Scotch College

Lodge turns seventy-five

During November the Scotch Collegians' Masonic Lodge turned seventy-five.

Consecrated on 23 November 1925 with Dr A. J. W. Philpott as its first Master, the Masonic Lodge has had a long and distinguished history in freemasonry. Many prominent Old Boys and staff have been members of Lodge No. 396, including in its formative years the Hon. H. S. W. Lawson (later Sir Harry Lawson, Premier of Victoria from 1918 to 1924), A. J. Waller (Junior School Head Master), H. H. Bowden (Vice Principal), and A. D. Ross (Senior Maths Master). Numerous past OSCA Presidents have been members of No. 396, including currently: Keith Wilson, Pat Wood, Ken Gifford, Brian Randall, Bill Tingate, Bruce Symon and Rob Logie-Smith.

Wor. Br. David Morris ('76) completed his year as Master of the Lodge during November. Year 2000 has been a busy and enjoyable one with the initiation into freemasonry of brothers Gary ('60) and Joe ('66) Edwards, and many successful events including several dinners, a family car-rally and BBQ at Elliott Lodge Healesville, and a golf/bowls day at Huntingdale.

On the 2 November 2000, Br. Bill Tingate ('55) was installed into the Chair of King Solomon as Master of the Lodge for 2001, ably assisted by his father Clive ('18) in a ceremony attended by one hundred members and friends, and involving two of Bill's 1951 Remove A classmates in Wor. Br. Ian Morrison ('55), and Very Wor. Br. John Maynard ('56), recently appointed President of the Freemasons Board of Benevolence, which administers charitable facilities provided for the Victorian community. Br. Rob Brelaz ('49) and Br. Graeme Weber ('64) were invested as Lodge Wardens and Br. Ian McMurtrie ('58) joined the ceremonial team as Inner Guard and commenced his road to the Master's Chair.

2001 is expected to be a very busy year with a number of special 75th birthday celebrations planned, as well as participation in the School's sesquicentennial activities. The Christmas breakup dinner which included the ladies of the Lodge, was held on Friday 1 December. A special Old Boys' night, open to all freemasons will be held on 3 May 2001.

The Lodge meets on the first Thursday each month (except January). Enquiries: contact the Secretary, Bruce Symon - Ph: 5258 1850