Lodge Army Navy’s centenary

13 July 24

Remarkable to the nation

At Lodge Army Navy’s centenary meeting former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said ‘What freemasonry does is natural to you but remarkable to the nation’.

With true military precision, Lodge Army Navy celebrated its centenary on 19 April – one hundred years to the day since its beginning.

After a brief lodge meeting, the doors were thrown open and ladies, gentlemen and guests – including Sir Peter and his wife Lynne – witnessed a moving and highly symbolic ANZAC ceremony.

In the south, speeches from the Grand Master MW Bro Les Hicks and Sir Peter Cosgrove wove a common theme – how Lodge Army Navy had not only provided a solid masonic experience but an additional benefit of support and solidarity to those who fought on our behalf.

The Grand Master described the Lodge as a ‘sanctuary of support and development.

 ’Brethren struggle and come to a lodge of like-minded people with a common bond and find strength together,’ he said.

‘Members of this lodge have seen many battles and conflicts and the lodge has provided a special place for them.

‘It is clear from the history of the lodge that it has not only attracted the brightest and the best from the military but has also provided a safe place to relax, be equal and enjoy each other’s company not as ranked men, but as equal brothers.’

In the South, the lodge had a rolling roll call of former members and Sir Peter said it was ‘depressing and sobering’ to see such a list.

In his speech, he described himself as an ‘outsider, an observer and a friend’. ‘What you [Freemasons] do is natural to you but remarkable to the nation.

‘Let’s enjoy the peace, but remember the war,’ he said.

By RW Bro Alan Gale