102 and a half at Jerusalem
31 August 22
Lodge Jerusalem is the Jurisdiction’s second youngest Lodge but is clearly punching above its weight.
The August Installation drew a crowd just under 100, attracted three Past Grand Masters (one from Victoria) and marked the Lodge’s two and a half years of existence by paying tribute to 100 years of masonic endeavour (or maybe 150 if it’s a tally of jewels presented).
The installation of RW Bro Rodney Cohen PSGW as the Lodge’s third Worshipful Master was a very ‘at home’ event. Foundation Master MW Bro James Melville represented the UGL of NSW and the ACT and of course the second Master, RW Bro Mohamad Nahas PAGM was the Installing Master.
Past Grand Master Gregory Levenston (foundation IPM) joined the delegation as did Victorian Past Grand Master MW Bro Hillel Benedykt (a member of RW Bro Cohen’s Victorian mother lodge, Lodge Tradition).
Tribute was also paid to two masons who marked 50 years’ membership: RW Bros Joseph Haffner PDGM and Frank Ingersole PJGW.
In a tribute rarely seen, RW Bro Haffner was presented with two 50-year jewels, marking his service to this jurisdiction and also the Grand Lodge of Israel.
A one time Grand Librarian, RW Bro Haffner was also the editor of the long running Pillars of Light – a masonic research magazine – as well as the instigator of many research initiatives and the willing answerer of questions about Freemasonry from visitors to the Grand Lodge Library.
Described as the ‘godfather’ of Lodge Jerusalem, he was also praised for his tenacious approach to the founding of the Lodge and commitment to its ideals of mutual respect and acceptance of religious differences.
RW Bro Ingersole was recognised for his immense contribution to many lodges as well as to the broader Guilford community.
Originally intended to be a ‘second lodge’, it has quickly started attracting its own initiates – three of whom presented the Working Tools at the Installation and took office, making the Lodge truly one of youth and experience combining to meet in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.