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Celestial Globe
Terrestrial Globe
We are all custodians of our Masonic heritage, more so for those who are
fortunate to meet in the older Centres in our Province. It is all too easy
just to turn up for a meeting, use the equipment and furniture that has been
set out by the Tyler, attend the festive board and depart to return in a month
or so and repeat the process again without a thought for the fixtures and
fittings, their upkeep and repair. At Sittingbourne we are fortunate to have
had two dedicated members W.Bro. Len Manuell and W.Bro. Stan Duffield, who
over the years have refurbished the pedestals, the chairs, benches and the
column stands to their original glory. Their dedication was such that they
enrolled in evening classes in order to further their skills.
A recently completed project however daunted even these plucky brethren, the
restoration of a pair of nineteenth century Carey 18” library globes depicting
the celestial and terrestrial spheres. The work was contracted out to Mrs.
Silvia Sumira, the leading restorer and conserver of globes. The globes had
become somewhat dilapidated through years of dust and grime and suffered the
detrimental effects from being placed in obscure corners of the Temple too
close to radiators. Even in this sorry state, they were considered to be well
worth rescuing and capable of being restored to an almost new condition. The
work was delayed for nearly a year due to the number of Mrs. Sumira’s prior
commissions, including one from the White House in Washington. The full cost
of restoration was £7800, reduced somewhat from the initial estimate because
the dynamic duo, not to be outdone, undertook the refurbishment of the stands.
The beautifully restored globes are now displayed in all their glory on either
side of the Senior Warden’s chair under clear Perspex covers to keep off dust
and fiddling fingers. Shortly there will be a balustrade fitted to provide
even greater protection.
The globes were re-dedicated at the 2006 Christmas meeting of St. Michael’s
Lodge by W.Bro. Rev. Brian Blade.
(L-R) W.Bro. Stan Duffield;
W.Bro. Rev. Brian Blade;
Mrs. Sylvia Sumira; W.Bro.
Paul LeMasonry (W.M.);
W.Bro. Len Manuell
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