Prince Albert Lodge Our History
THE STORY OF PRINCE ALBERT LODGE No 248 U.G.L.Q
How did Prince Albert Lodge originate?
Why was it so named?
Who started it and where did it all happen?
These questions are of interest to Freemasons today who know Prince Albert as a small but vigorous Lodge whose ritual work is carried out with style and sincerity. What forces shaped this singular Lodge that runs such convivial festive boards and has a character and charisma like no other?
It all began in Brisbane before the start of the First World War.
A group of distinguished Brethren met in the Albert Hall in Albert Street, Brisbane. Their intention was to consider forming a new Lodge. They were mainly members of the Albert Street Methodist Church.
The group included Most Worshipful Brother the Rev. G.E. Rowe, a Past Grand Master of the Irish Constitution in Western Australia, who was then Minister of the Albert Street Methodist Church.
Also present were Bro. J. R. Morgan, who was the church's secretary, and Bro. H. A. Littler, its organist.
PETITION PRESENTED
A petition was signed that night for the formation of "Lodge Albert", to meet in the Alice Street Masonic Hall that used to be opposite the Botanic Gardens.
The petition was duly sent to the Grand Master, together with a letter of recommendation from the Duke of Leinster Lodge, No. 3, Queensland Constitution.
The Grand Master, Most Worshipful Bro. A.M. Hertzberg, granted the request and personally officiated at the consecration ceremony of the Lodge. This took place on 14th October 1915. The Deputy Grand Master, Most Worshipful Bro. A. Lenity, installed Most Worshipful Bro. the Rev. G.E. Rowe as Foundation Master.
LODGE LAUNCHED
With a foundation of eleven members and the promise of more to come, "Lodge Albert" was off to an auspicious start.
The challenges soon arrived. Rising costs and stringencies associated with the First World War became severe. In order to meet these, the Lodge decided against serving alcohol at the festive board. Instead, it concentrated on the quality of its harmony and the warmth of its welcome to visitors. That practice has been followed to this day.
Many Masons nowadays willingly accept a non alcoholic festive board. Indeed, many prefer it in the interests of combating the road carnage.
When wartime hostilities ceased in 1918, the Lodge enjoyed renewed prosperity.
Several constitutions of Freemasonry existed in Queensland at that time. These merged in1921 when the United Grand Lodge of Queensland was formed.
In the process, another Lodge Albert, then existing in the Southport district, became recognised by Grand Lodge.
To avoid confusion, a name-change was agreed to and Prince Albert Lodge acquired the title it proudly bears today.
PRINCELY ADDITION
The new name honoured Prince Albert, the remarkable and talented Consort of Queen Victoria. His hand helped guide the Queen and many British institutions through an era of unprecedented wealth and power. His portrait is still used to identify some Lodge stationery. Over the years, Prince Albert Lodge has changed venues from Alice Street to Vulture Street to Ann Street and finally to its current location in Cleveland Street, Stones Corner.
When the foundation stone of the Ann Street Masonic Memorial Centre was laid in 1928, Prince Albert's donations to the project entitled it to become a Hall Stone Jewel Lodge.
Sadly, the depression years of the 1930s were soon to follow. These left their mark on the Lodge, and several members fell on hard and trying times.
A relatively brief era of prosperity followed, but this was dashed by the declaration of World War II in 1939, when many Prince Albert Brethren enlisted for active service.
MEN OF DISTINCTION
During this time, a memorable evening occurred when the Honourable William Forgan-Smith, who had recently retired as Premier of Queensland, was initiated into Prince Albert Lodge.
The Governor, Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, attended in his capacity as Grand Master, accompanied by numerous other high dignitaries.
In its lifetime, Prince Albert has added the names of many other citizens of note to its membership roll. These men of distinction have included the eminent civic construction engineer, Sir Manuel Hornibrook, and the Honourable Sir Thomas Hiley, Treasurer of Queensland.
The chronicles of Prince Albert Lodge show an impressive list of Brethren who have occupied Grand Lodge office and who have been conferred with Grand or Past Grand Rank.
Of recent times RW Bro John Clegg, PDGM has held the office of Assistant Grand Master followed by a three year term as President of the Board of General Purposes, while RW Bro Graeme Ewin was the President of the Board of Benevolence prior to being elected to his current office, Grand Master. Most Worshipful Brother Graeme Ewin the current Grand Master and ends his term in July 2010.
FRATERNITY
Prince Albert is one of the several Royal Name Lodges. These Lodges have held combined meetings at various times, a practice introduced by Prince Albert 248.
FRIENDSHIP
In 1980, Prince Albert inaugurated and hosted the "Lodge of Friendship" at which invited Lodges presented an outline of their origins and histories. A number of combined meetings were subsequently held.
ANNIVERSARY
The Lodge celebrated its 75th year at a colourful ceremony in 1990. To commemorate the occasion, a chiming clock was presented to the Sandgate Freemasons’ Homes. It graces the upstairs lobby outside the general office.
ENDURING QUALITIES
The strength of Prince Albert has always derived from the loyalty of its members. Their care, concern and constancy have helped the Lodge in times of trouble. Their never-failing optimism, energy and enthusiasm have carried the Lodge forward into more propitious periods.
Today, Prince Albert looks confidently and resolutely ahead
It remains a popular Lodge with high visitor attendances. Its future looks bright. It has a purpose to fulfill. It has further progress to be achieved. It has a fine reputation to uphold. It has a noble tradition to maintain.
Above all, Prince Albert Lodge stands determined to promote the principles on which its past achievements have been attained:
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth
