Priory Lodge No 1000 celebrated its 150 year anniversary at their meeting on the 15th October 2015 at the Saxon Hall Masonic Centre in Southend.
A number of St Laurence brethren attended this marvellous meeting of Priory Lodge which was also attended by the RW Provincial Grand Master, Rodney Lister Bass, his deputy, W Bro Paul Reeves, two active APGMs and many other Grand Officers. There were also representatives from their mother lodge, their daughter lodges and their great granddaughter lodge, the latter being St Laurence.
During the meeting W Bro Mark Smith gave a lively talk entitled ‘For Valour’ which included several accounts of bravery by British troops during the First World War. He also gave an account of the events leading up to the start of the war and how various countries became involved because of the pacts they had with those under attack. Of particular interest were the courageous deeds of Bro David Nelson which were narrated by Bro Smith in a most informative and interesting manner. Bro Nelson had been a member of Priory Lodge and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery during combat. A number of his personal possessions, comprising a hat badge, brass buttons and a penknife, were passed around the lodge and it was explained that they were the only items to be retuned to his family following his death.
After the meeting the brethren dined in perfect harmony in the Jubilee Room at Saxon Hall. Priory Lodge spared no expense when choosing the menu for the festive board. The five course meal was truly excellent and accompanied by red and white wine, brandy and port. The committee charged with making the arrangements for the celebrations, including W Bro Dudley Nasland, Secretary of Priory Lodge, certainly excelled themselves. A truly magnificent occasion!
A few photographs taken on the day.
