Royal Portus Felix Lodge met on 18th March 2025 and welcomed the RW Provincial Grand Master Dr David Chambers and Provincial Officers team for a memorable evening of Freemasonry.
The Lodge being opened, the business of the evening saw the RW Provincial Grand Master take the Chair to dedicate a new Lodge banner, and as the banner dedication is formally undertaken as a Provincial Grand Lodge activity, he placed the Provincial Wardens Ian Syddall and Nick Mitchell in the Wardens' Chairs.
The Provincial Chaplain, Bro John Fisher, then gave a most interesting and engaging oration on the nature of the banner as a symbol, and the history of the Lodge to date (see below). The banner was then dedicated with appropriate ceremony and formally entrusted to the WM, Chris Burrows.
The new Royal Portus Felix Lodge banner
(L to R) Royal Portus Felix WM Chris Burrows, banner designer Garry Lovett, APGM Chris Thomas and WBro FG Harrison with the new Lodge banner
Dedication of the The Royal Portus Felix Lodge (No 643) Banner on the 18th March 2025 by Bro. the Revd. John Fisher, BTh. MA, MPhil (Provincial Grand Chaplain)
Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Master, Brethren, it is a pleasure and privilege to dedicate this new Royal Portus Felix Lodge banner.
There are few symbols in use at the present time which are of such antiquity as a banner or flag. A flag is simply a relatively modern development of the older banner or standard.
The modern study of flags is called vexillogy – the word deriving from the Latin “vexillium” meaning a flag or banner used by the Roman Legions. A very interesting connection as the Romans were thought to be stationed here at Filey on Filey Brigg and the old Portus Felix Lodge takes its name from this Roman settlement. In more recent times trade unions have marched behind their banners as a mark of solidarity and commitment. Youth organisations such as the Scouts, Guides and the Boys Bridge parade their flags to identify their respective organisation.
The earliest known masonic banner is that of the York Lodge which dates to the year 1776.
In Freemasonry banners have always been an integral part of the furnishings and equipment of any masonic meeting. Freemasonry in Filey has a long tradition dating back to 1855 when the Royal Lodge was attracting many members. Royal Lodge No 643 survived the impact of two world wars and was no doubt somewhat of an anchor for those caught up in both those tragic events, providing a beacon for Brethren and families during dark times.
Such was the popularity of Freemasonry that in 1948 the Royal Lodge petitioned for the creation of a second lodge in the town to be known as the Portus Felix lodge and this was consecrated in 1948 as Lodge No 6712.
Both Lodges continued to be popular but like many organisations which involved commitments of time and money, social change has meant that there are so many different pursuits to fill leisure time that numbers have declined over the years. For that reason Royal lodge and Portus Felix took the brave step to amalgamate.
The banner we dedicate this evening is a result of the merger of the Royal Lodge with its daughter lodge Portus Felix which took place on the 22nd February 2023.
All committee members were responsible for its design with W. Bro Garry Lovett doing the artwork and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master Chris Thomas ensuring it was made. The logo was approved by the Assistant Grand Secretary of United Lodge of England on the 29th September 2023.
The banner depicts Filey Brigg (together with seagulls) between Boas and Jachin.
You note that the sun is rising heralding the dawn of a new day – and so your new banner heralds a new era for the two former lodges who made the right and brave decision to amalgamate.
This banner symbolises your aims and ideals, all that you hope and strive for, so from this day let this banner be proudly displayed at all your meetings.
Brethren upstanding. Let us pray.
“May the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe, rest upon this banner which we now dedicate, and may the members of the Royal Portus Felix Lodge, go forward with heads held high, in confident hope, with hearts lifted in gratitude and thanksgiving, ever pledging their continued loyalty to the Craft in this place.” So mote it be.
The RW Provincial Grand Master then presented a 50 year certificate to W Bro David Walton (images above). They discussed David's life and Masonic career at length in a fascinating dialogue. At the end and having presented the certificate, the RW Provincial Grand Master, tongue in cheek, admonished David for attending in the wrong regalia. David seemed puzzled by this, but it transpired that this good natured leg pull was because the RW Provincial Grand Master then promoted David to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden! The brethren received this news with great acclaim and an ovation for a well respected brother.
The RW Provincial Grand Master presents WBro Frederick Graham Harrison with the late EComp Philip Harrison's Royal Arch PAGSoj apron. WBro Chris Thomas, left, wears Philip Harrison's Craft Apron.
The RW Provincial Grand Master then addressed the brethren, congratulating two brethren present who had recieved honours in Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter. W Bro Chris Ansell, Provincial Comms Officer has been appointed to PGStB in Grand Lodge, and WBro Frederick Graham Harrison promoted from PGStB to PAGDC (Craft) and PGStB to PAGSoj (Royal Arch), having the distinction of promotion in both Craft and Chapter in the same year, a highly unusual event. The RW Provincial Grand Master then presented WBro Harrison with the late EComp Philip Harrison's Royal Arch PAGSoj apron, a memorial to a much missed and respected departed Companion.
The proceedings were rounded off with the news that the Lodge had made an additional donation of £1000 to the Provincial Festival, presented at the festive board, where a celebratory cake for David Walton was enjoyed.
