a third generation attending with their grandfathers, mothers and fathers, and this was entirely due to Eric Booth's enthusiasm and dedication.

Over the years, Eric obtained faculties from the Diocese for furnishing the Arnhem Chapel in Donington Church with a prie-dieu and cassocks, a Book of Remembrance on its lectern, a large memorial wall plaque and an altar table complete with Cross and candlesticks.

While members of the club pay a small annual subscription, this could not possibly stretch to cover all Eric's expenditure on postage, telephone, wreaths and travel expenses, nor reflect the days and weeks of devoted service he gave voluntarily every year to the club's activities in memory of wartime comrades.
He was also a former President of the Gosberton Branch of the Royal British Legion.

In addition, Eric made valuable contributions to a number of voluntary organisations. He served the community in which he lived as a Special Constable for 17 years, earning not only a long service medal, but also two commendations for bravery from the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire.

Eric was also a volunteer ambulance driver and, until he was retired at 70 years of age, over a period of five years he transported patients all over the country On one occasion Nina, his wife, operated a manual respirator for an infant during a journey to London.

During his 10 years as a Parish Councillor for Gosberton, in his year as Chairman during the 60s', he organised relief for drivers when they were stranded in the village which had been cut off by snowdrifts

Eric, came into Freemasonry late in life, in 1982, and was an Honorary Member of Hundred of Elloe Lodge No:469 in Spalding. He was also a member of Welland Chapter No:469 and a Joining Member and Past Master of Welland Lodge No:9556.

The Provincial Grand Master, on his first appointment receives the opportunity of conferring 13 additional appointments to Provincial Grand Rank; one of the recipients being Eric. The high regard with which Eric was held was further emphasised in that he received his Provincial Rank before he served as Master of his Lodge.

Eric along with other recipients of the Certificate of Merit, with their families and friends, at Lincoln

Eric was involved in many other Orders being a Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in the Mark Degree and member of Mercia Lodge MMM No:1240; a Knight Templar in Carmelite Preceptory No:349; a Knight of the Order of Red Cross of Constantine in Spalding Conclave No:346 and a member of Stukeley Chapter Rose Croix No:503.

In this latter Order there is a jewel for those members whose loyalty and dedication of service are deserving of recognition which would be denied them because they would never attain the chair of their Chapter. Only one such recognition has been made in Lincolnshire and that was made to Eric Booth by the head of the Order, V.Ill.Bro. Geoffrey Mawer Cooper 33º.

In recent years Eric devoted himself, in particular, to the care of those less able than he was to deal with the increasing infirmity of advancing years and often assisted disabled people to attend Church services by transporting them himself.

Finally in this citation of his life of much public service it should not be forgotten that Eric remained a devout Christian, not only in his regular worship and membership of the local choir; he also lived and acted the life of a Christian and is a shining example to us all. It was entirely appropriate that Eric’s outstanding demonstration of the Christian ethic of loving one's neighbour should be acknowledged by the award of the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit.

Our sincere condolences go to Eric’s wife Nina and daughter Candi (shown above) and also to grandaughter Cindy and all other family and friends. He will be sadly missed .

GRAND LODGE VISIT BY MICHAEL MONCASTER -2010

Although being a new Masonic member, I was only passed in November 2009, I am already intrigued by its mysteries and anxious to increase my knowledge. When my father-in-law invited me to go on the trip to Grand Lodge with him I immediately jumped at the opportunity.

On arriving to meet the bus at Sleaford car park it was at first rather daunting to be in the company of so many Grand Lodge, Provincial Lodge and experienced brethren. However their friendliness and welcome soon put me at ease and they were eager to impart knowledge about what I could expect to find.

The journey passed quickly and we soon arrived outside Grand Lodge. A previously organised lunch and glass of wine in a hostelry opposite Grand Lodge was most welcome before commencing our tour.

Experienced staff conducted us around and we were made to feel most welcome. Some of the facts I acquired were: Freemasons’ Hall is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the principal meeting place for Masonic Lodges in London.

Grand Lodge has been in Great Queen Street since 1775, the present Hall being the third building on the site. Built between 1927–1932 as a memorial to the Freemasons who died in the First World War, it is one of the finest Art Deco buildings in England, and is now a Grade II listed building.

However nothing could prepare me for the splendour of walking into the Grand Temple it almost took one’s breath away. Just to imagine in excess of 1700 brethren being seated, it almost made my own temple in Louth seem small, (plus 21 other lodge rooms).

Our guide was most knowledgeable and explained details of its construction right down to the last of the 3300 of small pieces of mosaic which form the ceiling decoration. A modern fact which emerged was that Freemasons Hall has now become a popular location for feature film and television dramas – next time ‘Spooks’ is on television is the entrance of MI5 really MI5? )

This was followed by a tour of the secretary’s temple and then a browse around the Library and Museum. The material on display was clearly labelled and covered all aspects of Masonic life because of the time factor we were only able to glimpse – another longer visit is certainly required. A welcome coffee in the ‘drawing room’ was then followed by smaller groups of us being conducted round the ‘charity offices’ where some of the Charity Stewards present were actually able to meet some of the staff who they had only previously spoken to over the phone. It was certainly evident that a great deal hard work is being done in the name of charity.

