WYLEY LODGE No. 3836 CELEBRATE THEIR CENTENARY IN STYLE
A Centenary meeting was held at St Mary Magdalen Chapel, Guy’s Cliffe, on Saturday 9th June to celebrate Wyley Lodge achieving 100 years of history, having met at a number of venues around Coventry since its Consecration on 4th May 1918. The Lodge was consecrated by RW Bro Colonel William F Wyley just over two weeks after he was installed as Provincial Grand Master . W Bro Bill Stammers, PAGDC, is the current Master for a remarkable sixth time, beginning in 1987. The members of Wyley Lodge were joined by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro David Macey with 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 the members of Wyley Lodge 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. 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 Mike Reeve, who then proceeded to read the warrant. Once read, the warrant was presented to the Worshipful Master, W Bro Bill Stammers, 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 the courage of the Founders back in those dark days.
Finally, the Provincial Grand Master presented each member of the Lodge with a Centenary Jewel, and emphasised that they can wear it with great pride in recognition of a splendid achievement. The Worshipful Master then took the chair, and thanked R W Bro David Macey, Provincial Grand Master and his team for their presence on this significant occasion. He then invited W Bro Andris Skudra, PProvJGW, to present a history of Wyley Lodge, which went into fascinating detail, and provided those present with a great insight into the history of the Lodge.
Much to the Provincial Grand Master’s delight, a cheque was presented for £4,500 was presented for the 2023 Festival, being the result of contributions made since the last Festival to the Lodge’s Relief Chest – an ideal means of accumulating funds over a period of time between Festivals. RW Bro David Macey thanked the Lodge for the very large sum, and congratulated the Lodge on their foresight.
At a five course Festive Board, enjoyed by all, an etched glass coaster was presented to everyone present, to mark the occasion. The Worshipful Master and the members of the Lodge were congratulated by the Provincial Grand Master on the success of the evening and wished them well for the future. The most recent and youngest member of the Lodge, Bro Ciaran Carrington-Smith was charged to remember the evening in 50 years time, and to recount the proceedings for the benefit of those present at the next milestone meeting.