In the year 1871, in the palmy
days of Gulgong, the Abbotsford Lodge was started and flourished for many years
but though, the gradual working out of the field, and members leaving the
district, the lodge had to suspend operations in 1889, and matters of Masonic
remained dormant until recently, when, through the energy of several members,
application was made for a charter for a new lodge and last Friday witnessed
the inauguration of Lodge Wyaldra No 238.
The dedication ceremony in
connection with the Lodge was performed by Very Wor. Bro. AR Cooke D.G.I.W.,
under the authority from the Grand Master and the installation of Wor. Bro. JW
Duesbury as first W. M. was performed also by the same brother. both ceremonies
being carried out in a most able manner by him.
Following are the officers
invested by the W.M.:-Bro. Dr Busby S.W.; Bro. A Souter J.W.; Rev Bro Haviland,
Chaplain; Bro Dr McCreadie, Treasurer; Bro E Harrison, Secretary; Bro M Bennett
S.D.; Bro Rognini I.G.; Bro Fulton, Tyler.
At the conclusion of the Lodge
the brethren adjourned to the supper room of the Town Hall, where a splendid
banquet was provided. The usual toasts were drunk. During the evening songs
were sung by Wor. Bro. W Kellett, JK Kellett, Cook and recitations by Bro. W
Lester and W Shaw. Bro SB Rouse gave the brethren a selection of bones in the
manipulation of which he is a past master to a musical accompaniment. Bro WC
Blackman acted as organist in the Lodge. It was announced that Bros. Haviland
and Harrison were shortly to leave the district.
