Lodge of Enlightenment No 502
Welcome to the Lodge of Enlightment No 502 - the premier Freemasons Dining Lodge on the North Shore...
Formation
As one of the newest Freemasons Lodges in New Zealand The Lodge of Enlightenment was Constituted on October 11th 2003 at Lodge Takapuna by The Grandmaster M.W. Bro Laurie Inder, as a Lodge Constituted as No 502 on the Roll of The Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
The members of the Lodge acknowledge the supremacy of Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand and are committed to the revival of Freemasonry in New Zealand, and the concepts of excellence in everything they undertake within and without the Lodge.
The Patron is His Worship the Mayor of North Shore City, Brother George Wood
Theme
The Lodge – following the example of The Lodge of the Liberal Arts No 500 and Lodge Discovery No 501 has a Theme – Educational (both Masonic and General), and seeks to support that in the North Shore Colleges.
This is considered essential as the Lodge seeks to install excellence in whatever it undertakes. The concept of a Flaming Torch is considered significant with respect to the concept of Light and Enlightenment - and is reflected in it's motto - " Lumen Accipe et Imperti ". Accept the Light and Pass it on............
The principal project since inception has been the sponsorship of the North Shore Colleges Essay and Poetry Contest which is strongly supported by all the North Shore Colleges. Winners have come from Carmel College, Takapuna Grammar, and many other colleges. The Guest Judge and patron of the Contest is that well known author, poet and literary identity Kevin Ireland, and for 2007 support is also being given by that well known Journalist Robyn Langwell who will judge the Essay Contest and Kevin Ireland will judge the Poetry Contest.
Every year the parents, entrants and Head of Departments come to the Hotel where the Lodge is based for the annual prizegiving ceremony when the Neil Ingram Trophy is awarded to the North Shore winner together will the prizes for all college winners, runners-up - andf the supreme awards for North Shore runner-up and winner.
Ceremony
The first meeting of each year is generally a Dining Harmony with our wives and partners when the Annual Enlightment Address is delivered by the Immediate Past Master, and each year it was then envisaged the Lodge would then conduct an Initiation, Passing and Raising Ceremony at subsequent meetings each year.
The Initiation of a Candidate is the most important occasion of the year and reflected in the importance the Lodge places on this occasion - bringing a new Mason to the Light.
Enquiries for membership from both new and joining members are always welcome from persons who meet the high standrads that the Lodge has from it's existing members.
The Lodge is unique as it is the only Craft Lodge operating under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand that does not use the standard Masonic Apron but rather supplies to its brethren and all visiting Masons the Lodges own Masonic Cotton Aprons as approved by Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
Refectory, like the Lodge meetings is held at the Spencer on Byron Hotel home to the Lodge since it's inception. Dining after the Lodge is closed is to the usual high standard of the hotel, and generally includes a musical contribution form the Correlli School with which the Lodge has always had a close association, supporting as it always does excellence as our future generations strive for excellence in everything they undertake. Visiting Masons are always welcome to dine with the Lodge.
Closing
The Lodge is closed with a song from that most famous of Musical Freemason - Bro Mozart – and his Chain Song is sung at the conclusion, followed by appropriate words from the Master.
The Freemasons Symbol: The square and compasses together are the universal sign used by Freemasons throughout the world. They are tools of the stonemasons draughtsman, symbols of the Freemasons way of life. The square represents honesty and fairness in all things while the compasses are a reminder to act justly and in moderation.