Lodge of Discoveries No 9409

CURRENT MASTER – V.W.Bro. P. Caeiro Grand Inspector for the Lodges in Portugal.

The Lodge Crest

The Lodge Crest was finalised after a number of designs had been considered. A departure from Masonic symbolism was agreed in the interests of introducing an international symbolism.

The centre field depicts a map of Europe and North Africa with prominence given to Great Britain and Portugal, drawing attention to the close ties that exist, both historically and in Freemasonry.

The arrows radiating out into the Atlantic allude to the voyages of discovery encouraged by Prince Henry the Navigator. It is appropriate that the west coast town of Sagres is highlighted because this is where Prince Henry established a School of Navigation, the remains of which can still be viewed today. Geographically, the voyages started from more northern ports of Portugal.

The outer part of the Crest is formed by an Armillary Sphere. When the Portuguese National Assembly of the 21st August 1911, sanctioned a Republican form of government, the State Coat-of-Arms adopted by the Republic was essentially the Arms of the Royal House of Bragança, since modified to some extent: the shield remains the same, but this is now placed upon an Armillary Sphere, an old nautical instrument, in reference to Prince Henry the Navigator and the voyages of discovery which contributed to Portugal’s past greatness.

For the technically minded, an Armillary Sphere is simply described thus:

A model displaying the mutual dispositions of the imaginary circles of classical astronomy in which metal circles were used to represent the celestial equator, the ecliptic, the tropics, the Artic, and Antarctic circles, the hours of the day, the horizon and a meridian. Delivery from ancient astronomical instruments, Armillary Spheres became particularly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.

As Masons, we strive to discover new boundaries of friendship, discover ways to strengthen existing ones, discover within ourselves the charitable nature of man, discover the pleasure of meeting, conversing, debating and socialising without discord.

This will be a guiding principle of the Lodge, and it will be enhanced, so that in coming years, this will truly be known as:    “THE LODGE OF DISCOVERIES”

A Royal Arch Chapter is attached to the lodge.

Who are Freemasons?

Freemasonry is a non-profit organisation which is heavily involved in supporting charity and other community services.

It has no political or religious affiliation

It endeavors to give men a sense of belonging, to help others, to inspire and challenge them to practice the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Charity – in both their private and public lives.

Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life. Finding bonds with people who share common interests and meeting people from all different backgrounds are just some of the ways Freemasonry can cultivate lasting friendships.
If you want to find out more contact – sec@9409.eu

Charity news.

The Master presenting a cheque for €500.00 to Castelo de Sonhos, an organisation that helps the poor and underprivileged of Silves.

The Charity Steward Bro. Paul Gates presenting €200.00 for the children’s ward in Portimao Hospital.

New pedestals

This story starts with a comment from W.Bro. Gordon Wilson “Our old pedestals are in need of a repair” On closer inspection it was decided that the Lodge should try and obtain a set of newer pedestals; auction sites were monitored and enquiries made. The pedestals for sale were also in need of some TLC.

WBro. John Bergstrom-Potter found a fellow Mason who might be able to assist – WBro. Les Ross, a craftsman of wood. Plans, sketches and photographs were mulled over and then Les decided he had to come to Portugal and discuss in person the Lodge’s requirements.

He returned to the UK and set about his task, saying he would send updates but gave no indication of the final design.

When he completed his task, Les arranged for the three pedestals to be sent to Portugal. They were delivered to the Tivoli Hotel in Lagos and met by a party of volunteers to help with the unloading. We were looking forward to using them, but then Covid-19 took its grip and the meetings were subsequently abandoned.

Fast forward to August 2021 – our first full meeting since the pandemic started.  The Lodge room was laid out, and there they were in their new home looking splendid.

The Master’s pedestal is dedicated to the memory of W.Bro. Brian Gatnar, the first Master to remain in the Master’s Chair for two years.

WBro. Les Ross decided to join the Lodge as a result of his visit, and as gift he presented the Lodge with a set of gavels for the Festive Board.  I am sure his skill will again be called upon in the very near future.

The Master’s Gavel, presented to the Lodge by W.Bro. John Bergstrom-Potter in memory of his friend and Brother –  WBro. Brian Gatnar. The design was again left in the hands of WBro. Les Ross who came up with the idea of a globe, as we are the Lodge of Discoveries, and as a personal touch for me the striking point is a brass gas fitting (brilliant idea).

W.Bro. J. E. Bergstrom-Potter PAGDC

Congratulations 50 years a Mason.

