Agricola members see RED!

On the 28th October 2011, the members of Agricola Lodge No. 4501 who meet at the Maidstone Masonic Centre hosted Toastmasters and Guild Beadles from the Gavel & Staff Lodge No. 9835.

For a number of years Toastmasters and Guild Beadles petitioned Grand Lodge to establish a Lodge for of their members. In June 2007, their petition was granted and a Warrant issued. The Consecration of the Lodge took place on the 26th November 2007 in the Grand Temple of Grand Lodge. The banner of the Gavel & Staff Lodge symbolises the coming together of two great professions, Toastmasters and Beadles of Livery Companies. The Toastmasters, who traditionally wear red, are represented by the red lion bearing a gavel, the symbol of their profession; the Guild Beadles by the black lion carrying a staff of their office.

The visit to Agricola Lodge was a result of an undertaking by the Worshipful Master of the Gavel & Staff Lodge, W Bro Peter Tautz, to ‘spread the Red’, which entails their brethren visiting as many Lodges as is possible. Eight Gavel & Staff members were welcomed into the Lodge, seven wearing their Toastmaster Red coats and one in Beadle Blue.

W Bro Tom Broughton, a Gavel & Staff founder member and a Past Master of Agricola Lodge, took the chair and initiated Mr Pan Chung Tang. The Worshipful Master of Gavel & Staff assisted Tom Broughton by conducting the ceremony in the North East Corner. After the ceremony, the members of Agricola Lodge were quick to point out to their new brother that he should not expect a meeting this significant when he takes his next step in freemasonry!

The visitors thanked the Worshipful Master, W Bro Roger Bister, and the brethren of Agricola Lodge for their hospitality and a most enjoyable and successful evening.

10 December 2011

Top of Page