70 years a Mason: W Bro Harry Atkinson

On the 21st of February 2018, it was with great pleasure that Browns Bay Lodge no. 346 were able to witness a well loved and respected Brother receive his 70 year badge at the hands of the Grand Master.

Henry Arthur William Atkinson (Affectionately known to us as Harry) was initiated into the Chevalier Lodge no. 303 on the 27th of January 1948. He was then passed and finally raised on the 14th of September 1948 at The Taupiri Lodge no. 118. He later joined our lodge, Browns Bay no. 346 in 1965 and subsequently became the Worshipful Master of the Lodge in June of 1977. In 2017, Harry was made the Taonga(Living Treasure) of the Lodge.

Born in September of 1922, Harry grew up in Pt. Chevalier and joined the 22nd Infantry Battalion in 1943 at the age of 21. He was deployed to Cairo for intensive training before moving on to Italy. The battalion first fought at Orsogna on the east coast of Italy and then they were moved to the west to fight at Cassino. From Cassino the battalion fought its way north, eventually arriving at Trieste on the 3rd of May 1945. Elements of the 22nd Battalion were the first of the Allies to enter Trieste, and the commanding officer of the battalion took the formal German surrender, thus ending the war in Italy. After returning from the War, Harry eventually settled in Torbay and was the owner of a hardware store in Rothesay Bay.

Harry has always been a very compassionate and helpful member of society and we are pleased that Harry has been recognised as so. The ceremony was definitely worthy of the respect that Harry demands and the presentation of his 70 year badge by the Grand Master was very moving.

We once again congratulate our much loved Brother on his accomplishment and will continue to treasure him for years to come.

 

 

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A Living Treasure: W Bro Harry Atkinson

W Bro Harry Atkinson was bestowed the prestigious Living Treasure status, otherwise known as; Taonga. He was also presented with Honorary Membership of Browns Bay lodge.

A Taonga is presented only to Brothers who have made significant impact to the Craft, and our lodge in particular. It is an honour to be considered a Taonga, and we trust Brother Harry truly feels blessed with this conferral.

We look forward to presenting W Bro Harry with his 70 year badge come next January!

And it’s back!!

The Travelling Gavel has once again found a home at Browns Bay Lodge no. 346! The gavel was challenged last night with a 14 strong deputation visiting Belmont Albion Lodge no. 45

The gavel was introduced to encourage visiting between lodges and has certainly fulfilled its purpose. The gavel started at the Ara Lodge and was quickly taken by Belmont Albion. Shortly afterwards, it was then taken by Lodge North Harbour and quickly followed by the Lodge of Enlightenment. On the 1st of May, Browns Bay took it home with them from the Lodge of Enlightenment.

During our meeting in May, the gavel was challenged and taken by Belmont Albion once again. Provided the efforts of our 14 brethren last night, the gavel is now back home with us, and cannot be taken at our meeting this month as it is our Installation. We fully expect a strong challenge from multiple lodges come the 19th of July when we conduct a 1st degree.