I would advise all new members or any member who has not had the opportunity to visit Grand Lodge to do so. It will not only increase your knowledge of Freemasonry but will allow you to see the excellent work which your charity contributions go to.
This was an excellent visit and congratulations must certainly go to our Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro John Hockin, for the hard work and organisation which he put in to enable this trip to be so successful.

Michael Moncaster
Lindsey Lodge 712

A VISIT TO ST GEORGE'S LODGE NO:3065, NIGERIA - W.BRO. ALAN PETHERBRIDGE, SMYTH LODGE NO:2284

After all these years living and working overseas I managed to visit another Lodge. I was given the opportunity to go to St George’s Lodge No 3065 which operates under the United Grand Lodge of England here in Lagos, Nigeria.

St George’s Hall, Broad Street, Lagos

I had plenty of paperwork to get in order before I could visit but it was all worth while. First I had to contact the Provincial Grand Secretary Worshipful Brother Carroll Preston at Lincolnshire HQ in Grimsby as I wanted to visit a Lodge outside of the United Kingdom. This proved not to be a problem because, when Carroll checked it out with Grand Lodge, St George’s is classified as being under UGLE as a District - the difference here is that instead of having a Provincial Grand Master they have a District Grand Master. I then contacted St George’s Lodge Secretary W.Bro. Rabie Jarmakani, who told that all he needed was a Certificate of Good Standing and my Grand Lodge Certificate.

Floor Mosaic as you enter the building

All paperwork complete I set off for the visit one fine Friday evening and arrived at same time as the Worshipful Master WBro.Samir Jarmakani who unlocked the magnificent old colonial style building set in the middle of the financial district of Lagos and got the generator going before giving me a very warm welcome.

WBro.Samir Jarmakani, Master of St George’s Lodge No 3065 greets W.Bro. Alan Petherbridge of the Smyth Lodge No:2284, Grimsby

The night started off with everyone picking their bottles of water before they entered the Lodge as it can get very sticky and plenty of water helps prevent dehydration. On some of the photographs you can see the ceiling fans.

The Lodge Room looking East

The evening was brilliant with a lecture presented by one of the junior brethren. I have since witnessed an excellent first degree ceremony when the Worshipful Master initiated his elder blood brother Hasan Jarmakani.

Some of the Brethren of St George’s Lodge No 3065 on a later visit with the Worshipful Master WBro.Samir Jarmakani in the centre and his newly initiated Brother Bro. Hasan Jarmakani on the left

Before the Festive Board, the Brethren gather in the newly refurbished bar for some welcome refreshments and one of the Nigerian Brothers from Calibar was amazed when I greeted him in his local dialect. The festive board was another new experience, made up of items brought in by the Brethren. Some bring rice; others bring the starter while some bring the main course and wine. I always seem to reply for the visitors which I always enjoy doing here and recently have been involved in some of the ceremony - as I was last time when I was an official adjudicator for the ballots for the incoming year’s officers.

The newly refurbished bar

The festive board was another new experience, made up of items brought in by the Brethren. Some bring rice; others bring the starter while some bring the main course and wine. I always seem to reply for the visitors which I always enjoy doing here and recently have been involved in some of the ceremony as I was last time when I was an official adjudicator for the ballots for the incoming year’s officers.

The warmth of the welcome at St George’s is well worth the effort of trying to visit an overseas Lodge and is well recommended. If anyone is visiting Lagos please contact them try to organize a visit.

St.George’s Lodge History
July 1905 – August 2005
St. George's Lodge was founded in 1904 Consecrated on 1st of July, 1905. For the Lodge to be formed, the application to Grand Lodge for the Charter was supported by Roquelle Lodge No. 2798 of Freetown, Sierra Leone and Accra Lodge No. 3063 of Ghana.

Old photograph of St George’s Lodge Members

April 7th 1906, St.George’s accepted the offer of His Excellency the Governor for a plot of land on Broad Street on a 99 year lease, exempt from rates and taxes. On the 4th of May 1907, it was unanimously agreed to name the new Masonic Hall “St.George’s Hall.”

Broad Street, Lagos. Circa 1953

In 1925, the Lodge received the Hall Stone Jewel, being the only Lodge in Nigeria that qualified for it at that time. This is in recognition of the response to the M.W The Grand Master's appeal in 1921 to support the Masonic Peace Memorial, when St. George's Lodge achieved the stipulated contribution of Ten Guineas per member.

The Masonic Peace Memorial took the form of the erection of Freemasons' Hall in London as a lasting memorial to those Brethren who gave their lives for their Sovereign and Country in the First World War, and the Master of St. George's is therefore entitled to wear The Hall Stone Jewel appended to a craft blue collaret on all Masonic occasions. The jewel itself is made of the canons that were used in the war and St.George’s jewel was subsequently lost with a replacement sent to the Lodge in the fifties. The original jewel was later found by a brother in a hut on bar beach and returned to the Lodge.

Broad Street Today

Through-out its history, the Lodge has made a significant contributions to English Freemasonry in Nigeria, and since the formation of the Masonic District of Nigeria, five of the ten district Grand Masters of Nigeria have at some time occupied the Master's Chair at St. George's Lodge.

