Lodge St. Patrick No. 468
Past Master's Jewel 1934
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Obverse of Jewel
A very nice silver Past Master's Jewel suspended from a sky blue ribbon
by silver top bar and a very ornate name plaque.
by silver top bar and a very ornate name plaque.
The top bar has in fret work "W.M." and
"1933 - 34", separated by a single shamrock. The ornate name plaque has in its centre a pierced disc, with the initials of the holder of the Jewel "LLL". Above this plaque is ivy which is the sign of fidelity and below the name and number of the Lodge "St. Patrick Lodge No. 468 I.C.".
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The Compass and Square is a standard silver Past Master's Jewel with a fixed "G". |
The reverse of the Jewel bears the inscription :
"Presented by the Brethren of Lodge St. Patrick No. 468 I.C. to Bro. L.L. Little P.M. as a mark of esteem on his vacating the Chair as W.M. June 27th 1934" |
Short History of Warrant No. 468.
Warrant No. 468 issued to brethren in ENNISKILLEN, County Fermanagh, on the 4th May, 1769. Warrant No. 468 was Cancelled, on the 5th July 1818.
[The above represents the barest of facts relating to Warrant No. 468 before same reissued to St. Patrick's Lodge No. 468 - the IRISH MASONIC RECORDS cd-rom gives a very full account of the Lodges who held Warrant No. 468 for the years setout above]
[The above represents the barest of facts relating to Warrant No. 468 before same reissued to St. Patrick's Lodge No. 468 - the IRISH MASONIC RECORDS cd-rom gives a very full account of the Lodges who held Warrant No. 468 for the years setout above]
History of Lodge St. Patrick No. 468.
Extract from Irish Masonic Records cd-rom.
The Minutes of the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes dated 28th November, 1881 show concerning Warrant No. 468 -
"28 November, 1881 – Read communication from the P.G. Master of New Zealand enclosing a Memorial for a new Warrant to be held at Dunedin, recommended by Lodges 348 and 421 and also by the P.G.M. who had issued a Dispensation for the opening of the Lodge [footnote].The regular Fee of £10 enclosed.The Board recommend that a Warrant be issued to the applicants and numbered 468."
Warrrant No. 468 reissued to `St. Patrick's Lodge' in DUNEDIN, New Zealand, by dispensation, on the 3rd November, 1881; by Warrant dated 1st December 1881.
Series three Vol. 8 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers shows:-
"Warrant No. 468 to Dunedin, New Zealand as “St. Patrick’s Lodge”, under a dispensation - Warrant issued 1 December, 1881- Thomas Sherlock Graham (448); Samuel Thos. Kerr (448) and John Jesse Blanchare (931 EC) registered along with five others from various lodges and Constitutions, 1 December, 1881."
"28 November, 1881 – Read communication from the P.G. Master of New Zealand enclosing a Memorial for a new Warrant to be held at Dunedin, recommended by Lodges 348 and 421 and also by the P.G.M. who had issued a Dispensation for the opening of the Lodge [footnote].The regular Fee of £10 enclosed.The Board recommend that a Warrant be issued to the applicants and numbered 468."
Warrrant No. 468 reissued to `St. Patrick's Lodge' in DUNEDIN, New Zealand, by dispensation, on the 3rd November, 1881; by Warrant dated 1st December 1881.
Series three Vol. 8 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers shows:-
"Warrant No. 468 to Dunedin, New Zealand as “St. Patrick’s Lodge”, under a dispensation - Warrant issued 1 December, 1881- Thomas Sherlock Graham (448); Samuel Thos. Kerr (448) and John Jesse Blanchare (931 EC) registered along with five others from various lodges and Constitutions, 1 December, 1881."
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On the establishment of Lodge St. Patrick No. 468, I.C., Bro. Graham was a founding member and first Worshipful Master when the Lodge was constituted by Bro. Julius Hyman on the 3rd November, 1881. |
A total of 103 brethren registered up to 25th April, 1900. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown.
Series four Vol. 15, marked Vol. 4, of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with 39 brethren transcribed from the previous register.
