Review of the February 2005 meeting.

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The lodge celebrated the completion of a third degree with the raising of Bro. John Edwards, also Secretary of the Old Wellingtonian Society. The brethren’s grasp and performance of the ritual was a tribute to the aims and practices of Freemasonry.

Looking ahead to the May meeting, held annually at Wellington College, the members welcomed the acceptance by the Master of the College, Hugh Monro to be guest of honour at a white table dinner to honour his achievements during the five years of his mastership.

Members established a strategic planning team in preparation for the centenary celebrations of the Lodge in 2009 to be led by the Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. James Milne.

A choral version of the College Song, “Carmen Heroidum” – professionally recorded in January – was placed on the website by courtesy of the Director of Music.

Departed Merit John Underdown PAGDC

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The funeral of John Underdown was held at Slough Crematorium on Tuesday, 14th December, 2004 at 12.30.

The funeral was very well attended with every possible seat and standing place taken. As well as family and friends members of the Old Wellingtonian, Herschel, and other lodges were present at what was a solemn, moving, and Masonic celebration of John’s life.

After the opening hymn, “Praise my Soul the King of Heaven”, John’s son-in-law Robert Males gave an excellent eulogy. This was followed by his grandchildren Mikala and Liam who read a poem entitled simply “to Grandad”. Clearly distraught by the passing of their grandfather they read clearly but tearfully, and in turn brought tears to the eyes of many of those present. The Masonic closing ode was sung, and the priest ended with a solemn prayer in which he took as his central theme the immortal mansions of the Grand Lodge above.

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Review of the November 2004 meeting

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W. Bro Thomas Hawley and his Officers performed a first degree initiation ceremony in fine form.

The Lodge celebrated W. Bro. John Underdown’s 50th anniversary in Freemasonry. Grand Lodge provided a Long Service certificate to commemorate this event.
Members of the Lodge presented W.Bro. John with a rose bowl to mark this special milestone. In his absence on the day this was formally presented at the Herschel Lodge No. 1894 in the Province of Buckinghamshire on a day in which W.Bro. John was installed into the chair of King Solomon, the third generation of Underdowns to do so.

The engraving reads:
Old Wellingtonian Lodge 3404
Presented to
W. Bro. John W Underdown
Grand Officer
50 Years Meritorious Service
1954 – 2004+

W. Bro. Geoffrey Baber addressed the Lodge highlighting the exceptional service W.Bro. John had performed to Freemasonry and especially the Old Wellingtonian Lodge. This was further added to by VW. Bro. Jervis Kay QC

Review of the October 2004 Installation meeting

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A Past-Master installed Bro. Thomas Hawley into the Chair of King Solomon in some style. He looks forward to a productive year ahead. A review of the year’s charitable giving followed with letters of appreciation from the several charities that had benefited from members’ donations. A splendid festive board at the Holborn Grange Hotel in Southampton Row was enjoyed by the brethren who were privileged to welcome masters from the Old Bradfield & Old Paulines Lodges and the Visiting Grand Officer Anthony Lucas.