On July 1st, 2005, the Lodge celebrated its 100th Anniversary in the presence of three District Grand Masters; Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone & the Gambia. Also present at the centenary celebrations were members of St.George’s that had left Nigeria and returned to the United Kingdom. As a token of our centenary, every St.George’s member tonight proudly wears his centenary jewel, a privilege given to our Lodge by the Grand Master, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent in recognition of the Lodge’s uninterrupted Masonic activities that spanned over a century.

Without a doubt, St.George’s today continues to be one of the most relevant and active Lodges in Nigeria with its Quarterly Newsletter, Library, newly re-launched Website, Annual Lecturer Event featuring world renowned Masonic Scholars, Scholarship Fund, Debate Program, Mentoring Program, Widows Program, and various social events.

To visit the St George's Lodge No:3065 website: CLICK HERE

THE SPALDING BREECHES BIBLE

However onerous the duties of a Tyler may be, it cannot be denied that there are moments when time spent outside the door of the lodge hangs heavily. On these occasions the enterprising Tyler will entertain himself by, for example, tidying up the lodge cupboard. It was as he was engaged in this innocent activity that Bro. David Dorey, Tyler of the Mercia Mark Lodge No. 1240 in Spalding, Lincolnshire, discovered, in a box of dusty bric-a-brac, an old, scruffy and broken-spined bible.

By coincidence within a week or so, MQ magazine featured an article about a lodge in Lancashire which, as a result of a clear out of its cupboards, found an old bible which was identified as a "Breeches Bible". This is a book collector's term for the predecessor of the Authorised Bible, also known as a Geneva Bible, after the town where the scholars who fled persecution from Queen Mary in the 1550's found sanctuary and prepared their translation.

Armed with his copy of MQ, David investigated the old book and, as well as the date 1608 on the cover page, discovered those distinctive words which give the bible its name:
"Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sowed figge tree leaves together, and made themselves breeches" Genesis Ch 3, vs 7
There were also fascinating graffiti in the book identifying some of its previous owners:
"William Brown of Sturton in the County of Lincoln his book and god give him grase on it to lok and not to lok but under stand for larning is better than hous and land for where land is sould and monney spent then larning is most exelent. Novmbr the 24: 1742"
"William Wilson october the 15 day 1656"

The MQ article stated that the Lancashire Bible was thought to be the only one known in masonry of the English Constitution although there may be two in America.

After a consultation with senior brethren W.Bro. Dorey took the bible to Cambridge, to the eminent firm of J. S. Wilson and Son, for advice as how best to proceed. They proposed completely rebuilding the bible with a new hide cover, new end papers, restitching and restoring the many torn and tattered pages.

Bro Dorey took this news back to the lodge, to see whether any funds might be available, to discover that the late Alec Garn, distinguished father of Richard Garn, DC of the Hundred of Elloe Lodge No 469, had left to the lodge a sum of money to be spent on a suitable cause. That money had sat in the bank for many years waiting for a fitting cause and this bible was deemed to be eminently appropriate and so the restoration went ahead.

Thus it was, that on the 10th of September 2009, at the meeting of the Hundred of Elloe Lodge No 469, as part of the toast to the WM, W.Bro Dorey (IPM) had the happy honour to be able to tell the tale of this Bible to the Brethren. He then called upon W.Bro Richard Garn (DC), on behalf of his father and, indeed, all the generations of distinguished brethren of whom those present were the proud inheritors of the craft, to present the bible to V.W.Bro Raymond Windsor (WM) who would accept it on behalf of the Lodges of Spalding.

The bible has been beautifully restored with handsome brown leather binding with gold tooling and the many torn and ragged pages repaired and squared off. The future use of the bible is to be decided but it will make a fitting inhabitant of the new display case in the robing room and will certainly be used on special occasions in the temple.

THE FIRST KNIGHT TEMPLAR IN LINCOLNSHIRE

Copyright ©2009
This article is the exclusive property of the author who gives permission for it or extracts from it to be read in Lodges Chapters and etc., as a means of communicating light or instruction within freemasonry. No substantive part thereof may be reproduced or republished or incorporated into any work, paper or other document whether printed or in electronic form or on CD or other media without the express written permission of the author. Such permission shall be obtained in writing from the author following written request; the author at his sole discretion reserves the right to refuse the grant of any such permission.

Peter G Knatt
Billericay
February 2009

The First Knight Templar in Lincolnshire

Whilst Wm. Dixon's history of freemasonry in Lincolnshire states that early returns to the Provincial Grand Registrar contained the names of several Knights Templar no dates are given, so that the date of the making of that first Knight Templar in the Province is not known. In Essex the first Knight Templar was made in an Antient Lodge on 28 September 1784 and Suffolk followed suit just a few months later. On that basis one might expect the first Lincolnshire Knight Templar to have been made around the same time, but there does not seem to be any evidence and so the mystery remains. However, some recent research might shed some light on the subject although as there are no Minute books extant it is not possible to prove the exact date beyond reasonable doubt. In any case much of the early Masonic Templar records were destroyed in a fire at the house of Robert Gill, the then Grand Secretary, in 1820.

