Centenary
Romney Marsh Lodge No 4743
Centenary Meeting
Article by John Harrison, Photos By Anthony Elvy
This year (2025), The Romney Marsh Lodge 4743 proudly celebrates its centenary year marking 100 remarkable years of brotherhood, charity, and community service.
HISTORY
The consecration ceremony and the first installation were held on Friday 9th October 1925. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Col. F.S.W. Cornwallis C.B.E. D.L. JP, Past Grand Warden of England carried out the ceremony of consecration assisted by the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Kent.
After the consecration ceremony, the Deputy Pro Grand Master installed Worshipful Brother Stephen George Keeler as the first Worshipful Master of the Romney Marsh Lodge.
The first regular meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms New Romney on Thursday 19th November 1925. The lodge occupied several premises until it moved to its permanent home in Dymchurch in 1967 holding its first regular meeting in October of that year at a converted school that became the Dymchurch masonic centre.
The Provincial Grand Master, Neil Hamilton Johnston, with the Worshipful Master, Doug Smallman.
PRESENT
To start the Centennial Ceremony, the lodge was opened in the usual manar. This was followed by a minutes silence to respect the passing of Worshipful Brother Tony Pluckrose to the Grand Lodge above.
Graham Cuthbert, the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, then entered the lodge and requested permission of the Worshipful Master Doug Smallman, to form an escort to accompany the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master. Neil Hamilton Johnstone into the lodge. This was carried out with due ceremony and much applause from the 87 assembled brethren.
The Provincial Grand Master then accepted the gavel from the Worshipful Master, and took his seat in the Master’s Chair.
The provincial officers then took their positions in turn, with the lodge officers moving to the seats reserved for them around the lodge.
The brethren were then called to order whereupon the Graham Cuthbert led the Salutes to the visiting Provincial Officers.
The Provincial Grand Master then called for a history of the lodge to be read out, after which, the Centennial Warrant was read to the brethren. The Centennial Warrant was then handed to the Worshipful Master who received it with warm thanks.
The Provincial Grand Master then called on the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Philip South to read an oration that had been prepared by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, Howard Pashley.
The lodge officers were then returned to their respective positions with due process and the Worshipful Master expressed his gratitude for the warrant and oration.
The Worship Master was then presented with his centennial jewel after which, the assembled brethren proudly displayed their own jewels.
A presentation was made to the Chairman of Cornwallis charity of £1000 from the Centenary fund. The closing ode was sung and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony.
The brethren then assembled for the festive board and under the control of Graham Cuthbert, wine was taken and in accordance with procedure, toasts and salutations followed including a toast to our Dutch visitors. The raffle raised a total of £790
It was a truley memorable evening, and one that will be remembered by those present for many years to come.
The lodge extends its sincere thanks to the Provincial Grand Master, Neil Hamilton Johnson, his Deputy, Philip Neil South, the Provincial Grnad Director of Ceremonies, Graham Cuthbert, and the Provincial Visitors along with all our visitors.
The Centenary Warrent,Provincal Grand Master, Worshipful Master and members of the Lodge.
Dining at the Festive Board