Consecrated 7th October 1905
Meeting at: Johannesburg - Massonic Hall, Cnr Fanny Ave & Arthur Rd, Norwood
Meeting Dates: 2nd Wed, 1st Wed Dec, Inst Oct
Contact 083 700 8519
See also - Norwood Lodge, the First hundred Years
Lodge History
The formation of Norwood Lodge, in parallel wih Outpost Lodge No. 3132 (qv) reflects the northwards development of Johannesburg's residential suburbs after the South African War. Its premises (of which ownership is now shared with Bramley and Oaklands Lodges) were originally built in 1904, but were subsequently extended and renovated in 1972.
Norwood Lodge can boast many brethren who have served the Lodge and Craft well, but pride of place must go to W Bro Arthur Loxley Needham, not only an outstanding Preceptor in his own Lodge but a great worker for District Grand Lodge, where he rose to be Deputy District Grand Master in 1956, which office he held until his sudden death on 5 May 1964. The District Grand Master, RW Bro Jack Folly, said in his tribute at the funeral service:
'What was it that made Arthur Needham one of the greatest characters we have known? At all times he did not seek reward or publicity. Whatever reward or success came his way was through his own merit and ability. He was a humble fellow, full of kindly thoughts and helpful acts. He was a man without an enemy'.
Other initiates of Norwood to attain Grand Rank have been W Bros A C Jarvis (WM 1944/5), E J Goodwin (WM 1950/1), J J Varrie (WM 1951/2) and F Shearsby (WM 1954/5). Bert Jarvis was the District Grand Secretary for 15 years; Ernie Goodwin (as mentioned under Bramley Lodge) was the Secretary for a number of years of the three lodges meeting at Norwood; Jack Varrie was very active in the District until his death, at a comparably young age, in 1968; and Frank Shearsby, DC and Preceptor of Norwood Lodge for a number of years, gave strong support to a number of lodges, including Oaklands and Woodlands.
Until his recent death, the Lodge's 'senior' member was W Bro Coenraad Nelson, WM in 1935/6 and 1940/1, who was born in 1896.
The Lodge has not had the easiest of times in recent years but there is currently a renewal of interest and enthusiasm which is a good sign for the future.
Reference: 'A Century of Brotherhood' by A A Cooper & D E G Vieler