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Yesterday saw the initiation of two university students into Mowbray Lodge. Two Masters Degree students joined Mowbray Lodge after they contacted us through our website and expressed their interest in joining.
The night was a tremendous success, and was supported by not only 100+ members and guests, but also by the Assistant Grand Master, Rt W.Bro D.K.Williamson, Provincial Grand Master, Rt W.Bro N.E.Heaviside, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Prof. D.K.Wilson, and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, W.Bro. D.E.Lascelles and W.Bro D.G.Carney.
Their attendance helped raise the atmosphere and anticipation for new members, whom had a very enjoyable evening, both during their initiation and also afterwards at the celebrations, safe in the knowledge that the day was all about them.
You can read more about the evening by reading the article written by W.Bro Dr. R.Bhalla PPrSGW.
We are sure our new made Brethren will have many happy years in Freemasonry, and will commence the life long journey of understanding.
Bro.Martin Lawson - Junior Warden
On the 3rd of December 2008, Bro.Bob Summerson joined Mowbray Lodge. Despite being from South Shields, Bob a marine engineer was initiated into Mowbray Lodge at our Masonic Hall in Burdon Road Sunderland.
Bro. Summerson contacted Mowbray after reading the website and wanting to know more about Freemasonry, he sent us an email enquiring about the fraternity detailing his interest. Nothing could have prepared him however, for the warm masonic welcome he received, and the fabulous meal and celebrations afterwards.
(L-R) Bro.G.Chalk, Bro.B.Summerson,W.Bro.Dr.R.Bhalla PPrSGW
We welcome Bro.Summerson to Mowbray Lodge, and wish him an enjoyable, entertaining and enlightening masonic membership and many years of happiness as a member of our lodge.
Bro.Martin Lawson - Junior Warden
It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the sudden and unexpected death of W.Bro Frank Westwick BSc PSGD on Thursday 6th November 2008.
Frank will be a huge loss to Mowbray Lodge and Freemasonry. His influence, knowledge and experience shaped our lodge and we owe a great debt to a fine man and superb Freemason.
We will miss you Frank.
Members of Mowbray Lodge
November always heralds the dawn of a new era for Mowbray Lodge, this time however it was to the sound of fireworks as our installation was held on the 5th of November. As we look forward to 2009 we do so under new leadership. New officers were invested and Bro.Andrew Frith was installed as the Worshipful Master of Mowbray Lodge.
W.Bro Andrew Frith - Master of Mowbray Lodge
Bro. Martin Lawson - Junior Warden
On Wednesday 1st October 2008 Mowbray Lodge was pleased to welcome Dr Gillian Cookson as our guest lecturer. Dr Cookson is editor of the Victoria County History of Durham, a long established national project, with departments based at both Sunderland and Durham Universities. Dr Cookson has an interest in industrial history, in particular business networks and how they have influenced our social history over the years. Previously she was involved in writing a substantial history of Darlington, completed in 2003.
She gave some fascinating insights into the research that she and colleagues had undertaken into the role played by Freemasons in the development of two major projects in Sunderland; principally of the building of the first Wearmouth Bridge but also of The Exchange Building.
Records in the library at Grand Lodge show that there were five influential lodges in 18th century Sunderland. They were, Phoenix Lodge, Palatine Lodge (then called Sea Captains’ Lodge), Lodge of Harmony (erased 1790). St Paul’s Lodge (erased 1828) and St John’s Lodge.
These lodges could be considered almost a proxy for local development since there was no formal local government structure at that time.
During the years 1660-1860 there was a massive increase in coal shipping from the Wear and the city’s wealth was built on shipping. It is not surprising therefore that many of the members of these lodges noted their trades as Master Mariners or ‘Trades and Services’
Prior to 1793 Masons had been involved in the building of Holy Trinity Church, St Johns Chapel and Sunderland Royal Infirmary.
Perhaps their most impressive achievement however was the construction of the first Wearmouth Bridge between1793-6. This scheme was pushed through parliament, designed, built and its financing organised by the Phoenix and Palatine lodges. The County Durham MP and leading Mason Rowland Burdon of Castle Eden led the scheme. Indeed Rowland Burdon contributed £30k of the £40k total building costs
Between sixty to eighty thousand people were estimated to have attended it’s formal opening and Rowland Burdon was made Provincial Grand Master for the day. It was an entirely Masonic opening ceremony. The bridge has since been rebuilt twice at the same site.
The Exchange Building also benefited from Masonic involvement and investment. There was a Masonic procession at its opening, and numerous local bodies met there. It became a focus for parliamentary and local government hustings that took place there.
Thanks on behalf of Mowbray Lodge and Durham Freemasons were given by WBro D K Wilson Deputy Provincial Grand Master. He thanked Dr Cookson for her lecture and commented on how interesting it had been to have an ‘outsiders’ view of the work of Freemasons in Sunderland. It is clear that in the past FM has had a prominent role in society and that we are now trying once more to raise the profile of our charitable work amongst our communities. In Durham we are also proud of our contribution to the Masonic Temple at the Beamish Open Air Museum.
Following the lecture our WM for the evening WBro Rafter, Dr Cookson, WBro Wilson and the brethren retired to a festive board where it was clear that the lecture had stimulated the curiosity of our brethren to learn more about the history of Freemasonry in Sunderland. Before retiring Dr Cookson was presented with a cheque for £100 toward the VCH project.
31st July 2008 12:37
W. Bro Dr. Rak Bhalla PPrSGW
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MOWBRAY LODGE | No. 5373
