How does a new Lodge start?
It comes from a germ of an idea and, with the enthusiasm of others with similar interests, grows from conception to consecration.
(Based on an article that appeared in the NSW Freemason in 2012 by RW Bro Malcolm Stradwick PRGC1)
I attended the Installation of Lodge Tranmere in October last year. During his response to the toast to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the GM’s Representative, RW Bro Tim Anderson PJGW, gave a short and interesting address on the forming of that Lodge, saying the first members were mainly 16 and 18 footer sailers from Drummoyne Sailing Club.
I mentioned that I had sailed out of Drummoyne in the mid 60s. One of the Masons remembered the 16 footer I sailed in and its sail sign – and the memories flew along with the camaraderie.
Most Masons feel a great sense of ‘belonging’ after a Lodge meeting but this time, as I drove home, there were two feelings of ‘belonging’. One was with my Masonic Brethren and the other with the skiffers with whom I had shared so many experiences.
I thought how Masons and yachtsmen were similar in their common friendship, brotherhood and affinity. As the Grand Master has requested his RGCs to open a new Lodge during their term, I thought — what better than a yachties’ lodge?
Next came a name for the new lodge and it really took only a few moments to arrive at the name of an icon in the yachting world and a wonderful Mason. I’ve sailed with Sir James Hardy for many years on ‘social days’ where his motto of ‘Gentlemen do not sail to windward’ applies. I phoned him.
“Right Worshipful Brother Skipper, how would you like a Lodge named after you while you’re still on this sublunary and probationary abode?”
I explained the concept, how the idea arose and how I thought we could grow the membership from the yachting and boating clubs around Sydney.
I also asked Sir James if he would be our Foundation Honorary Member.
Sir James said he’d call me back in twenty four hours which he did.
“Crewman” Sir James said, “I’d be honoured. I think it’s a great concept and I’d be proud to have you put my name to it.”
I started mentioning the concept as I visited Lodges and word spread through the yachting community. I also wrote to Bro Bob Oatley, BEM, owner of multiple Sydney/Hobart winner ‘Wild Oats’; another Masonic icon in the yachting world. Bob also agreed to be a Foundation Honorary Member.
We’re now running down-wind under full sail. At this very early stage we already have 18 listed interested Masons, one unattached Mason wanting to be Affiliated and three candidates interested in joining. We have selected our committee; we have an on-line members’ forum and our logo, which will appear on our own tie.
RW Bro Malcolm Stradwick and RW Bro Sir James Hardy on board Nerida.