Founding member Bro Samuel Ferguson Davidson of St Nicholas Lodge No.1676 was one of several brethren who in 1895 provided items to the Lodge to ensure it started without debt. Bro. Samuel’s contribution was a chest to keep the Lodge property in. This chest is still with the Lodge today but over time, knowledge of it’s contents along with its key were lost to the present brethren.
That is until Bro. Dr. Chris arranged for a locksmith to open the chest and reveal what’s inside. W bros. Terry and Peter, who checked the contents, are pleased to see that the many records the chest contains date from the early days of the Lodge. The registration books, cash books, Tyler’s books, treasurer’s accounts, etc., are all from around 1895. Unfortunately, the early minutes (before 1908) are missing along with any records or photos of the founding members.
We plan to make a full inventory and check inside each of the ledgers for hidden photos etc. and will provide a further update shortly.
Thanks to Bro Dr. Chris and W. bros. Terry and Peter for their time and effort so far.
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Over 3 years ago I told some of the past masters what was in the chest and offered to have it removed from Fern Avenue ( check with K Mason)and have it opened but I was not taken up on the offer. I knew what was inside because W/Bro B King and myself compiled he history of the lodge foe the lodge centenary. There should also be at least 2 cardboard boxes and I believe the missing minutes should be in there. There should also be a copy of the lodge family tree going back to when its forebears were a traveling lodge.
I also believe that there is come confusion about the lodge banner. This was made by myself and funded by W/Bros, N W Tulip,R W Tulip and myself at a cost of £60 plus my time and took 611 hours to sew plus the time to stretch and back it. I have photo`s showing me actually sewing the scroll at the top and the centre shield. It was made for the Provincial visit of about 1982-3 and was dedicated by W/Bro John Stephenson.
It is recorded in the minutes that should ( god forbid ) Lodge Temperance ever fold the banner is to be returned to me or my family (re- K Mason)