A total of 120 brethren registered up to 13th December, 1911. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series four Vol. 16 shown as Volume 4a of the extant Grand Lodge Register commence with the names of 48 brethren transcribed from the previous volume and a total of 149 brethren registered up to 25th April 1923. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series four Vol. 15, marked Vol. 4, of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with 39 brethren transcribed from the previous register.
A total of 120 brethren registered up to 13th December, 1911. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series four Vol. 16 shown as Volume 4a of the extant Grand Lodge Register commence with the names of 48 brethren transcribed from the previous volume and a total of 149 brethren registered up to 25th April 1923. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
I am asuming this photograph is of the Worshipful Master, V.W.Bro. L. G. Anderson and the Senior Warden
and Junior Warden of Lodge St. Patrick No. 468. This is on the basis of the Brother
who is wearing a Lodge No. 468 apron in the back row and that the photograph was taken on 1st January, 1920.
(Courtesy of "Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 31-WP1110" )
and Junior Warden of Lodge St. Patrick No. 468. This is on the basis of the Brother
who is wearing a Lodge No. 468 apron in the back row and that the photograph was taken on 1st January, 1920.
(Courtesy of "Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 31-WP1110" )
Series five Vol. 19 shown as Vol. 3 of the extant Grand Lodge Register commences with the registration of George Gibson, Taxi Prop. Registered 24th October, 1923.
A total of 148 brethren registered up to 28th May, 1952. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series six Vol. 22 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers commences with the registration of Ronald E. Hanna, Bank Manager, registered 25th February, 1953.
A total of 160 brethren registered up to 22nd June, 1983. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
The youngest of the four Irish Lodges in New Zealand is Lodge `St. Patrick’ No. 468.
On 21st September 1881, a meeting was held in Dunedin for the purpose of forming a lodge under the Irish Constitution. It was resolved that a lodge bearing the name “St. Patrick’s Lodge” be formed. On 3rd November 1881, the members assembled at 7.15 and were introduced to a lodge in the First Degree. The Lodge was Consecrated by the sprinkling of corn, oil, wine and salt.
Originally names `St. Patrick’s’ Lodge the minutes of 1884 are headed `Lodge of St. Patrick.’ With a change of Secretary the minutes were headed “minutes of `Lodge St. Patrick.’” There is no record to show that the name was officially altered but just appeared to be the choice of the then Secretary, and so the title of Lodge `St. Patrick’ has been used from 1885 to this day.
The early minutes show that the Brethren endeavoured to put into practice many of the tenets of the Craft. As far back as 1885 a series of lectures on Freemasonry was given. Requests for assistance from needy Brethren of any Constitution were frequent, there being no Benevolent Funds, and records show that deserving cases were always assisted either by grant from the Lodge funds, or by a special collection among the members.
On 8th February 1889, a special meeting was held and it was announced that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was recognised by the Grand Lodge of Ireland. This meant that members of Lodge `St. Patrick’ could receive and visit Lodges of the New Zealand Constitution. On that night a vote was taken whether to remain Irish or change over and it was decided unanimously to remain under the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
Over the years Lodge `St. Patrick’ has had many keen and loyal members. Men like the late Wor. Bro. Deane Sharp who walked from Carey’s Bay (some fourteen miles) to attend his Lodge, or Wor. Bro. Alex. Clark who, when during World War 2, Lodge `St. Patrick’ found the going hard, took office and became Master in his 81st year. Men who in good times and difficult, remained loyal to all that Freemasonry stood for, so that today, after nearly one hundred years Lodge `St Patrick’ is still a force in the district.
From 1984 the registration of members of ST. PATRICK'S LODGE No. 468 is held, in alphabetical order, in a computerised register by Grand Lodge, Freemasons’ Hall, 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Registration of the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Secretary of Lodges are held in separate Registers, the first Volume covering the period 1983 to 1994 inclusive and the second Volume covering from 1995 to date.
A total of 148 brethren registered up to 28th May, 1952. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
Series six Vol. 22 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers commences with the registration of Ronald E. Hanna, Bank Manager, registered 25th February, 1953.
A total of 160 brethren registered up to 22nd June, 1983. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation of the brother.
The youngest of the four Irish Lodges in New Zealand is Lodge `St. Patrick’ No. 468.
