As our Lodge was deliberately intended to be formed as a ‘country’ Lodge, this decision meant that it would be meeting outside an existing town-based masonic centre. By the time the Founders had purchased all the necessary Lodge furniture and equipment together with Collars, Jewels, Minute Book et al, there were insufficient funds left to design and purchase a Banner for its formation.  The Founders were determined to have one, so a target was set of having our own banner dedicated during Year Two and as the Charter Senior Warden, I responsible for ensuring its implementation.

We were very fortunate that a well-known local banner designer, W. Bro. Alan Oakley, a member of Michelham Priory Lodge No. xxxx was able to take on this commission and did not require full payment until the banner was finished.  This enabled the members to hold several functions including an all night pig roast and summer fair so raising sufficient funds.

The banner, which is illustrated below, may appear deceptively simple in concept and design.  However, it serves as a perpetual memory of those who were its founding officers, their names being displayed on the two pillars, which represent those placed at the porchway or entrance of King Solomon’s Temple.