First, though where did the degree originate, and how it arrived in this country? There are several possible answers, but the most obvious must be that it was introduced into England by a military lodge serving on the Continent since R. Freke Gould explains that:

"Lodges in the British regiments must have constantly worked side by side with lodges under Strict Observance. During military operations many prisoners were made on both sides, and that the masons among them fraternised in each case with their captors must be taken as a certainty. The degree of Knights Templar became a favourite one in lodges of the British Army, and by those military and Masonic bodies - who must have derived their knowledge of it from associating with the lodges and brethren under Strict Observance - the degree was doubtless introduced into England and America"

The Rite of Strict Observance was predicated upon a legendary story of certain medieval Knights Templar who found asylum in Scotland when their Order was so brutally suppressed. These knights, it was said, became members of the masons' guilds and so were direct ancestors of the speculative fraternity now under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. A fuller account of the Rite can be found in R Freke Gould's History of Masonry and also a paper by Bro Litvine .

The creator of the degree was a German baron, Karl Gotthelf, Baron Von Hund (1722-76) who was so successful with his rite that it almost superseded the English style freemasonry which had been active in Germany. It was taken into other European countries and until its demise in 1790 exerted considerable influence on the Continent. Strong elements from it can be found today in the Scandinavian and Rectified Scottish Rites . Of course the Rite of Strict Observance is not the only contender for the title of originator of the Knights Templar degree, although it must be considered the most likely one. There is also, for example, the Rite of the Seven Degrees which emerged from the fertile brain of Lambert de Lintot who was born about 1736. Jackson supposes that de Lintot adopted his system by bringing together a mixture of degrees operating in France in his day that is, around 1766. Again, Chevalier Andrew Ramsay, tutor to Charles Edward Stuart, connected freemasonry with the Crusades in his oration of 1737 .

Wherever the degree originated, in Gould's view there can be no doubt that the military lodges who were in many cases custodians of the chivalric degrees did much to spread the degree throughout this country and abroad. Since the majority of these lodges had been chartered by Ireland it might be of interest to note a letter from the Deputy Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ireland to Lodge 441 in 38th Foot, which reads:

There is not any warrant issued by the Grand Lodge of Ireland other than that you hold; it has therefore always been the practice of Irish Lodges to confer the Higher Degrees under that authority.

As Henry Sadler, a well respected masonic historian, writing nearly one hundred and fifty years ago says that many Antients lodges were of Irish origin, it is not surprising to find that the Grand Lodge of the Antients, formed in 1751, were of the same opinion. Thus it was generally held that the Craft warrant conveyed powers to confer other degrees, such as those of Holy Royal Arch, Knights Templar and Rose Croix, in that order. A Knight Templar holding 30 ° was the highest ranking member of the lodge and his word was law.The Moderns took a diametrically opposing view recognising just the three Craft degrees. In fact they accepted the Third degree only with great reservations at the outset - and the Holy Royal Arch not at all. This was to be the greatest obstacle at the Union of 1813.

If Gould's view is accepted then a lodge in an army regiment is most likely to have brought the degree to Lincolnshire. In that case, the 1st Kings Dragoon Guards Regiment must be considered since it had a lodge formed in 1780 as well as a Royal Arch Chapter and significantly, a Field Encampment of Knights Templar, named Fortitude. Indeed, the lodge was responsible for making the first Knight Templar in Suffolk in 1785 and influenced the first in Essex in September of the year before. From Essex the regiment assembled at Bury St Edmunds for review on 14 April 1785 and on 13 May 1785 marched to Lincoln, Boston and Stamford on its way to York, probably along the Fosse Way.

Whilst it is not known where the lodge in the regiment obtained knowledge to perform the degree it is significant that it was in Bath in 1781, since the degree was being worked there by the Antiquity of Time Immemorial Encampment which was one of six Encampments said to have been warranted by the Camp of Baldwyn at Bristol during its period of independence. Indeed, Baldwyn had been working a rite of seven degrees since at least January 1772 probably obtaining the knowledge through the sea port from Ireland . In 1780 the 'time immemorial' Baldwyn Encampment of Knights Templar at Bristol formed itself, by compact with the old but soon to become dormant Camp of Antiquity at Bath, into a 'Supreme and Royal Encampment' on the lines of a similar but previous Irish body. This Charter of Compact gives a distinct impression that they had visions of attracting Knights Templar in other parts of England and forming, in due time, a sovereign authority for the whole country.

In January 1791 Thomas Dunckerley being Grand Superintendent of Royal Arch Masons at Bristol, was invited by the Knights Templar in that city to be their Grand Master, which he accepted . However following his death the situation became quite uncertain so that, being unhappy with matters as they stood, Baldwyn resumed its former independent status until 1862 when after much negotiation it came under the Grand Conclave. Antiquity is included in Dunckerley's list of Encampments under his control in 1791 and is shown at the head of the 'List of Encampments discontinued from not being able to assemble', in the 1809 Statutes of the Grand Conclave. Whilst Antiquity Encampment's records begin in the 1790's it is understood that there are records of the Scots Knights Degrees being conferred in both Bristol and Bath as early as the 1740's. Interestingly, Scots Knights Grand Architect is the fourth of the seven degrees peculiar to Baldwyn. All of this suggests that Antiquity would have been quite happy to pass on the degree of Knights Templar to Lodge 426 in the regiment.