On 21st September 1881, a meeting was held in Dunedin for the purpose of forming a lodge under the Irish Constitution. It was resolved that a lodge bearing the name “St. Patrick’s Lodge” be formed. On 3rd November 1881, the members assembled at 7.15 and were introduced to a lodge in the First Degree. The Lodge was Consecrated by the sprinkling of corn, oil, wine and salt.
Originally names `St. Patrick’s’ Lodge the minutes of 1884 are headed `Lodge of St. Patrick.’ With a change of Secretary the minutes were headed “minutes of `Lodge St. Patrick.’” There is no record to show that the name was officially altered but just appeared to be the choice of the then Secretary, and so the title of Lodge `St. Patrick’ has been used from 1885 to this day.
The early minutes show that the Brethren endeavoured to put into practice many of the tenets of the Craft. As far back as 1885 a series of lectures on Freemasonry was given. Requests for assistance from needy Brethren of any Constitution were frequent, there being no Benevolent Funds, and records show that deserving cases were always assisted either by grant from the Lodge funds, or by a special collection among the members.
On 8th February 1889, a special meeting was held and it was announced that the Grand Lodge of New Zealand was recognised by the Grand Lodge of Ireland. This meant that members of Lodge `St. Patrick’ could receive and visit Lodges of the New Zealand Constitution. On that night a vote was taken whether to remain Irish or change over and it was decided unanimously to remain under the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
Over the years Lodge `St. Patrick’ has had many keen and loyal members. Men like the late Wor. Bro. Deane Sharp who walked from Carey’s Bay (some fourteen miles) to attend his Lodge, or Wor. Bro. Alex. Clark who, when during World War 2, Lodge `St. Patrick’ found the going hard, took office and became Master in his 81st year. Men who in good times and difficult, remained loyal to all that Freemasonry stood for, so that today, after nearly one hundred years Lodge `St Patrick’ is still a force in the district.
From 1984 the registration of members of ST. PATRICK'S LODGE No. 468 is held, in alphabetical order, in a computerised register by Grand Lodge, Freemasons’ Hall, 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Registration of the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Secretary of Lodges are held in separate Registers, the first Volume covering the period 1983 to 1994 inclusive and the second Volume covering from 1995 to date.
History of Lodge St. Patrick 1881 to 1992,
by R.W.Bro. A.M.G. "Johnny" Johnston, reproduced from Lodge St. Patrick website.
At 7:15pm on 3rd November, 1881, within the portals of the original Masonic Hall, Moray Place, Dunedin, and presided over by V.W.Bro. Julius Hayman PPGW, the assembled Brethren opened the Lodge in the First Degree. Sprinkling corn and oil, Bro. Harvey DGMSC consecrated the new Lodge, while W.Bro. Nathan PDSW E.C. poured wine and W.Bro. Caldwell GS of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, scattered salt.
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The Brethren then saluted the Lodge, after which Bro. Thomas Sherlock Graham was installed as the first Master. The officers were then invested: SW; Bro. Samuel Thompson Kerr PM S.C., JW; W.Bro. David Alexander McNicoll PM I.C. and 17 other members of the Lodge. |
he Lodge was originally named “St. Patrick’s Lodge”, however, from 1884 the Minutes refer to “The Lodge of St. Patrick.” A change of secretary in 1885 saw the Minutes reading “Lodge St. Patrick.” There is no record to show that the name was officially altered, this simply appears to be the choice of that current secretary. In May 1891, an attempt was made to change the name to “Abercon,” but after discussion it was decided to retain the name St. Patrick. After only three months in the chair, Bro. Graham resigned to become District Grand Master (DGM) English Constitution (E.C.)
The first mention of finance appears in the Minutes of June 1884 when it was decided to resort to extreme measures to collect arrears of dues, thus saving the Lodge from financial crisis. In 1885 an appeal to the Brethren to reduce the mortgage of the Hall resulted in £32 (pounds sterling) being promised, to be paid at not less than sixpence a month.
