Page 11 - Keystone Spring 2019 Issue 2

Else Lodge 102

Where does the name "Else" come from?

Richard Charles Else was advanced into Else Lodge, No.102 (Then
known as The United Artillery, Engineer and Rifle Volunteer
Lodge of Mark Master Masons) in 1870. In 1881 he was
appointed Provincial Grand Mark Master for Somersetshire.

Richard Charles Else was initiated into the Rural Philanthropic
Lodge, No.291 Highbridge in 1858. He was Worshipful Master in
1865, 1877 and 1893, between these dates; he spent many years
as Lodge Treasurer. He was appointed Provincial Grand Secretary
in 1870 and in 1875 was appointed Deputy Provincial Grand
Master for Somersetshire. He held this post for 27 years, retiring
in 1902. During his 37 years as an executive officer, he visited
countless Lodges and performed various other functions
including the Consecration of four new Lodges and the
installation of 594 Worshipful Masters. In 1882 he was made
Grand Deacon of England by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales later to become King Edward VII.
The Lodge Warrant dates from 1868 & was first named
as The Artillery Engineer and Rifle Volunteer Lodge of
Mark Master Masons.

At the dawn of the 21st Century when happily
computers world-wide did not crash as predicted, the
Else Lodge Committee considered a proposition from
Bro. Tony Harwood that a lodge banner should be
commissioned to mark the turn of the Century. This
was unanimously approved & Worshipful Master
Patrick Morrisey agreed together with Bro. Harwood to
submit a design for the approval of the Committee. The
wording on the banner was consequently agreed to
reflect the original Lodge name. The Artillery Engineer
and Rifle Volunteer Lodge ceased work for twelve years
in late 19th Century & when re-consecrated in 1892
was re-named after Right Worshipful Brother Richard
Charles Else.
The Banner was made by South Wales Regalia in
Swansea at a cost of £800, the money being raised by
the brethren through many social events & personal contributions. It was completed in
February 2004 & was dedicated by the Provincial Grand Master for Somerset Right Worshipful
Bro. Anthony Walter Samson Hick & the Provincial Team on Tuesday 16th March 2004, carried
into the Lodge by the newest Advancee Bro. Umit Shevket.

Spring Issue 2019 Page11