Whilst in Lincolnshire in 1785 two of the initiates in Lodge 426 were 'Gentlemen'; the only two non military men to be initiated in the lodge. John Webster was made a freemason on 11 August 1785, and James Hill was made at or around the same time. They were men of substance, landowners, certainly members of the local gentry able, for instance, to sit as jurymen on trials at the Assizes. It must be assumed that they joined the army lodge because there were no 'civilian' lodges working in the county at the time. Perhaps they were related to one of the officers in the regiment. However, the important question is did they also take the Royal Arch and Knights Templar degrees in Lodge 426 perhaps with the intention of conferring the degrees on members of a civilian lodge they proposed to form? Unfortunately the Minute Books of the Chapter and Field Encampment no longer exist and so it will probably never be known for certain but it might be worth looking at the lodges working in the area in the latter part of the eighteenth century to see if their records shed any light on the matter. As there were just two lodges working in Lincolnshire around that time, namely, Prince of Wales Lodge No 496 and St Matthew Lodge No 497 they will be considered in turn.

The Prince of Wales Lodge No 496 was formed on 28 November 1787 to meet at The White Lion, Lord Street, Gainsborough, but lapsed it in 1814. Its warrant was then purchased in around 1818 by freemasons in Sleaford. The Provincial history relates that its members were an enthusiastic group of freemasons who would have joyfully embraced the higher degrees if demonstrated to them; which Webster and Hill could do. But its list of members does not show either of these gentlemen as a member. They do show, however, that Quarter Master George Dickinson, 1st Kings Dragoon Guards, joined the lodge on 18 August 1788. Quarter Master Dickinson was aged thirty five at the time and had been initiated in Lodge 426 on 22 June 1785 whilst the regiment was in York. In 1786 he served as Junior Warden of the lodge and is likely to have been a Knight Templar by the time he joined Prince of Wales Lodge No 496. In fact, it is suggested that Dickinson joined Prince of Wales Lodge No 496 with the specific intention of installing Knights Templar therein. Maybe other members of the regimental lodge visited either on that day or at some later meeting. In that case they might well be responsible for making the first Knight Templar in Lincolnshire in or around 1788. Whilst without the Minute books it is not possible to prove beyond reasonable doubt, this view is strengthened by the fact that the 1788 returns for that lodge indicate several brethren having passed the Chair, a prerequisite for taking the degree of Holy Royal Arch and Knights Templar.

The second lodge, St Matthew Lodge No 497, was formed on 20 March1787 to meet at the George Inn, George Street in Barton on Humber; it was erased on 3 December 1851. It is interesting to note that members of Minerva Lodge No 451 meeting at Hull were involved in its formation, since that lodge dates its origin from a warrant dated 15 September 1783, although there is some suggestion that it was opened in 1782 . It had a Royal Arch Chapter and its history shows in the year 1786 references to the working of the Knights Templar degree, whilst the Minutes of Minerva Chapter shows Knights Templar being made in the Chapter as late as 1808. Indeed, some members of Minerva Lodge No 451 were also members of the Apollo Lodge at York, warranted in 1773, which quickly rose into favour as the fashionable Lodge of the period, drawing to itself for the remainder of the century most of the gentlemen who aspired to be members of the craft, and becoming, for a period, the ruling Masonic organisation of Yorkshire. (Apollo Lodge did not take a number until the Union of the two Grand Lodges in 1813.) Leading on from the Minerva Lodge connection is the fact that there was a Conclave of Knights Templar known as Redemption meeting in York of which Thomas Dixon, a Trumpet Major in 1st King's Dragoon Guards was the first Commander; he was also a founder member of the lodge in the regiment. The Conclave of Redemption moved from York to Hull after the death of its Commander John Watson although that was not until 1790. Given that Quarter Master Dickinson was made a member of Prince of Wales Lodge No 497 in August 1788 and that the regiment was obviously in the area it is equally likely that members of the Lodge 426 would have visited St Matthew Lodge No 496. In fact after leaving Lincolnshire, having marched from Suffolk, the regiment moved on to York so that they would have passed through Barton on the way since the Fosse Way would lead them to cross the river Humber at that point but again in the absence of the Minute Books there can be no satisfactory proof. It may be of interest to note that members of the lodge in the East York Militia, which had been formed as a Modern lodge in 1782, were also involved in the formation of St Matthew Lodge No 497. Lodges in the Militia units were as enthusiastic about the 'higher' degrees as were the army lodges and just as eager to spread them to civilian lodges. No research has been undertaken into the Militia lodge but an investigation might prove useful.

Of course, the Lodge 426 in the 1st King's Dragoon Guards may not have been involved in the making of the first Knights Templar at all, for there was the Grand Lodge of All England at York which is known to have issued ten warrants to lodges although there may have been more. On that point an extract of a paper by T B Whytehead reads:

Some allusion should be made to the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of York which occupied a rather prominent position for several years, and which was I believe originated and organised about 1761 by the same active brethren who constituted the short lived Punch Bowl Lodge. [A London Lodge of Modern Constitution - Ed.] The earliest record is dated early in 1762 and the meetings were continued until about 1780, the minutes being kept with great regularity and care. Four Royal Arch Chapters are recorded as constituted under its authority. In 1780 the Grand Chapter recognised the Order of Knights Templar as the fifth degree in masonry, and two warrants were issued for the formation of encampments of brethren working that rite.

Thus the degree might have come into Lincolnshire from there without the aid of the regiment, but wherever it came from it must be clear that either Lodge 496 or 497 was the recipient. Nevertheless, since Quarter Master Dickinson was a member of Lodge 497 then it is suggested that whether he introduced it or simply assisted, nevertheless the first Knight Templar in Lincolnshire was made in Prince of Wales Lodge No 497 at some time around August 1788.