For the purpose of explaining the financial position of the Lodge, a meeting was held at the Courts Hotel, on the 23 August 1886 with the Director of the Hall Company. The WM, Bro. Thompson, supported by PM Bro. McNicoll, Bro. Sharpe & Bro. Wishart (grandfather of current member V.Wor.Bro. Norman Wishart), requested that the Directors permit the Lodge to pay one pound per night, each month, for the use of the Upper Hall, i.e. for twelve meetings a year, until the Lodge’s finances were in a better position. The offer was turned down by the Board. Undaunted, Lodge St. Patrick moved to the Oddfellows Hall in Rattray Street, Dunedin. All went well for a few years until difficulties were encountered due to a dance band playing loudly on the ground floor! Thus, in 1889, the Lodge returned to Moray Place at a rental of £12 per annum - exactly the same amount that the Lodge had offered three years before.
The passing years took their toll of the Hall at Moray Place - it had structurally deteriorated. Several attempts were made to foster interest amongst tenant lodges on the question of a replacement, but Lodge St. Patrick was always against this, at one stage trying to stop the payment of 15 shillings which was the Lodge’s share of expenses incurred by a committee set up to bring forward proposals regarding the Hall!
Matters came to a head when the building was put up for sale for £2,000 pounds. A special meeting of the Lodge members was called to consider proposals put forward, viz that the building be purchased for a sum of not more than £2,000 pounds, and a further sum of £2,200 pounds be spent on the renovations. On this occasion the members of Lodge St. Patrick were fully in agreement of the proposal and decided to purchase shares to the value of £400 pounds.
The money was raised in the following manner.
Donations from members: £100/-0/-0
Subsidy from Ara Lodge No.348 (PGL, Auckland): £150/-0/-0
Benevolent Fund Loan: 9/11p
Interest on Lodge Fund: 11/-0p
Dunedin Savings Bank collection: £149/-3/-6
Total: £400/-4/-5
(Note: The amounts listed above are recorded in the British currency in use in NZ at the time, that is pounds (£); shillings (s) and pence (p) usually depicted as £/s/d).
On November 2nd and 3rd two meetings in the restored hall were held, the first being a gift evening when lodge representatives formally presented furniture and items necessary in a Masonic Lodge. Each gift had been suitably engraved so that Brethren would know whether they were from Lodges or individuals; Lodge St. Patrick presented the clock. Along with the other lodges, Lodge St. Patrick continued to meet at the Masonic Hall in Moray Place until it was agreed the time had come to buy a new building.
During the 111 years that Lodge St. Patrick had met in the hall it had put through approximately 342 new members. The first Initiation took place on November 1881 and later Minutes show it was a common practice to work two different Masonic degrees at the same meeting. This modus operandi continued on into the 1950s and 60s when there was a major influx of members – eight candidates per year in the years 1952, 54, 55, 58 and 59.
Prominent Past Lodge officers
For some reason or another we find, in all walks of life, that some people stand out from the rest and Lodge St. Patrick is no exception.
As aforementioned, the first Master, Thomas Sherlock Graham, was only in office for three months when he resigned to become the district GM of the English Constitution, but the success of the appointment can be attested by the fact that he remained in office for 36 years, from 1882 to 1918. (It is interesting to note that Bro. Graham was installed as District Grand Master E.C. by R.W.Bro. G. Pierce, Provincial Grand Master of New Zealand, Irish Constitution, proving that even in these early times there was little preciousness over the interrelationships of the different constitutions.)
The first mention of finance appears in the Minutes of June 1884 when it was decided to resort to extreme measures to collect arrears of dues, thus saving the Lodge from financial crisis. In 1885 an appeal to the Brethren to reduce the mortgage of the Hall resulted in £32 (pounds sterling) being promised, to be paid at not less than sixpence a month.
For the purpose of explaining the financial position of the Lodge, a meeting was held at the Courts Hotel, on the 23 August 1886 with the Director of the Hall Company. The WM, Bro. Thompson, supported by PM Bro. McNicoll, Bro. Sharpe & Bro. Wishart (grandfather of current member V.Wor.Bro. Norman Wishart), requested that the Directors permit the Lodge to pay one pound per night, each month, for the use of the Upper Hall, i.e. for twelve meetings a year, until the Lodge’s finances were in a better position. The offer was turned down by the Board. Undaunted, Lodge St. Patrick moved to the Oddfellows Hall in Rattray Street, Dunedin. All went well for a few years until difficulties were encountered due to a dance band playing loudly on the ground floor! Thus, in 1889, the Lodge returned to Moray Place at a rental of £12 per annum - exactly the same amount that the Lodge had offered three years before.
