What’s in a name?
When Stephen Moss inherited his Great Grandfather’s gold watch, he was intrigued by the inscription on its back but as it did not mean anything to him, he thought no more about it.
Not until some years later, having been Initiated into Hicks Beach Lodge 2407, when he recognised the similarity of his Lodge’s name and number, to that of St Alphege Lodge 4095.
Realising that there might be a masonic connection he commenced his investigation.
With the help of Google he soon found St Alphege Lodge and contacted their secretary to arrange a visit to Bath, accompanied by his son James.
They were both welcomed to the March Meeting of the Lodge, and emotionally immersed in the history of William Ellery, who was the Founding Secretary and served as such for an astounding 21 years – a worthy recipient of a gold watch indeed!
William Ellery was a member of The Royal Albert Edward Lodge 906 and served at their Master in 1916.
During the visit they revealed that, William Ellery’s son-in-law, Harold Fricker (Steve’s Grandfather) was also a member of St Alphege Lodge, and Master in 1931.
Steve also brought with him a copy of a photograph, taken in 1944, with Secretary William Ellery (front row left) and Harold Fricker (middle row centre) who was then the Director of Ceremonies.
Bath’s Masonic Historian, Malcolm Toogood, has very kindly taken up the challenge to delve a little deeper and can be expected to unearth many more fascinating details of St Alphege Lodge’s past.
To be continued …….
