On Saturday, 7th September 2024, David Bonner Lodge No. 9678 held its final meeting to formally hand in its Warrant and close its doors.
What was expected to be a solemn yet respectful occasion turned into a memorable event for all the wrong reasons!
The Lodge expected to be honoured with the presence of W. Bro. Robert P. Rough, PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, to attend and receive the Warrant, accompanied by W. Bro. Frankie Whelan-Mellor, PProvDepGDC.
However, due to a last-minute change, W. Bro. Paul Lowery, ProvSGW, was asked to stand in and represent the Provincial Executive.
The meeting was opened at 10:30 a.m., but just ten minutes later, an unexpected interruption occurred. As the Inner Guard attended to a knock on the door, W. Bro. Frankie Whelan-Mellor pushed it open—much to the surprise of everyone present, as he wasn’t expected for another half hour.
However, this was not an early visit from the Provincial team. W. Bro. Whelan-Mellor swiftly informed the Lodge that a gas leak had been discovered within the Temple premises (TDMC) and that all members and guests must evacuate immediately.
The evacuation was orderly, with all Masons and their non-Masonic guests, who were in attendance for the planned White Table event, assembling outside in the car park. While Julia, the TDMC manager, initially ushered everyone onto the patio, she quickly redirected them back to the car park, much to her chagrin!
As the Lodge awaited further instructions, TDMC staff arranged tables and chairs on the lawn’s edge. During this time, several key questions were raised:
- Would the Lodge be allowed back in to complete the meeting and dine?
- If they returned, would dining be permitted?
- Could the meeting conclude without dining, or would they have to abandon the day entirely?
- If abandoned, what would happen to the Warrant, and would another meeting be scheduled for its formal handover?
W. Bro. Paul Lowery and W. Bro. Frankie Whelan-Mellor worked through these logistical dilemmas, considering various outcomes, including whether they should take the Warrant at that moment or wait for a potential rescheduled meeting.
Fortunately, after some anxious waiting, everyone was allowed back into the building to conclude the meeting and hand over the Warrant. Although dining could not take place, all present were offered complimentary coffee and soft drinks to close the event.
The Provincial team and attendees commended Julia, the TDMC Manager, and TDMC Director Gwyn Evans for their professional handling of the situation.
Their clear communication and regular updates ensured the safety of all and allowed the Lodge to finish its final meeting with dignity.
The day may not have gone as planned, but it will certainly be remembered as a unique chapter in the history of David Bonner Lodge No. 9678.
History of David Bonner Lodge
To read the story behind David Bonner Lodge please click here
