En:Lodge Neuhaus
Lodge Neuhaus
Lodge Neuhaus No 946 The Grand Lodge of British Freemasons in Germany
The History of Lodge Neuhaus
Late in 1977 W Bro R Barfield PGDC started to sound out local Freemasons in the Paderborn and Sennelager areas about the possibility of founding a Regular Lodge. After numerous meetings approval was finally forthcoming in 1978 and on the 2nd December 1978 the Lodge was Consecrated by the Land Grand Master RW Bro WDJ Heath-Smith TD, assisted and accompanied by almost all of the Grand Officers. Also present were many other distinguished brethren from other Constitutions. The ceremony took place in the NAAFI building at the Sennelager Training Centre which proved to be only just able to accommodate the number present. There were 19 Founder Members present including W Bro WL Muise the Land Grand Secretary who was later to become Grand Master.
The membership was to grow rapidly with Initiates and Joining Members. However things did not go altogether smoothly, for on posting in 1984 of Bro I James the Garrison Quartermaster and therefore in charge of the NAAFI premises. However new premises were eventually found at the MCTG Superintendents Mess within Crocker Barracks at Sennelager and a new Temple was established there in November 1989. The Lodge Rooms were ideal in that they were spacious enough to hold all events including social gatherings.
Unfortunately bad luck prevailed when the Superintendent at the time retired. As a result the Lodge was forced to find new premises yet again and it was decided to look further a field away from the military estate. A small but pleasant location at the Hotel Stadt Koln was found and the move took place in March 1991. After a short stay there, the Lodge moved to the Haxtergrund on the Southern edge of Paderborn in 1993; down the "Black hole", (really a deep valley), as one present PGM put it! Meetings continued there until 1995 when it moved again to its present location at the Doerenhof Cafe in the East of Paderborn (rather appropriate !) A superb location which is the envy of some other Lodges/Orders.
The Lodge has been very fortunate over its relatively short period of its existence in that it has had many Grand Officers amongst its members including military and civilian personnel alike.
The Lodge Collar Jewel consists of a round medallion on a light blue ribbon. A bar on the ribbon indicates a Founder Member. Around the outer rim is the inscription Lodge Neuhaus No 946 and a sprig of Acacia. In the centre is a triangle which with the exception of the top angle is divided vertically. To the left is a tower and building depicting Schloss Neuhaus, whilst to the right is a naked bayonet on a red background representing the Sennelager Training Centre and the strong military connection of the members with it. Within the apex are the Square and Compass.
The name Neuhaus has a double meaning in that it is part of the name of the local town (Schloss Neuhaus), which translated means New House (Neuhaus) or New Lodge.
Lodge Neuhaus has been known as a bit of a nomadic Lodge with many homes in its lifetime, some of which were of a very temporary nature. Since being at the new premises in the Doerenhof Cafe; the situation has improved greatly with superb facilities in very pleasant surroundings..
Links
- Lodge Neuhaus http://www.neuhaus946.de/