On Saturday 24th April W.Bro. Derek Wells PPGJW (Surrey) PPGReg (Middx) celebrates 50 years a Mason. A surprise lunch was arranged on Friday 23rd. Members and partners met and a good time was had by all.

At the August 2021 meeting WBro. Derek was presented with a Certificate from the Province of Middlesex in recognition of his service to Freemasonry.

4th May 2021

The Lodge celebrates it’s 30th Birthday, consecrated in 1991, to my fellow Founders Tony and Jim didn’t we do well!

Christmas Lunch 2021.

Members and their guests met at the Tivoli Hotel in Lagos for a Christmas get together. The President of the day Steve Johnston greeted everyone and thanked them for supporting the Lodge in this charitable event.

The charity today was the Castelo de Sonhos, formed in 1997 by Dr. Liliana Rodrigues, with a mission to help the poor and underprivileged of Silves. They supply basic necessities like food, clothing, bedding, blankets, and nappies plus basic furniture for poor families. They also give legal, social and psychological support to young mothers and families at risk.

The Lagos-based Lodge of Discoveries No. 9409 has already donated €500.00 to the Silves-based Castelo de Sonhos charity.

A raffle was held and the sum of €250.00 was raised.

Happy 90th to WBro. Tony Webster

Our next social event,

A unique raffle prize! A Lodge clock.

Freemasons donate 500 to the Madrugada Associação charity

On 24th March Pierre Caeiro, Master-Elect of the Lagos based English Freemasons of the Lodge of Discoveries No. 9409 along with Graham Crawford (a Warden of the Lodge)  attended the Madrugada dinner held at the Adega de Marina Restaurant in Lagos to present a cheque for €500 to the charity President, John Hough, on behalf of the lodge. The Lodge of Discoveries is part of the group of English freemasonry lodges in Portugal which in turn is part of the United Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the UK, contributing £51.1 million to deserving causes in 2020 alone. During the pandemic restrictions Masonic charitable activities had been limited but with the resumption of meetings, the lodge members have once again been able to vote on charitable giving.

“ Madrugada is a fantastic charity that really should be recognised for the sterling charitable work it carries out throughout the Algarve and I was delighted to be able to meet and talk to some of the actual carers and volunteers,” said Pierre Caeiro.

Madrugada offers support throughout illness and beyond, to people in the Algarve who are affected by a life limiting illness. Their specialist clinical team provide homebased end of life care to those who prefer to spend their remaining days in their own home. Since 2009 and up until November 2021, Madrugada has cared for 215 end of life patients and their loved ones. They have also provided thousands of hours of support to people affected by life limiting illness and provided hospital visits, equipment, telephone support, information, health workshops and professional development education.  The charity was established in February 2009 in response to limited choices for end of life care in the Algarve.

For more information on Madrugada Associação see www. http://madrugada-portugal.com

8th September 2022

It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of Her Majesty The Queen

Come and join us.

Time to meet new friends, if you are interest in becoming a Freemason this is the ideal event, contact details below.

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The Christmas Lunch at the Tivoli Hotel, Lagos.

This is the second time the Lodge has held their Christmas Lunch at the Tivoli, a big thank you to Luciana, Carlos and all the staff for making this event a success.

This year the Madrugada Charity was being supported by the Lodge and their Guests. The Master oof the Lodge Pierre Caeiro surprised the charity President, John Hough with a cheque for €1000.00.

The event raised a further €300.00 which will be distributed to worthy charities.

Please click on the image.

Congratulations to WBro. Steve Johnston LGR

Who celebrated Forty years a Mason last November but could not attend the November meeting so the Lodge presented him with a 40 year certificate at the January meeting.

There’s a Widow in the Lodge! – what a Black one?  No, the Master of the Widows Sons Lodge No.10011 WBro. Andy Hunn.

We also greeted two Masons from the Grande Loja Legal de Portugal/Grande Loja Regular de Portugal. WBro’s Alex and Rui

Lodge of Discoveries Charity Donation

The Silves-based family charity Castelo de Sonhos received a very kind donation of €500 from Pierre Caeiro, the Worshipful Master of the Lagos-based Lodge of Discoveries, who made the presentation to Dra. Rita Pinto in December, which helped provide special Christmas food and presents for under-privileged families registered with the charity.

“Thank you to Lodge of Discoveries for helping to make last Christmas extra special for many families. We have done very well last year with shoeboxes and warm clothing for the elderly so we can now concentrate on the families. Thanks again to the members of the Lodge for this wonderful donation” said a representative of the charity.

