The History of St Ambrose Lodge’s
Banners, as its lodge, is an honourable and ancient. It spans directly to the
origin of the Lodge and in fact the very first Master of the Lodge WB Ambrose
Hall researched and produced the very first version of it. He must have been well aware of the important
role played by banners throughout history in uniting men in common
loyalty. Banners are principally , and properly, emblems or pennants of
civil rulers , but they also served throughout history as
military rallying points, bearing the color or emblem of the Regiment, Battalion,
or other military unit concerned, and serving not just as a common badge, but
also as a vital symbol and rallying point in battle.
The history of St Ambrose is a
good one for the guidance of Freemasons, and he should be an inspiration for
this Lodge which bears his name. Those who selected Ambrose as Bishop
recognised in him a man who had already taken steps to educate himself, and had
already distinguished himself in service
of the community as a civil leader; they saw his real concern
for peace and unity, and his willingness to put himself to extra trouble in
order to help others.
As Freemasons
we should be the same
– seeking our
own intellectual and
moral advancement through education, doing all we can to serve
our community and support our society,
and being prepared
to put ourselves out
in order to
help a friend
or brother in
time of need,
or simply to
assist in bringing
peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, or any other thing that will help people to live in true harmony and mutual respect.
Yes, St. Ambrose is a great role model
for us, and a wonderful patron for our Lodge.
Ambrose was a good man and a
faithful Bishop. As member of the lodge we wish for ourselves and for everyone
else to always share his eloquence, be equally fervent in teaching about heroes
gone before us and make a joyful song of praise to the Great Architect of the
Universe.
We also wish that our banner, unite
us all in this common task, and renew our commitment to one another, to the St.
Ambrose Lodge, and to the Craft.
