BEDFORD LODGE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 224, 22 June 1928, Page 5

BEDFORD LODGE

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY.

The official opening of the recently erected new tcmpTe for Bedford Lodge, of Waipukurau, was performed on Wednesday night by the Most Worshipful Grand Master,. His Excellency Sir Charles Fergusson. He was assisted by Grand Lodge officers from Wellington, the names of whom were published in Wednesday’s„ issue of the ‘‘ Press. ’ ’ There -were, present some 300 visiting Masons from various parts of the province, a very big quota coming by special train from Napier and Hastings. In addition several North Island lodges outside the province were represented. The ample proportions of the new temple werq definitely shewn by the easy manner in which the total of 460 brethren were accommodated.. Visiting Masons were loud in their praises of the very fine building that has been erected. > '■

The Grand Master was received in the manner customary with Freemasonry, and the interesting features of the ceremony of opening a lodge room were impressively carried out by the various officers taking part. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, a banquet was held in the Municipal Theatre, which was decorated for. the occasion. A toast list was duly honoured and musical and other items were given by the Haeta Orches-tra-from Napier, and Bros J. Lunt, W. McKenzie, and .F. V. Ward. In responding to the toast of The Most Worshipful the Grand Master, His Excellency spoke of the great pleasure it gave him to be in Hawke’s Bay, particularly to be present at so important a function as the opening of the Jubilee Memorial Temple. The history of Bedford Lodge showed what a live thing masonry was in .this district, and the very large assemblage of brethren present was further evidence of a strong vitality. He looked forward to again -visiting this part of the Dominion before the year was "out but, he asked his hearers not to take that as .n promise to do so. His ‘ ‘ coat-tails ’ ’ were being pulled'in so many different directions that it was extremely difficult to say definitely what his movements would bo for any period ahead. ..