The International - Travelling Gavels

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received a truly Masonic welcome from the brethren residents there. This proclaimed
the fact that Masons have friends and good friends even amongst these supposed
strangers, and impressed very firmly upon my mind that here was absolute proof of
Masonic teachings, and served to show me the duty we all owe to the fraternity.
Amongst the brethren who treated me so kindly and whose kindness I feel I must
acknowledge, I would mention the name of WBro Farquhar McCrae, (PM St Andrews
Lodge No 3 Auckland New Zealand, and an old headmaster of the high school there)
and Bro Harry Sheppard, head of the Victoria Police. These two gentlemen were
unremitting in their attentions during my stay in the city and I may say that, from all the
Masonic fraternity, including the Royal Arch Chapter, I received nothing but kindness
and best treatment, which I deeply appreciated at the time, and do not forget today. I
was then a young Mason, and to see the beautiful teachings learnt in my mother Lodge
(Otaki) so practically exemplified in my case, decided me that I could not do too much
for such a fraternity, and out of this grew the idea which resulted in my present to the
Grand Lodge, the set of Gavels
This is a letter from Gerry Webber, Grand Secretary of Alberta
to the NSW Grand Secretary I. R. McCulloch
I.R. McCulloch
The Masonic Centre
279 Castlereagh Street
Box A259
Sydney South, N.S.W. 2000
Dear Bro. McCulloch:
GRAND LODGE Of ALBERTA
ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
FREEMASON HALL: 330 -12th AVENUE S.W.
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA T2R OH2
TELEPHONE: (403) 262-1149 FAX: (403) 290-0671
February 11, 1997
I am writing in follow up to correspondence regarding the "Travelling Gavel". Our RW.
Bro Vic Ramsbottom has been very active in following this Gavel as has your W. Bro
Rick Howes of Lodge Wyong No. 247 NSW, Australia.
We are most appreciative of the time and effort put forth by the above mentioned
Brothers. Enclosed is correspondence in regards to the Travelling Gavel which I would
ask that you forward to Bro. Howes.
I hope the enclosed information is helpful to Bro. Howes.
As always, my best personal regards to you
Gerald T Webber ~ Grand Secretary
PEACE KEEPING SERVICE MEDAL
M.W. Bro Gerald T Webber Grand Master
Presents “Peace Keeping Medal’s “to
W. Bro Laurie Dirks and R. W. Bro Vic Ramsbottom