Crest & Banner
Saturday, 13 November 2010 16:21
Paul Masters
The Crest
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This main feature is possibly a Lodge founder members memories who perhaps witnessed such an event, and on return from active duty set up the present Lodge, indeed, some of the founders were part of the Royal Army Medical Corps and would undoubtedly have seen the human side as well as the destructive side of war. The battlefield is one in which the Anglo-Boer War was fought sometime between 1899 -1902, although we can only speculate about its true location. That location is, however, somewhat irrelevant to what it actually represents. Military people all over the world would understand the importance of battlefield cameraderie. The fallen rely on their Comrades to relieve their sufferings and show compassion to their immediate needs, which is reflected in the present day ethics of Freemasonry. |
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Comrades Lodge No. 2976 Banner
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The old banner (left) is now extremely delicate. The replacement was made to coincide with the Lodge Centenary with a rededication ceremony formally bringing it into service at the Centenary meeting. There are a few differences between the old and new, the most prominent of which is the ear (s) of corn & sprigs of acacia which are now replaced by a wreath of laurel. The new banner was replicated from the original by the talented staff at Grand Lodge in Great Queen Street. Click on the pictures to see a larger view... The main feature on the design shows three soldiers on a battlefield. One is tending to a wounded comrade whilst another stands guard. A regal crown caps the main feature denoting the Royal Warrant and Approval of the Consecration. Gold Masonic symbols are depicted at the top of the banner, depicting the All Seeing Eye, Square & Compasses & a Pentangle. At the bottom of the design two gilt labels either side of a Heraldic Coat of Arms show the Lodge consecration date of 6th August 1903. The main feature is explained as part of the Crest above and is common to both Lodge and Chapter The Colchester coat of arms first appeared on the Royal Charter granted by Henry V in 1413. The red represents the blood of Christ; the green cross, the living cross of Saint Helena; the three crowns, the three Kings from the Nativity Story; and the nails holding the three crowns, the nails which held Christ to the cross. However, the original and present lodge Banner shows white Cross with no nails; a design used as a result of the Reformation. The original design was reinstated in Colchester in 1915 which is after the consecration of the Lodge. The original lodge banner had gradually become more delicate through the years and therefore a decision was taken to replicate the banner. A project and the product of a lot of hard work by W.Bro John Ramsey, the renewal had been timed to coincide with the Lodge Centenary year. The new banner was rededicated on the 15th September 2003 and will serve the members of Comrades Lodge for many years to come. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 03 December 2010 14:46