The passing years took their toll of the Hall at Moray Place - it had structurally deteriorated. Several attempts were made to foster interest amongst tenant lodges on the question of a replacement, but Lodge St. Patrick was always against this, at one stage trying to stop the payment of 15 shillings which was the Lodge’s share of expenses incurred by a committee set up to bring forward proposals regarding the Hall!
Matters came to a head when the building was put up for sale for £2,000 pounds. A special meeting of the Lodge members was called to consider proposals put forward, viz that the building be purchased for a sum of not more than £2,000 pounds, and a further sum of £2,200 pounds be spent on the renovations. On this occasion the members of Lodge St. Patrick were fully in agreement of the proposal and decided to purchase shares to the value of £400 pounds.
The money was raised in the following manner.
Donations from members: £100/-0/-0
Subsidy from Ara Lodge No.348 (PGL, Auckland): £150/-0/-0
Benevolent Fund Loan: 9/11p
Interest on Lodge Fund: 11/-0p
Dunedin Savings Bank collection: £149/-3/-6
Total: £400/-4/-5
(Note: The amounts listed above are recorded in the British currency in use in NZ at the time, that is pounds (£); shillings (s) and pence (p) usually depicted as £/s/d).
On November 2nd and 3rd two meetings in the restored hall were held, the first being a gift evening when lodge representatives formally presented furniture and items necessary in a Masonic Lodge. Each gift had been suitably engraved so that Brethren would know whether they were from Lodges or individuals; Lodge St. Patrick presented the clock. Along with the other lodges, Lodge St. Patrick continued to meet at the Masonic Hall in Moray Place until it was agreed the time had come to buy a new building.
During the 111 years that Lodge St. Patrick had met in the hall it had put through approximately 342 new members. The first Initiation took place on November 1881 and later Minutes show it was a common practice to work two different Masonic degrees at the same meeting. This modus operandi continued on into the 1950s and 60s when there was a major influx of members – eight candidates per year in the years 1952, 54, 55, 58 and 59.
Prominent Past Lodge officers
For some reason or another we find, in all walks of life, that some people stand out from the rest and Lodge St. Patrick is no exception.
As aforementioned, the first Master, Thomas Sherlock Graham, was only in office for three months when he resigned to become the district GM of the English Constitution, but the success of the appointment can be attested by the fact that he remained in office for 36 years, from 1882 to 1918. (It is interesting to note that Bro. Graham was installed as District Grand Master E.C. by R.W.Bro. G. Pierce, Provincial Grand Master of New Zealand, Irish Constitution, proving that even in these early times there was little preciousness over the interrelationships of the different constitutions.)
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David Alexander McNicoll, a P.M. of the Scottish Constitution, was the first J.W. in Lodge St. Patrick. He also served in the office of Master on four occasions; 1883-4, 1887-8, 1900-01 and 1906-7. In addition, he was appointed to the office of District Grand Inspector (1889-95) and promoted to Dep. Prov. G.M. from 1895-1909. When moves were made on the formation of a Past Masters’ Lodge Number 161 (now known as ‘The Research Lodge of Otago No.161’), Bro. McNicoll was one of the 40 Brethren who signed in favour of the proposal and, when the Masters’ Lodge was constituted in 1909, he became its first Master, serving a second term in the following year. One of the founding Brethren of Lodge St. Patrick, Bro. McNicoll, a schoolmaster, died in 1938 having served from 1881 to 1938 – a Lodge member for 57 years. |
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Thomas William Dobbie joined the Lodge in 1907, swiftly took office and was Master from 1910 to 1911, and then again 1918-19 and 1919-20. He was appointed Provincial Grand Inspector in 1927 and held that office until 1935 when he was made Deputy Prov. G. Master. When it was proposed to form the Hall Company and to alter the building, he was strongly in favour of this and had a great influence on the discussion for St. Patrick to join and take out shares. He was the Lodge’s first representative on the Board.
