The Local Paper - Wednesday, May 19, 2021 - Page 45
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News ‘Night school’ for life lessons
● Ash Long pictured with Richard Elkington and Lewis Allan at the Victorian Lodge of Research held at the Ivalda Masonic Centre, Darebin. ■ The monthly meetings of Freemasons include life lessons aimed at bettering good men. The aim is to be better citizens as well as better husbands and better fathers. There are a number of ‘degrees’ which some liken to Night School for life lessons. Some of the talks are humour-based. Ash Long, delivering this year’s Peter Thornton Memorial Lecture, examined ‘Colourful Freemasons in the black-andwhite press of the 1800s’. He delivered a paper at the Victorian Lodge of ● One of the vision statements for Freemasons Research, looking at Victoria is to be an organisation of good men prominent Victorian who support each other, their families and the community. Part of this is to honour the good Freemasons in works of its members. This month saw an event Melbourne from the held at Freemasons Bayside, Gardenvale, where 1840s onwards, packed the achievements of the late John Evans, Past with anecdotes taken Grand Master, were saluted with the unveiling from the newspapers of of a mural by Sankar Nadeson. 180 years ago.
Remembering John
● Men as young as 18 join as members of Freemasons Victoria. Many enjoy it so much that they continue their memberships for decades. Howard Purcell (pictured seated) was presented with his 60-year service jewel last Thursday night. He is seen with family friend David Waugh, wife Bev Purcell, and Don Reynolds, Past Grand Master.
What is Freemasonry?
■ Freemasons are men who work to improve themselves, so they can help the community to become a better place. Freemasons usually meet monthly, and their activities include lessons (called degrees), social functions and charity work. There are about 240 lodges in Victoria, and many Masons visit other lodges on a friendly social basis.
Would you like to learn more about joining Freemasonry?
Phone 9411 0111 www.freemasonsvic.net.au