Banner dedication at Blenheim Park Lodge, No. 8981

Blenheim Park Lodge No 8981 Banner
Blenheim Park Lodge No 8981 Banner

The Lodge’s first banner since the Lodge was consecrated on 1st May 1981 was generously donated by W. Bro Paul Stevens PPrGReg.

Paul was WM of Blenheim Park in 1987, 1997 and 2014.

Paul was initiated into Freemasonry in September 1978 into Harmony Lodge, No. 5835, which meets at Harrow Masonic Centre.

He would have been a Founding Member of Blenheim Park, but at that time was still a young whippersnapper and hadn’t been a Master Mason long enough to be a founder !

But at the very next Meeting the ballot proved in his favour, and he became a joining Member of Blenheim Park Lodge in June 1981.

Paul tells us that in the intervening 36 years he has only ever missed three meetings – two whilst in Cyprus, and one because of his son’s wedding.

We are writing here about a Banner Dedication, but it is also fitting to use that same word, dedication, when discussing the man who so generously donated it.

Paul, at 71 years of age, is now almost completely blind, and relies on the help and support of his brethren (most noticeably W. Bro Jim Dyett, the Lodge Secretary and Almoner, who takes Paul for “a few pints” on a Sunday, which we are told cheers him up immensely!).

But Paul is still determined to do his duty, and is serving his Lodge once again this year as JW.

Like many Lodges these days, they are a little short of Members, but despite that they have already managed to achieve Patron status in The Festival, and are just a small amount away from Grand Patron.

That is a tremendous achievement for such a small Lodge, and one of which each and every Member can be justifiably proud.

So it was fitting that the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro Barry Cramer, should come with a full and worthy entourage to this beautiful Temple, to honour both the Lodge, and the Brother who donated the banner.

Dedication Team and Lodge Officers
Dedication Team and Lodge Officers

The Lodge was well filled with visitors, who assisted gustily in singing “Jerusalem” as the banner was first processed around the lodge, and then presented by the WM (W. Bro T. Austin) to the APGM to be dedicated.

The Provincial Grand Chaplain gave an interesting recount of the medieval origins of coats of arms, standards, and banners, and how they united, identified and inspired those ranged under them.

There is no doubt that this banner will achieve the same, especially to the Light Blues who now constitute the beginning of a new era of growth and success.

The Provincial Grand Chaplain then blessed the banner, which was thereafter returned to the WM by the APGM for the Lodge to display at its Meetings and on Provincial occasions.

There followed an exquisite Festive Board, during which (for the only time) the new banner was proudly displayed, and admired by all those present.

Lodge Website: www.blenheim-park-lodge-8981.masonic-lodge.org.uk

Lodge Officers and APGM
Lodge Officers and APGM
WM APGM and Grand Officers
WM APGM and Grand Officers
W. Bro Paul Stevens PPGReg
W. Bro Paul Stevens PPGReg

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