Castelo de Sonhos is a well-known and well-established charity in the Algarve, which aims to support low-income families married couples, and individuals living alone. The charity tries to alleviate the suffering of these poor folk, particularly the families at risk. They receive requests from the law courts to help children who are being abused. Young mothers who themselves have no family to rely on and lack the knowledge to help an infant. Basics like how to feed them and wash them are taught by our team of social workers.

If you wish to make a donation, please don’t hesitate to contact Sue at Castelo de Sonhos on 933 374 865, or via email at sueloram@gmail.com.

Summer Lunch at the Tivoli Hotel, Lagos.

Brethren and their guests enjoyed a relaxed Summer Lunch.

The sum of €140 was raised for local charities.

Freemasons help Casa Nossa Senhora da Conceição

The Lagos-based English Freemasons of the Lodge of Discoveries No. 9409 have donated €500 to the Portimão based Casa Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

The cheque was presented to the representative of the charity, Anabela Nunes, by Pierre Caeiro (Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Discoveries) who visited the home in November.

“We were deeply moved and thank you for your donation to this institution, it was with great affection that we welcomed you and introduced you to our home.

Your meritorious and supportive act truly demonstrates the meaning of the concept of solidarity. Casa Nossa Senhora da Conceição – ATNP was designed and adapted for children, bringing the House to the School, giving the School to the Family,” said Ms. Nunes.

Founded in 1928 Casa de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (CNSC) has for over 90 years provided a safe place for young girls. CNSC is located in Portimão, where they have a house for some 30 young girls. They are preparing a major refurbishment project of their facilities to improve the comfort of the girls. Pierre Caeiro said “I first came across CNSC in Carvoeiro, where some of the girls participated in the Carols On The Cliff with the local community in December 2019. Covid restrictions meant that I was not unable to find out more about them until December last year, and it was a great pleasure to be able to make a donation to such a worthy endeavour.”

The girls will again be participating in Carvoeiro’s Carols On The Cliffs on Thursday 21st December, an occasion that is open to all.

CONGRATULATIONS

The Grand Master has appointed W Bro. P.J.F. Caeiro to the office of Grand Inspector of the Group of Lodges in Portugal.
of Lodges with effect from 18th January 2024.

Congratulations to WBro. Derek Wells PPrJGW (Surrey)


It is with deep regret that the Lodge announces the sad passing of WBro. Anders Ahlin on 28th February. His principle role in the Lodge was that of The Almoner a role he carried out with great enthusiasm. 13th August 2023 Bro. Paul Gates (Past Charity Steward) passed away peacefully, he had returned to the UK due to his failing health.

December 10th 2023 sadly Bro. Graham Crawford passed away, he had been elected to occupy the Master’s Chair in September 2023 but his failing health meant he could not attend the meeting.

Information ready!

Lodge Meetings

Held at the Tivoli Hotel, Rua António Crisógono Santos, 8600-678, Lagos. (GPS 37º 06′ 20.56″N 8º 40′ 34.64″W)

on the following dates: 2024

The third Thursday in January 18th, February 15th, March 21st, September 19th (Installation) October 17th and November 21st.

*(March & November) The Chapter of Discoveries will meet at 3.30pm before the Lodge meeting.

2024 Agenda

Click on the image below for an expanded view.

Our next meeting will be.

February 15th 2024, Tyling at 4.30pm –  The Ceremony of Passing Bro. Cain.

MENU

Coriander Velouté with Codfish Chips

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Duck  and Orange sauce

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Cheese and biscuits (Ice cream & fruit salad if requested)

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Tivoli selection red/white wine, mineral water, draught beer,

soft drinks and juices. Tea or coffee

Brethren are requested to inform the Secretary whether they intend to dine (48hrs notice required), the cost is €40.00

We look forward to greeting ALL qualified members of Freemasonry, UGLE members – if you are not known to us please furnish a letter of introduction from your Secretary.

Members not of UGLE  but of Foreign Grand (District) Lodges. Protocol dictates that our External Relational Department will contact your Grand (District) Lodge and verify your credentials and your eligibility to visit. Contact the Secretary in advance to start the procedure. You should carry a letter of introduction and proof of your Masonic status (Clearance Certificate/Letter of Good Standing) and a copy of your Grand Lodge Certificate.

Secretary

John Bergstrom-Potter. PAGDC

Mob: (+351) 910 666 613
Tel : (+351) 282 997 439
Email : sec@9409.eu

Lodge of Instruction Meetings

Held at the Tivoli Hotel, Rua António Crisógono Santos, 8600-678, Lagos.  Monday night at 5.30pm dates can be obtained from the Secretary.