Page 72 - Amo Amass A-muse is some of the fruit of a lifetimes love of Freemasonry - the Lodge of Nine Muses No. 235

72 Amo Amass A-Muse - Lodge of the Nine Muses

Thomas Harper’s expulsion in Grand Lodge, joined us and became our R.W.M. He it
was who welcomed Thomas Harper back to the Lodge immediately his expulsion had
been rescinded.
Finally, two of our members signed the Act of Union between the rivals, another
composed the Ode for that occasion and an initiate of ours proposed H.R.H. the Duke of
Sussex to become the first Grand Master of our United Grand Lodge.
Brethren, these are our foundations and we can truthfully say that they were built ‘in
Strength’ upon Peace, Love and Unity between Freemasons all over the world.
For the next 150 years, up to the present day, our small intimate Lodge has continued
to meet regularly, quietly and respectably, during which time we have given birth to at
least two daughters of great distinction, one of whom only discovered their mother a few
months ago. We welcome the representatives of both here tonight.
I must thank V.W.Bro. the Rev. Canon Tydeman for his inspiring Oration, which we
should do well to think upon in our hearts.
I am sure that we should all wish to thank our Bicentenary Planning Committee,
whose work during the past few years has led up to the climax of tonight, Brothers Leslie
Froude, Bill Fowles, Norman Latchford, Bob Pollitt our treasurer and our indomitable
Secretary Geoffrey Hill.
Now brethren, what of the future? It is a time of change everywhere. Our
foundations are secure, our walls have been steadily built up and we face, in a period of
rising costs, the challenge to adorn our temple with beauty and harmony. In this age
of the permissive society, when moral standards throughout the world have weakened
and in which so much evil is masquerading as good, let us invoke the spirit of our
Muses, who were supposed to know everything past and present, and follow their
leader, Calliope, into the future. She it was who inspired the minds of the Poets, the
Musicians and the Scientists. Thus, brethren at our bicentenary celebration let us re-
dedicate ourselves and our Lodge to faithful service and strengthen our resolve to
continue happily on our way together, striving to emulate those great deeds in our
past.
Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, we are indeed grateful to you and your
supporting Grand Officers for being with us on this very special occasion and we
thank you for your graceful encouragement.

P.J.D. September 1977 at Baker’s Hall