Banner Dedication Ceremony

Banner Dedication Ceremony

I had the pleasure of attending the Ancient College Gateway in Maidstone on Tuesday 19th February 2008 to witness first hand a most ceremonious and splendid occasion, when after 130 years, The Very Worshipful Brother Peter Michael Brooshooft PGSwdB, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Province of East Kent unveiled a new Banner for The Douglas Lodge No.1725.

The Douglas Lodge enjoys a long and interesting history that extends over 130 years, which is only surpassed by the Douglas family heritage that can be traced back before the time of the Crusades.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of a number of eminent Brethren including: The Most Worshipful Brother The Lord Cornwallis, OBE, DL PProGM, The Right Worshipful Brother John Bonomy, OBE PPrGM, The Right Worshipful Brother Russell John Race, DL Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master, PJGW and The Very Worshipful Brother Richard Alexander Knox-Johnston, Assistant Metropolitan Grand Master, PGSwdB

The original banner, which is still adorning the Temple, although still legible, has faded over the years as a result of the damp atmosphere of the Ancient College Gateway. The new banner, which was commissioned and generously donated by VW Bro Richard Knox-Johnston, Past Master of the Lodge, is an exciting creation of symbolism and colour.

The banner was escorted into the Lodge by a procession of Past Masters and Officers of the Lodge and received by the Worshipful Master W. Bro Brian Clark PPrSGD. As the procession advanced to the east the brethren sang the Hymn ‘O God our help in ages past’. The Provincial Grand Chaplain W. Bro Rev. R. G. Gamble led the brethren in prayer before the WM invited VW Bro Peter Brooshooft to unveil the new banner. The Provincial Grand Chaplain gave a most informative talk on the banner in which he explained much of the symbolism and use of colours.

The banner was perambulated around the Lodge to the Hymn ‘Praise my soul the King of Heaven’

VW Bro Richard Knox-Johnston added to the explanation provided by W. Bro Gamble by stating that the heart depicted in the centre of the banner is believed to represent the heart of Robert The Bruce, which was removed from his body following his death and taken to The Holy Land to be buried. The escort was led by a member of the Douglas family who originate from Scotland. En route to the Holy Land the escort was attacked by Moors and many were killed. The heart was returned to Scotland where it was later buried.

The event was a memorable and auspicious occasion, which I feel sure will be remembered with a degree of fondness by all those who attended for many years to come.

Trevor Pankhurst PM
Assistant Provincial Information Officer