The Corinthian Lodge No. 1208

The Dedication

The foundation of a new Lodge usually includes the Dedication of a Lodge Banner as one of its important ceremonies. A threadbare, damaged, or destroyed banner can also prompt this ceremony. However, in our case, the 150th anniversary of the Lodge's foundation prompted the creation of our new banner.

V.W.Bro. Peter Brooshooft took on the challenge of designing the new banner, assisted by W.Bro. Ashley Brewin. After considering various suggestions for some months, he finally settled on the design shown below. Grand Lodge approved the design, and the Lodge began the search for someone with the capabilities to produce the new banner.

Through his connections at Grand Lodge, Peter found a lady named Anna Fernandes, well-known for her exquisite embroidery, to make the new banner. After months of waiting, we finally received the new banner, but Peter kept it carefully under wraps (literally) until the time for its dedication.

The Lodge made arrangements to use the Dover Town Hall as the venue for the Dedication Ceremony, a befitting location for such an historic event.

Early on the appointed day, 15th October 2018, a team of brothers arrived at the venue to unload a van. The van contained a complete Lodge, i.e., furniture, carpet, candles, etc., which the Foreland and Bredenstone Lodges in St. Margaret’s at Cliffe had supplied; for this we are eternally grateful.

With W.Bro. David Alexander directing operations, the team set up the Lodge in the Connaught Hall in a short time. This magnificent auditorium had opened only twenty years after the foundation of the Lodge.

In the evening, the Corinthian Brethren and their guests assembled, and the Lodge opened at 6 o'clock. We honoured many well-respected visitors, including the Deputy Provincial Grand Master (DPGM), WBro. Peter D. Williams, and a Grand Lodge Officer, R.W.Bro. John. Bonomy.

The Brethren quickly dealt with the Lodge business and then closed the Lodge so that the wives and non-masonic guests could enter the Hall to witness the Dedication Ceremony.

The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Gordon Button, began the proceedings with a welcoming speech. He explained what was about to happen and hoped that all present would enjoy the unique occasion.

After the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies gave a nod, the Banner Bearer, Bro. Stephen D Lane, and the Banner Escort formed up in front of the WM's pedestal and then retired to prepare the new banner. Whilst the congregation sang the stirring words of the hymn "O God our help in ages past", Bro. Stephen, bearing the veiled Banner, and his escort, paraded back into the Hall and formed up once again in front of the WM's pedestal.

At the end of the hymn the Provincial Grand Chaplain offered this prayer:
"O Almighty Architect of the Universe, who through the mouths of thy servants Moses and Aaron in the wilderness didst ordain that every man of the children of Israel should pitch by his own standard, with the ensigns of their Father's house, we beseech Thee to accept this banner for the adornment of Thy Temple, and grant that it may ever be to all the Brethren a symbol of loyalty to the principles of the Craft and reverence in the conduct of our ceremonies, to the honour and glory of Thy Holy Name. Amen"

Then Bro. Stephen advanced to the Worshipful Master, dipped the Banner, and asked:
"Worshipful Master, will you please accept this banner on behalf of the Corinthian Lodge No 1208 on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England?"
The Worshipful Master replied,
"I receive it with great pleasure and request that you now place it in the South-east part of the Lodge."

After the Brethren placed the Banner there, the DPGM strode purposefully towards it and, with a well-rehearsed flourish, removed the veil to expose our wonderful new Banner. A spontaneous round of applause erupted from the assembled throng, and then the DPGM offered some admiring words of approval.

With these words, the Provincial Grand Chaplain then dedicated the Banner:
"In the name of the Great Architect of the Universe I dedicate this Banner to His glory for the adornment of this the Corinthian Lodge No 1208, and the reverent conduct of the ceremonies thereof."