At the regular December meeting of RP St John Charles Lodge, together with their annual Ladies invite for carols and festive fun, it was decided that the evening would also celebrate the 75th Anniversary of this fine lodge.
Subsequently a brochure outlining the history of the lodge was provided to each member and guest on the evening, together with a commemorative table napkin, thanks to W.Bro Paul Bunyan for his generosity in donating them.
RP St John Charles Lodge was formed in 1947 as a result of the vast number of men wishing to join freemasonry at the ending of the 2nd World War. This put pressure on the then existing lodges in trying to cope with this enormous amount of initiates.
As a result, RP ST John Charles Lodge was formed and consecrated. The lodge was named after the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master at the time, RW Bro Reginald Pendrill St John Charles, who was in fact the Provincial Grand Master from 1938 to 1966. He was the Consecrating officer, aided by the Installing Master who was then the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Bro Edgar John Rutter.
75 years later, a fine evening was had by all with a drinks reception followed by a brief history of the lodge narrated by WBro Philip Osborne. Over one hundred people attended the event, dined and were then entertained by WBro Chris Pike and his assistant, WBro Vince DePaul Marnell, in the customary carol singing.
The evening was supported by the RW Provincial Grand Master, D Gerald Rowbottom, who was also made an honorary member of the lodge that same evening. Also in attendance were Provincial grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Timothy Clarke and the Deputy Grand Superintendent Elect, Ex. Comp R. Michael Coombes along with their wives.
Photographs were taken in the Temple with the above mentioned brethren, together with a large number of Past Masters of the lodge, the current Master, WBro David Demock, his Wardens, officers and the brethren of the lodge.
Congratulations to the brethren, both past and present, of the RP St John Charles Lodge. Long may the lodge continue to thrive.