Born in 1862, Alexander Winslow Norton Clarke joined the Lodge in 1921, fairly late in life. Not long after joining he accepted office as Chaplain and stayed in this office for more than ten years. During the Second World War the Lodge was desperate for officers and ‘Alick’ was prevailed upon to become Junior Warden. He went on to become S.W. and, in 1943, was installed Master at the age of 81. He remained a Past Master until his death in 1951.
Joseph Charles Bates joined the Lodge in 1928. Although Joe was not an Irishman by birth, the members always thought he should have been as he was, as they imagined a leprechaun would look - very much as he did - a small man with a bald head, a squeaky voice and a broad permanent, cheeky smile. Joe could say and do anything and get away with it. During the war when food was short in England, he organised food parcels, and these were sent regularly. The chalice (or “Loving Cup” as the Lodge has nicknamed it) displayed at our Installations, is the tangible recognition from the Brethren in England of the help that they received when they needed it most. Joe passed to the Grand Lodge above in 1967.
Drummond ‘Drum’ Anderson, a M.M. of Lodge St. Davide No.78 in Dundee, affiliated with Lodge St. Patrick in 1930. The reason this young Scottish Mason came to us can easily be explained. When Drum arrived in Dunedin he stayed at the YMCA and the manager of that institution just happened to be a Past Master of St. Patrick, and he always had an eye open for a likely lad. Drum became Master in 1937 and, in 1940, was elected to the office of D.C., a post he held until 1960. In 1967 he became Secretary and carried this office until 1982. At the time of his death, Drum was the Lodge’s representative on the Hall Committee. He was invested with a number of Prov. G. L. honours until, in 1945, he was made Prov. G.S.W. He was elected an honorary member of Ara Lodge No.348 and, in 1974, Grand Lodge conferred on him the title of Hon. Grand Deacon. Drum Anderson was a member of Lodge St. Patrick from 1930 to 1990 - 60 years of service! A record which will be very difficult to better.
One notable member who should not be overlooked is William ‘Bill’ Wall. A plumber by trade, Bill came to Dunedin from Oamaru in 1930 and joined the Lodge in 1931. He was installed Master in 1954 and was probably one of the hardest working Masters that we have ever had. He would open the lodge at 6.30pm, work a 1st Degree, then raise the lodge and work a 3rd. Practice nights were usually degree workings as well. Bill’s ‘day job’ was as a ship’s fireman on board a harbour tugboat. (A ship’s fireman is a stoker who fired up the vessel’s steam engine and monitored its performance.) In those days Dunedin Harbour was a very busy place and Bill would never know exactly when or where he would finish his working day. As a result he took all of his Masonic regalia to work, where he would shower, dress and go straight to a meeting. He recalled one occasion were the tug had arrived at Port Chalmers and was tying up a ship, a strong wind caused the operation to take much longer than usual. As time was getting on Bill became worried about being late for the Lodge meeting. So he went to the engineer and told him he was in a hurry to get away. The old Chief said, “Well you’re the fireman, give me the steam and I’ll get you home.” 35 minutes later the tug was tied up at the Cross Wharf in Dunedin. Not only did they break any known record but Bill had had a shower, got dressed, and put on a clean pair of overalls by the time they arrived and, when the order “finished with engines” came, he banked the fire too; all in full Lodge regalia – the best-dressed ships’ fireman in the world! William Wall was Secretary of the Lodge from 1957 until 1962 and, in 1966, he was installed as Prov. Grand Inspector. This office became Assistant Provincial G.M. in 1968, and he held it until 1976 when W.Bro. F. Fuller took over the helm.
These are just a few of the prominent men who were members of (and characters within) the Lodge - doubtless, memories lost over time, there were many others.
The final Lodge meeting in the Masonic Lodge, Moray Place, Dunedin.
