The Lodge Banner
The original Lodge Banner is one of the most important and ancient artefacts belonging to the Lodge. Early records show that this was presented to the Lodge by W. Bro. Frank Harper, a Founder, the second Master and then IPM of the Lodge at the Installation meeting held at the Oatlands Park Hotel, on Tuesday 13th October 1896.
The banner was originally purchased for the princely sum of 5 Guineas by the Secretary who asked ‘that members might like to make a contribution to its cost’ – the banner was subsequently presented by Frank Harper and although the records don’t specifically say as much, it is safe to assume that it was he who donated the total cost himself.
The original Lodge Banner dating from 1894
The banner has a dark blue silk backing and is inscribed in gold lettering with the names of Past Masters of the Lodge from 1894 to 1929 the year in which W. Bro. Harper was Elected Acting Master on the death of W. Bro. William King, the 35th Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1928. Each successive name was inscribed after their year in office at a cost of 7/6d.
Today, the banner is safely preserved behind glass and is now proudly displayed at the Installation meeting every year.
A second banner was commissioned to replace the original banner but its precise origin and history remain shrouded in mystery as sadly there are no recorded details of this. However what is known is that the banner remained in use for a considerable number of years, before first aid repairs were necessary to halt its deterioration and preserve its condition. It is assumed that the banner was presented to the Lodge in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s and has remained in use until the present day, approximately some 70 or 80 years later.
It is hand embroidered on blue silk, the ‘all seeing eye’ at the top below which is a scroll ‘Noel Money Lodge’. The Sun and the Moon and Stars appear at either side of the crest topped by two wings and the globe. Below, a rampant Lion of England stands and triangle of what is believed to represent 10 gold coins under which is the motto ‘Factis non Verbis’ (Action not words’)
The present Lodge Banner
At the bottom is a badge signifying the Order of the Bath, of which Col. Noel Money was honoured as a Commander in 1881. The Order of the Bath was first instituted in 1725 and is awarded for outstanding service in the Armed Forces or Civil Service. The motto ‘Tria juncto in uno' ('Three joined in one'), was first used in James 1's (and VI of Scotland) reign.
Historically, the motto was thought to refer either to the Union of England, Scotland and France, or to the Union of England, Scotland and Ireland, or to the Holy Trinity.
The bottom of the banner is fringed, above which is an embroidered inscription:
Inevitably the condition of the banner deteriorated through use over the years and in 2005 was refurbished by the specialist Banners and Regalia team at Great Queen St. under the expert direction of Anna Fernandez who painstakingly have recreated and refurbished the banner to its original ‘as new’ condition.
A subsequent article in Surrey Mason recorded that:
‘The Provincial Grand Master accompanied by other members of the Provincial team honoured the Noel Money Lodge No. 2521 by the rededication of their Lodge Banner at a memorable ceremony at Surbiton in November.
The Lodge was Founded in 1894 by its first Master, RW Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Col. Gerard Noel Money, CB and the Lodge Banner bears his name as well as the motto ‘Factis Non Verbis’ – Action Not Words – an ideal which has guided the Lodge through its long and distinguished history within Surrey Province.
The banner is also dedicated to the memory of a Brother who gave his life in the Great War and it was especially fitting that the ceremony of rededication took place during the week of Remembrance.
In his oration, the Provincial Grand Chaplain, W. Bro. Bryan Page, PAGDC highlighted the importance and significance of the banner as an emblem of the Lodge, calling on the Brethren to be reminded by its presence of their unity in their common cause and service.
The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Ian Matthew, PPAGStdB said that Lodge was delighted to welcome the PGM as an honorary member on this special occasion.’
The banner was originally purchased for the princely sum of 5 Guineas by the Secretary who asked ‘that members might like to make a contribution to its cost’ – the banner was subsequently presented by Frank Harper and although the records don’t specifically say as much, it is safe to assume that it was he who donated the total cost himself.
The original Lodge Banner dating from 1894Today, the banner is safely preserved behind glass and is now proudly displayed at the Installation meeting every year.
A second banner was commissioned to replace the original banner but its precise origin and history remain shrouded in mystery as sadly there are no recorded details of this. However what is known is that the banner remained in use for a considerable number of years, before first aid repairs were necessary to halt its deterioration and preserve its condition. It is assumed that the banner was presented to the Lodge in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s and has remained in use until the present day, approximately some 70 or 80 years later.
It is hand embroidered on blue silk, the ‘all seeing eye’ at the top below which is a scroll ‘Noel Money Lodge’. The Sun and the Moon and Stars appear at either side of the crest topped by two wings and the globe. Below, a rampant Lion of England stands and triangle of what is believed to represent 10 gold coins under which is the motto ‘Factis non Verbis’ (Action not words’)
The present Lodge BannerHistorically, the motto was thought to refer either to the Union of England, Scotland and France, or to the Union of England, Scotland and Ireland, or to the Holy Trinity.
The bottom of the banner is fringed, above which is an embroidered inscription:
’In memory of Bro. Basil Vokes who made the supreme sacrifice’
Inevitably the condition of the banner deteriorated through use over the years and in 2005 was refurbished by the specialist Banners and Regalia team at Great Queen St. under the expert direction of Anna Fernandez who painstakingly have recreated and refurbished the banner to its original ‘as new’ condition.
A subsequent article in Surrey Mason recorded that:
‘The Provincial Grand Master accompanied by other members of the Provincial team honoured the Noel Money Lodge No. 2521 by the rededication of their Lodge Banner at a memorable ceremony at Surbiton in November.
The Lodge was Founded in 1894 by its first Master, RW Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Col. Gerard Noel Money, CB and the Lodge Banner bears his name as well as the motto ‘Factis Non Verbis’ – Action Not Words – an ideal which has guided the Lodge through its long and distinguished history within Surrey Province.
The banner is also dedicated to the memory of a Brother who gave his life in the Great War and it was especially fitting that the ceremony of rededication took place during the week of Remembrance.
In his oration, the Provincial Grand Chaplain, W. Bro. Bryan Page, PAGDC highlighted the importance and significance of the banner as an emblem of the Lodge, calling on the Brethren to be reminded by its presence of their unity in their common cause and service.
The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Ian Matthew, PPAGStdB said that Lodge was delighted to welcome the PGM as an honorary member on this special occasion.’
<< Home