Our resident Lodge landlords, the German Lodge Zur Roten Erde celebrated their 125th anniversary on 14 May 2024, which they did in great style by performing their ceremony using the York Rite ritual finishing off with a Festive Board in the “Drei Gänge” restaurant also housed within the Lodge building. Unfortunately, the evening couldn’t go quite according to plan as a guest who was due to receive honouree membership was unable to attend.
So, to ensure that this distinguished award still be carried out, another special evening on 25 June 2024 was selected to bestow this rare honour, Johannistag/ St Johns day.
“St John’s Day is the most beautiful day of the year, for on it nature, which renews and rejuvenates itself every year, is at the height of its development, in the richest splendour of blossom, in the fullness of life; St John’s Day is the longest day of the year; light is always battling with darkness, day with night, and on St John’s Day day has triumphed over night. St John’s Day is the brightest day of the year; it is high noon of the year, the sun is highest above our heads and fills the world around us with its light, ‘the shadows have become the smallest and hide themselves under our feet, so that our eyes see nothing but light and shining things around us.” (Taken from: ‘Die Bauhütte: A magazine for German Freemasonry)
The man of the hour was indeed our very own VWBro Roddy Mackenzie OSM, who has been foundation and corner stone to The Rose of Minden Lodge’s success over the years, his tireless efforts to ensure the smooth running and growth of the Lodge has been second to none. His continual liaison between other Lodges within GLBFG, other Grand Lodges and of course local Lodges has created lasting bonds of friendship and it is only proper that he be made an Honouree Member of Zur Roten Erde Lodge.
The ceremony was conducted in a very peaceful and thought-provoking way, while the eulogy was performed with the utmost respect to VWBro Roddy stating how, among other things, he has always done his utmost to support Zur Roten Erde Lodge however best he can. This is also reflected in how many Brethren from Zur Roten Erde and The Rose of Minden took time out of their own schedules to ensure that they were also present on this memorable evening.
We wish a hearty congratulations to our Brother Secretary for be awarded with this generous gift trust and friendship.
More pictures here