The Lodge of St George No. 2025 held a most distinguished meeting on Friday 17 October 2025 at Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Plymouth, to dedicate its new Lodge Banner commemorating the rare coincidence of the Lodge’s number 2025 aligning with the year 2025 A.D.
The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form by Worshipful Master W. Bro. Dean Martin at 6.00 p.m., with the minutes of the previous meeting confirmed. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of the Presiding V. W. Bro. Dr. Richard J. Ebrey, P.G.Swd.B., Deputy Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by a distinguished Provincial delegation including W. Bro. Timothy Coleridge, Provincial Senior Grand Warden, W. Bro. Mark Wildman, Provincial Junior Grand Warden, W. Bro. Dr. Adrian Rogers, Provincial Grand Chaplain, W. Bro. Keith Williams, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, and W. Bro. Denis Arden, Provincial Grand Pursuivant.
Historical Address by W. Bro. Ian Southcott
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master invited W. Bro. Ian Southcott, P.Pr.S.G.D., Lodge Secretary, to present a short historical overview of the Lodge and the story behind the banner’s creation.
Bro. Southcott outlined that the Lodge of St George No. 2025 received its Warrant on 12 March 1884 and was consecrated on St George’s Day, 23 April 1884. The Lodge has met in a succession of Masonic halls across Plymouth since that time, each representing a new chapter in its 141-year history.
Among its many distinguished Brethren was The Right Honourable Isaac Foot (1880–1960), initiated in 1904, he was a practising solicitor, Member of Parliament for Bodmin, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, and lifelong Methodist preacher. A man of intellect and conviction, he was a renowned bibliophile, owning a library of over 70,000 volumes, and is remembered as a figure who combined political idealism with deep faith and public service.
Another poignant figure was Bro. Turpin (1882–1912), a Plymouth-born craftsman who, with his wife, tragically lost their loves aboard the R.M.S. Titanic, a story that continues to capture both local and Masonic remembrance
The Dedication Ceremony
Following the historical address, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master directed the Provincial G.D.C. to form an escort for the Banner Procession, led by W. Bro. Andrew Dance (D.C.), assisted by Bro. Simon Middleton (A.D.C.), Bro. Alex Bunning (S.D.), Bro. Craig Jones (J.D.), and W. Bro. Michael Sendall (Banner Bearer). The banner was ceremonially perambulated around the Lodge before being presented to the Deputy P.G.M. for dedication.
The Oration conducted by W. Bro. Dr. Adrian Rogers, Provincial Grand Chaplain, was among the highlights of the evening. His Oration beautifully reflected upon the spiritual and historical importance of the Lodge, noting that the Lodge of St George No. 2025 was one of the last in the Province to have been constituted as a Temperance Lodge, a distinction personally experienced by both the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Nicholas A. Ball, and Past Assistant Grand Master, W. Bro. Peter Haigh, who was in attendance.
During this eloquent Oration, W. Bro. Dr Adrian Rogers, Provincial Grand Chaplain, spoke movingly about St George, the saint in whose honour the Lodge was founded and named. He reminded the Brethren that St George, a Roman soldier and devout Christian, became a symbol of courage, faith, and moral steadfastness. W. Bro. Rogers reflected on how St George’s unwavering adherence to truth and conscience even in the face of persecution and death mirrored the core values of Freemasonry: integrity, fortitude, and fidelity to one’s principles. St George chose martyrdom and beheading rather than renounce his Christian faith, and his story continues to inspire as an enduring example of moral strength, tolerance, and self-sacrifice.
He further observed that the figure of St George embodies the triumph of good over evil, and that his legend serves as a moral allegory perfectly aligned with Masonic ideals encouraging all Brethren to uphold truth, justice, and compassion in their daily lives.
Bro. Rogers’ address, weaving together the Lodge’s symbolic heritage, moral purpose, and enduring fraternal spirit, was received with heartfelt appreciation and concluded with the Patriarchal Benediction.
The Deputy P.G.M. then entrusted the newly dedicated banner back to the Lodge, which was graciously accepted by W. Bro. Dean Martin, Worshipful Master, on behalf of all Brethren.
Charitable Presentations and Festive Board
In a touching gesture of generosity, the Worshipful Master presented four cheques totalling £2,025 to the Deputy P.G.M. a fitting nod to the Lodge number and its anniversary year:
- £500 to the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund
- £500 to Teddies for Loving Care
- £500 to the Plymouth Building Fund
- £525 to St Luke’s Hospice
Following the ceremony, over 60 Brethren attended a lively and harmonious Festive Board, marked by excellent food, good humour, and fellowship. A further £734 was raised for charitable causes thanks to the generosity of those present.
Conclusion
The evening was a memorable celebration of 141 years of Masonic fellowship, heritage, and charity, bringing together past and present in the spirit of unity and brotherly love.
The Lodge of St George No. 2025 stands proud of its history and renewed vitality a fitting tribute as it marches confidently in the year that bears its name.
Thanks
The Lodge would like to extend special thanks to W. Bro. Keith Williams and W. Bro. Dr Adrian Rogers for their exceptional efforts to make this ceremony the success it was, and to W. Bro. Alec Collyer, Provincial Press Officer, for capturing this milestone in photographs.
