Page 5 - Ashlar October - December 2024

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XIX Issue III
HISTORY OF LODGE REGINALD SPENCE No.109 GLI
(Constituted as Lodge Reginald Spence No.5514 EC)
Founded: 10.11.1934. Consecrated: 12.01.1935

and was appointed Sheriff of Bombay. This
indicated he had so dignified his activities that
they were recognized, respected and
admired, thrusting him into the position of a
very eminent and prominent citizen of our
City.
The Inception
The earliest thought of forming a new lodge
was mooted by W.Bro. A.C.Nanji in February
1934. The rapid expansion of Lodge Cyrus
No.1359 EC made the need very acutely
felt.W.Bro. Nanji and a few other brethren
approached the then Rt.W. the District Grand
Master, Rt.W.Bro.Sir Reginald Spence, Kt
explaining in details the need for a new
cosmopolitan lodge. Without hesitation the
Rt.W. the District the Grand Master gave his
unqualified consent for its formation.
The same brethren also obtained his sanction
to name the lodge after him and this was the
beginning of Lodge Reginald Spence
No.5514 EC. The intention to found the new
lodge was publicly announced at the
installation meeting of Lodge Cyrus No.1359
EC on Monday, February 26,1934.
Very soon 30 master masons agreed to be the
R.W.Bro. Sir Reginald Spence
founders. However disappointment was here
R.W.Bro. Sir Reginald Spence, Kt. was the met with, for under the English Constitution
R.W. District Grand Master of Bombay and only masons of a standing of three years and
Northern India at the time the Lodge was above are eligible to be founders of a lodge.
proposed. Their numbers were reduced to ten. The
He was one of those few most admired by setback so suffered did not discourage them
brethren, and his qualities of both cultures but on the contrary intensified their efforts,
and character were well known to all masons, and after a few months it was possible to hold
as also was his Masonic Education, and his a primary meeting of the founders, now
knowledge of Masonic rituals, rites and increased to 34, on July 22,1934.
landmarks. He inspired and encouraged On Tuesday, August 7,1934 Lodge Aryan
brethren to be a better personality by imbibing No.1709 EC recommended the petition for a
and practicing the virtues and duties taught Warrant, which after the recommendation of
regularly in Freemasonry. the Rt.W. the District Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro.
He was a wine merchant and his business William Arthur Charles Bromham had been
was situated at 16 Bank Street, Fort, obtained, was sent to the Grand Secretary,
Bombay.He was chosen as a founder the Grand Lodge of England, with a covering
member of the Rotary Club of Bombay in 1929 letter on August 22,1934. It was on November

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