After 111 years, Lodge St. Patrick had the honour and privilege of holding the last meeting in the Masonic Hall, Moray Place, Dunedin. On 4th September 1992, the Deputy Grand Master, Darwin H. Templeton, along with the Rt. Wor. Assistant Grand Master visited Lodge St. Patrick. This meeting went down as the ‘Great Last’. Not only was it to be the last Lodge meeting in the Masonic Hall, but the Deputy. G. Master was on his last tour in that capacity as he was installed as Grand Master in November that year, while Rt.W.Bro. I. R. Shepherd PGM, who was accompanying them, was replaced by Rt.W.Bro. Dan Virtue on the 12th September, 1992.
St. Patrick worked its final 2nd Degree in the Masonic Hall. Representatives from the N.Z. Grand Lodge were present and, for the last time, St. Patrick was able to receive into the lodge room our Brethren from the English and Scottish Constitutions, and representatives of the same District G. Lodges who had spent their time and energy 111 years previously to set Lodge St. Patrick No. 468 I.C. on the right path. It is due to their help and friendship that we have managed to steer a true course.
When, in the wee small hours, on the 5th September, 1992, the Brethren of this Irish Lodge for the last time left the beautiful old Masonic Temple which has been their home for more than a century, they did so with a tinge of sadness for the many happy memories they had shared, but with hope in their hearts for a successful future in their new location, which was to be the Dunedin Masonic Centre, Manor Place, Dunedin.
(NOTE: This version of ‘The History of Lodge St. Patrick No.468 I.C.’ was written in 1992 by Rt.W.Bro. A. M. G. ‘Johnny’ Johnston and has been adapted by W.Bro. John Wren-Potter.)
Born in 1862, Alexander Winslow Norton Clarke joined the Lodge in 1921, fairly late in life. Not long after joining he accepted office as Chaplain and stayed in this office for more than ten years. During the Second World War the Lodge was desperate for officers and ‘Alick’ was prevailed upon to become Junior Warden. He went on to become S.W. and, in 1943, was installed Master at the age of 81. He remained a Past Master until his death in 1951.
Joseph Charles Bates joined the Lodge in 1928. Although Joe was not an Irishman by birth, the members always thought he should have been as he was, as they imagined a leprechaun would look - very much as he did - a small man with a bald head, a squeaky voice and a broad permanent, cheeky smile. Joe could say and do anything and get away with it. During the war when food was short in England, he organised food parcels, and these were sent regularly. The chalice (or “Loving Cup” as the Lodge has nicknamed it) displayed at our Installations, is the tangible recognition from the Brethren in England of the help that they received when they needed it most. Joe passed to the Grand Lodge above in 1967.
Drummond ‘Drum’ Anderson, a M.M. of Lodge St. Davide No.78 in Dundee, affiliated with Lodge St. Patrick in 1930. The reason this young Scottish Mason came to us can easily be explained. When Drum arrived in Dunedin he stayed at the YMCA and the manager of that institution just happened to be a Past Master of St. Patrick, and he always had an eye open for a likely lad. Drum became Master in 1937 and, in 1940, was elected to the office of D.C., a post he held until 1960. In 1967 he became Secretary and carried this office until 1982. At the time of his death, Drum was the Lodge’s representative on the Hall Committee. He was invested with a number of Prov. G. L. honours until, in 1945, he was made Prov. G.S.W. He was elected an honorary member of Ara Lodge No.348 and, in 1974, Grand Lodge conferred on him the title of Hon. Grand Deacon. Drum Anderson was a member of Lodge St. Patrick from 1930 to 1990 - 60 years of service! A record which will be very difficult to better.