_________________________________________

Bibliography

Gould. R Freke Military Lodges - The Apron and the Sword or Freemasonry under Arms. London

Litvine The Rite of Strict Observance AQC 1997 Paper read in QCC Lodge 15 February 1996. See also Alan Bernheim That Strict Observance Paper AQC 110

Smyth, Frederick. Brethren in Chivalry p15

Jackson, Brigadier A.C.F Rose Croix (1980)

Malczovich Ladislas de, AQC5 1892 p 187

Duckett, Thomas The Baldwyn Saga 1980. Thomas Duckett was Grand Superintendent of the Camp of Baldwyn from 1971 to 1976

Ward, Eric The Baldwyn Rite – an impartial survey AQC 71,1958 p36

Ellerby, J R History of The Minerva Lodge of Freemasons 1783-1933 Minerva Lodge Hull 1987

(OLDEST) MASONIC GRAVE? - an article by W.Bro. Steve Roberts.

Apart from the physical and emotional, we all inherit many values and traits from our parents. Mine include possible premature baldness, a 50 year love/hate relationship with Manchester City football club and a fascination with all things historical including churchyards, strange but there we are.

So it was with great interest and intrigue that on a recent visit to St. Andrew's church / Sempringham Abbey with my wife, I came across a well preserved grave dated 1818, engraved with what were clearly Masonic symbols including the square, level and the compasses alongside 2 pillars topped with representations of the celestial bodies, instantly recognisable to anyone in the Craft.

The top of the gravestone with the Masonic markings plainly visible

However as with many things associated with masonry, particularly those from our beginnings, all was not as it first appeared for the grave which is dated from around the time of the formation of the UGLE is actually that of a lady with the inscription reading:

In memory of
Elizabeth
the wife of Nicholas Hall
who died Nov 14
1818
aged 74 years.

So who were Nicholas and Elizabeth Hall ?
Is it a Masonic Grave ?
If not, why is she buried in a grave with Masonic symbols ?
Why is he not buried there also ?
The questions keep coming but sadly will probably never be answered.

Footnote 1: The church of St. Andrew's / Sempringham Abbey is well worth a visit if you are passing through the area. It is sited about half a mile off the B1177, just south of Billingborough, between Sleaford and Spalding.

St. Andrew's / Sempringham Abbey

The abbey was the home of the only English monastic order, the Gilbertines, being built in about 1139 and destroyed in 1558.

It is also the resting place of Princess Gwenllian, the grand daughter of Simon de Montfort and daughter of Llewellyn, the last true Prince of Wales. She was born in 1282 but was exiled to the abbey at the age of 17 months by Edward I, who feared that she was a threat to his sovereignty in Wales, and remained there until her death in 1337.

The memorial (shown left) was replaced in 2001 after unknown vandals damaged the original. Coach parties of Welsh pilgrims regularly visit the site to pay their respects and the memorial was recently blessed by the Bishop of Bangor.

Footnote 2: The football afficianados amongst you will probably know that Manchester City now play in sky blue. The reason - that many of the early directors and staff of the club were Freemasons who adopted the colour of our apron after many years of playing in red and black, including the great Bert Trautman.

One of Bert's greatest matches was the legendary 1956 FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Birmingham City at Wembley Stadium. In the 75th minute Manchester took the lead by 2 goals to 1 and Trautmann, diving courageously at an incoming ball, was knocked out in a collision with a Birmingham attacker when he was hit in the neck. For the remaining 15 minutes he defended his net, because at the time there were no substitutions possible.

The final result was 3-1 to Manchester City, and the hero of the final was Bert Trautmann, due to his spectacular saves in the last minutes of the match. On that day Lady Luck was on his side - three days after that final a broken neck was diagnosed after an x-ray at a hospital in Manchester.

HAROLD THEOPHILUS GRAVELLS - ON GUARD FROM YPRES TO LINCOLN

W.Bro. Harold Theophilus Gravells was a man who took service to others as a byword for his life.

W.Bro. Harold Theophilus Gravells stood in the Chair of Witham Lodge No:297 in his Provincial Tylers regalia

Educated at Grimsby and London, Harry Gravells joined the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment and served for 22 years from 1906.

Before the First World War Harry was serving in Gibraltar as "Key Sergeant of the Rock" and it was here that he met his wife - Ethel Adelaide Rice who was working there as a 'nanny'.

In 1912 the regiment was stationed in Bermuda and then returned to England at the outbreak of hostilities. Harold and Ethel married in Leicester in October 1914 in the presence of Samuel and Selina Cheney (Ethel's aunt and uncle) who had brought Ethel up. It was a hard time for all and Harold was soon off to France with the 7th Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment.

Testaments from the regiment state that he... "rendered exceptionally good service. He has proved himself at all times and under all cicumstances a capable N.C.O. and Warrant Officer, and his general conduct throughout has set a fine example to the men of his Battalion".

He was wounded three times, the third time being on the evening of 2nd July 1916 at Fricourt - some 20 miles northeast of Amiens in Northern France. Late on the evening during a particularly heavy counter attack on his company, the Company Commander J.R. Barkston was killed and all three platoon officers were killed or wounded. Although wounded himself, as Company Sergeant Major, he took command and remained with his Battalion for two hours under very trying circumstances. In a difficult situation he sent out flanking parties to different sections of Fricourt Wood and by his behaviour showed a splended example of courage and duty.

