Lodge of Goodwill Celebrates 100 Years
A Centenary meeting was held at Severn Street Masonic Temple, on Tuesday 22nd October to celebrate the Lodge of Goodwill, No 3899 achieving 100 years of history. The Lodge was consecrated during the tenure of R W Bro Colonel William F Wyley, Provincial Grand Master on 26th April 1919 and has met regularly ever since. The current Worshipful Master, W Bro Len Taylor has held that office on two previous occasions, beginning in 1976. W Bro Taylor received his 50 Year Certificate in 2014.
The members of the Lodge of Goodwill were joined by the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro David Macey with the majority of his Provincial Team, and numerous visitors from many Lodges which have offered support over the years. The Temple and Festive Board were filled to near capacity with those wishing to see this very special event take place.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro David Macey, together with the Provincial Grand Wardens opened the Lodge and congratulated its members in reaching this most significant milestone in their history. He also asked those assembled to take a moment to remember the courage and wisdom of the founders of the Lodge back in 1918 when planning commenced & 1919 when the Lodge was consecrated. Having completed the opening a column was formed to escort the Centenary warrant into the Lodge in the very safe hands of the Provincial Grand Secretary, W Bro Derek Lodge, who then proceeded to read the warrant. Once read, the warrant was presented to the Worshipful Master, W Bro Len Taylor, who received it with great delight.
The Provincial Grand Chaplain, W Bro John Cowan, delivered a splendid oration on the foundation of the Lodge, looking back to the circumstances in 1918, and highlighting the courage of the Founders back in those dark days.
The Worshipful Master then took the chair, and thanked the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro David Macey and his team for their presence on this significant occasion. He then invited W Bro Mike Hodkinson to present a summary of the Lodge history, and provided those present with an insight into the foundation an early years of the Lodge.
At a splendid Festive Board enjoyed by all, a 1919 penny, together with a Lodge of Goodwill pen and specially labelled Goodwill beer was presented to everyone to mark the occasion. Any returning visitor will receive a complimentary drink if they present the 1919 penny. W Bro David Wright, PProvJGW, was presented with a Waterford Crystal Clock, to mark the great efforts he had made towards the Centenary celebrations, with a bouquet of flowers for his wife Rosemary, who had been of great assistance with printing and other aspects of the evening.
The Worshipful Master and the members of the Lodge were congratulated by the Provincial Grand Master on the success of the evening, who wished them well for the future.
The Lodge of Goodwill is represented by the Goodwill Angel.
Goodwill — An attitude of kindness or friendliness; benevolence. Cheerful acquiescence or willingness. A good relationship.
The image on the left is the Founding Senior Warden’s jewel, held in the UGLE Museum at Great Queen Street.