One notable member who should not be overlooked is William ‘Bill’ Wall. A plumber by trade, Bill came to Dunedin from Oamaru in 1930 and joined the Lodge in 1931. He was installed Master in 1954 and was probably one of the hardest working Masters that we have ever had. He would open the lodge at 6.30pm, work a 1st Degree, then raise the lodge and work a 3rd. Practice nights were usually degree workings as well. Bill’s ‘day job’ was as a ship’s fireman on board a harbour tugboat. (A ship’s fireman is a stoker who fired up the vessel’s steam engine and monitored its performance.) In those days Dunedin Harbour was a very busy place and Bill would never know exactly when or where he would finish his working day. As a result he took all of his Masonic regalia to work, where he would shower, dress and go straight to a meeting. He recalled one occasion were the tug had arrived at Port Chalmers and was tying up a ship, a strong wind caused the operation to take much longer than usual. As time was getting on Bill became worried about being late for the Lodge meeting. So he went to the engineer and told him he was in a hurry to get away. The old Chief said, “Well you’re the fireman, give me the steam and I’ll get you home.” 35 minutes later the tug was tied up at the Cross Wharf in Dunedin. Not only did they break any known record but Bill had had a shower, got dressed, and put on a clean pair of overalls by the time they arrived and, when the order “finished with engines” came, he banked the fire too; all in full Lodge regalia – the best-dressed ships’ fireman in the world! William Wall was Secretary of the Lodge from 1957 until 1962 and, in 1966, he was installed as Prov. Grand Inspector. This office became Assistant Provincial G.M. in 1968, and he held it until 1976 when W.Bro. F. Fuller took over the helm.
These are just a few of the prominent men who were members of (and characters within) the Lodge - doubtless, memories lost over time, there were many others.
The final Lodge meeting in the Masonic Lodge, Moray Place, Dunedin.
After 111 years, Lodge St. Patrick had the honour and privilege of holding the last meeting in the Masonic Hall, Moray Place, Dunedin. On 4th September 1992, the Deputy Grand Master, Darwin H. Templeton, along with the Rt. Wor. Assistant Grand Master visited Lodge St. Patrick. This meeting went down as the ‘Great Last’. Not only was it to be the last Lodge meeting in the Masonic Hall, but the Deputy. G. Master was on his last tour in that capacity as he was installed as Grand Master in November that year, while Rt.W.Bro. I. R. Shepherd PGM, who was accompanying them, was replaced by Rt.W.Bro. Dan Virtue on the 12th September, 1992.
St. Patrick worked its final 2nd Degree in the Masonic Hall. Representatives from the N.Z. Grand Lodge were present and, for the last time, St. Patrick was able to receive into the lodge room our Brethren from the English and Scottish Constitutions, and representatives of the same District G. Lodges who had spent their time and energy 111 years previously to set Lodge St. Patrick No. 468 I.C. on the right path. It is due to their help and friendship that we have managed to steer a true course.
When, in the wee small hours, on the 5th September, 1992, the Brethren of this Irish Lodge for the last time left the beautiful old Masonic Temple which has been their home for more than a century, they did so with a tinge of sadness for the many happy memories they had shared, but with hope in their hearts for a successful future in their new location, which was to be the Dunedin Masonic Centre, Manor Place, Dunedin.
(NOTE: This version of ‘The History of Lodge St. Patrick No.468 I.C.’ was written in 1992 by Rt.W.Bro. A. M. G. ‘Johnny’ Johnston and has been adapted by W.Bro. John Wren-Potter.)
Details when Lodge St. Patrick meets.
St. Patrick's Lodge no. 468 bmeets on the 4th Wed.(Except 1st Sat. - 7) at 7.30p.m. (except 1 & 12) at Dunedin Masonic Centre, Manor Place, Dunedin., New Zealand.
Lodge St. Patrick Website - Lodge St. Patrick No. 468.
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Grand Lodge News ~ May 2006
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Celebrations in St. Patrick’s Lodge No. 468 I.C. Dunedin, New Zealand
V.W.Bro. Alex J Weir having completed 50 years of unbroken and dedicated service to The Order, was presented with his jewel by R.W.Bro.David Kirkwood (P.A.G.M. NewZealand), on 26th October 2005 in St. Patrick’s Lodge. Three 50 year jewel members of St. Patrick’s Lodge are pictured above (L to R): R.W.Bro. David Kirkwood P.A.G.M.; V.W.Bro. Alex J Weir P.P.S.G.W. and W.Bro. Derek Earle P.M. |
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By way of interest, R.W.Bro.Kirkwood was initiated into City Temperance Lodge No.481 in Belfast in March 1953 and W.Bro.Earle was initiated into Lodge Tuscon No. 484, Belfast in July 1950, prior to coming to New Zealand.
[Author - R.W.Bro. David Kirkwood P.A.G.M.]
[Author - R.W.Bro. David Kirkwood P.A.G.M.]