A photograph of Fricourt taken on 2nd July 1916 - where later that very day C.S.M. Harry Gravells was wounded

Harry later carried his brother, Sgt. C.R. Gravells, who was also wounded back through the lines while under heavy fire and for these actions he was awarded the D.C.M.

During his service, Harry also saw service in India as the Regimental Sergeant Major for the 2nd Battalion, the Lincolnshire Regiment. It was during his time in India that Harry became a Freemason in Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India. He was eventually to serve as Master of the Morning Star Lodge No:7 in Lucknow, one of the oldest in India - the Warrant of the Lodge being issued on 29th February 1848.

It was also in India that Harry and Ethel produced two sons - Peter (born in Poona) and Michael (born in Darjeeling). Peter and Michael were to maintain family tradition as both later followed their father into the Lincolnshire Regiment.

Harry and Ethel also had two daughters, Eileen (who was sadly killed in 1931) and Patricia.

Harry retired from the Army in March 1929 after 22 years under 'the colours' and settled in Lincoln. However, he continued the military link working as a full time orderly clerk with the Territorials at the Drill Hall, Broadgate shown left. Photograph © Gwyneth Roberts and The Drill Hall Project. To visit the Drill Hall Project web site CLICK HERE

He also taught gymnastics for a number of years - something at which he had been proficient in the Army.

Harry Gravells had continued his Freemasonry with Witham Lodge No:297 and in about 1931 had become the full time Tyler for the Lincoln Lodges and, later, also Provincial Grand Tyler .

Harry was also involved in other Orders of Freemasonry and one particular event brought military service in the First War and Freemasonry together.

On the 3rd June 1948, while Guard of Temple Bruer Preceptory No:143, the Minutes of the Meeting show that..."Following the Investiture of the valued and popular Guard he took the opportunity of formally presenting to the Preceptory, through the Eminent Preceptor, a Sceptre he, renovated by himself, with materials retrieved from the ruins of Ypres during his active service in the Forces there". It was placed in a special casket made by Bro. G. Dawson of Excalibur Lodge No:2959.

The ruins of Ypres where Harry Gravells sourced the parts for a Masonic sceptre

 

Thee years later Harry was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal - which is restricted to two per regiment - when a vacancy occurred in the Register at the War Office. Minimum qualification for the medal are 21 years service with the colours and the attainment of the rank of colour sergeant. A section of the article printed in the Echo on 12th December 1952 is shown left.

It was just prior to this that Harry retired as full time Masonic Tyler, concentrating on his hobby of vegetable growing and showing. However, his health was deteriorating as a result of heavy smoking and the effects of gas from World War 1.

Harry died on the 12th May 1961 and was buried with his daughter Eileen in St.Helen's Churchyard, Boultham. His wife Ethel was also buried ther on her subsequent death some years later.

For a few years after 1956 before his death, Harry enjoyed many happy meetings at Witham Lodge No:297 with his sons - Peter and Michael. They had become members and, in time, both took the Chair of the Lodge - both serving over 50 years as members.

Sadly, Peter passed away in 1999 having been in Witham Lodge for 57 years. Michael is now the senior member of the Lodge and it is to him we owe thanks for the information shown here.

Peter and Michael both had two sons and as Michael says in his letter..." neither my 2 sons nor Peter's 2 sons show any sign of wanting to be soldiers or Freemasons".

SYMBOLS IN THE AIR AND ON THE GROUND - By W.Bro. Stewart Oxborough

In the mid 1960's, I met three ladies with whom I fell in love. The first was that grand lady of the skies the Avro Vulcan, the second its predecessor the Avro Lancaster and the third was my wife, Sue. I met them in that order but don't love them in that order - honest Sue, trust me I'm a Mason!

I had joined the Royal Air Force in January 1965 immediately after my 18th birthday and, after training, was posted to RAF Waddington at Lincoln. I had specifically asked to be posted there as I had fallen in love with the Vulcan at first sight - that fantastic delta wing bomber and symbol of power, a huge aluminium triangle!

A symbol of power, the famous triangular shape of the Vulcan which has just been returned to flight after many years of dedicated work costing millions of pounds.

Shortly afterwards, the last flying Lancaster arrived at the base and I volunteered to work on her - when duty on the Vulcans permitted. What a thrill for an 18 year old crazy about aircraft - and I was being paid for the pleasure.

It was around this time that I went over to Grimsby with some chaps from my squadron to a dance in the Mecca and it was there that I met Sue. While Sue and I had been at the same junior school and lived in the same street in Cleethorpes we had never been attracted to one another - all that changed after the Mecca dance.

I managed to keep these three 'loves of my life' in happy accord for some four years while serving at RAF Waddington but then we were forced, by fate, to part. Sue and I got engaged on a particular Saturday night, I went back to camp on the Sunday and first thing Monday morning I was posted to the Gulf - so off I went for 13 months - without Sue, the Vulcan, or the Lancaster. Happily, Sue waited for me and on my return to the UK, in 1970, I left the Royal Air Force and we got married.

Initially, as many ex servicemen discover, it was difficult to settle to 'civvy street'. I missed the special comradeship and discipline of the Royal Air Force but I always had great memories of my time in the Air Force and knew the sight and sound of the Avro Vulcan would remain in my mind for the rest of my life - such was its impact.

Life was good. Sue gave birth to our two children, Ian and Helen. My career went well. We had great friends and I settled into civilian life. You could argue that life was a good as one could expect but, despite being very happy, I was still looking for something which I couldn't quantify. So it was to remain for nearly thirty years.

In 1999 I was teaching at University in Grimsby when the fickle finger of fate conspired to turn my world upside down yet again. The University moved to a new campus at Lincoln and, not wanting to move, my work disappeared. Little did I realise that this upset was to bring me the final piece of the jigsaw for which I had been searching.

I had got to know a good many Freemasons over the years and had been 'invited' by them to ask about the Craft should I so desire it. Some of my Masonic friends were in the Lord Worsley Lodge which met on a Tuesday and since I had taught on Tuesday nights, I had never taken up the opportunity - despite a keen interest. This second blow dealt by fate, however, left me free to take up the offer. I therefore made due enquiry and was eventually Initiated in March 1999.

I immediately knew that I had found the final part of life's jigsaw for which I had been searching for all those years. Freemasonry, the world's greatest fraternity, welcomed me and re-introduced me to that symbol of power - the triangle. Perhaps 'somone' had been trying to tell me all along as to which path I should take.

As Pythagoras, the master of the right angle triangle, stated on a famous occasion "Eureka - I have found it". So too had I.

When after 38 years of married life with Sue, and in the same year as Master of my Lodge, I went back to Waddington to see the mighty Vulcan on its return to the sky

XH 588, the last flying Vulcan, gets ready to take to the air at RAF Waddington.

little did I realise that I was about to be in the presence of those three loves of my life at the same time. For after a very memorable return to the air, the Vulcan flew out of range while the Lancaster did its display. Display over, the Lancaster went and joined formation with the Vulcan to give the crowd a unique thrill. Sue and I stood and watched as the last two Avro aircraft I had served on flew past.

Two grand ladies of the sky in unique formation over Waddington.

While the mighty symbol that made such an impression on a young 18 year old still brought back fond memories, it is the symbolism at the heart of Freemasonry that now guides my life. Long may the Great Architect of the Universe allow it to be so.

JACK WAYMAN, "GENTLEMAN AND GENTLE MAN".

A moving tribute by W. Bro. Steve Cole

(The following article was, as will be apparent, written for the Link magaine before its demise).

I have thought long and hard about how to start writing this piece for the Link magazine and by kind permission of W. Bro. Eric Wayman, I have finally found a starting point. What an excellent description of a man to whom many titles and accolades are due!

The titles include choir boy; sailor; bulb farmer; pilot; Christian; freemason; Grand Officer; friend; mentor and most importantly husband and father.

W. Bro. Eric Wayman covered all of the above in detail at the Service of Remembrance so it is my duty and pleasure to add some facts to the photograph that accompanies this article.

There is no doubt that Jack was equally proud of all three sons and his daughter, Pat. However, English Craft Freemasonry not allowing ladies to join, Jack had to make do with only seeing three of his children initiated into the Craft.

The late W.Bro Jack Wayman with behind his sons (left to right) Tim, Eric, andPeter.

Having been initiated into Hundred of Elloe Lodge No. 469 on 8th September 1966,

Jack was passed on 8th December 1966 and raised on 4th December 1967. He rose by merit to be installed into the chair of King Solomon in January 1982.

It was no doubt a great thrill for Jack to see two of his sons, Tim and Peter, initiated into Hundred of Elloe on the same night in March 1980. They were then both passed in December 1980 and raised in November 1981, again both ceremonies taking place on the same night in what must be very rare if not unique double ceremonies on each occasion.

They were quickly followed by Eric, who was also initiated into Hundred of Elloe, in September 1981; passed in March 1982 and raised in November 1982.

1980 - 1982 proving to be three vintage years for Hundred of Elloe and Jack!

Jack’s friendship and keenness to enjoy everything he did came to the fore when he was instrumental in establishing the now flourishing Lincolnshire Provincial Social Committee and the Lincolnshire Link magazine. It was through the social committee that Jack was able to involve Enid and together their roles as mentors to many young masons and their wives developed. My wife and I are fortunate to be just one couple who have benefited greatly from this.

Despite being everywhere for everyone all of the time, Jack did not neglect his sons and this was proved when first Tim in 1991 and then Peter in 1994 took the Master's Chair at Hundred of Elloe. Tim has since risen to be a Provincial Grand Officer.

Jack was worried that he may not see Eric, by now Provincial Organist, into the Chair. But, those who were privileged to be there will never forget the pride that shone from Jack when, in January 2007, he presented Bro. Eric Wayman to the Worshipful Master to be installed as Worshipful Master of Hundred of Elloe Lodge No. 469.

The accompanying photograph lived on Jack’s bedside table and it was with great pride that he called me to him shortly before he moved on to the Grand Lodge above to ask me to see if I was able to have it published in the Link magazine.

I was only too pleased to accept the task, not realising that to try to write about such a great gentleman would be so hard. I therefore present to you the picture that brought so much pride and joy to Jack, in the knowledge that you will understand and share in his pride and joy.

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