The Lodge Banner
Last Updated 21st February 2005
The idea of flags and standards goes back to antiquity. The regimental flag (or 'colours') is a device used to instil pride in membership of a regiment and was a rallying point during battle. Monarchs and some other members of the royal family have their own personal standards, used on a number of ceremonial occasions and, in the case of Her Majesty the Queen to indicate that she is in residence.
Both the United Grand Lodge of England and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire have a standard or banner and in the opening ceremony of each body the assembled brethren are reported as being 'ranged under their respective banners'.
Many private Lodges have their own banner which is sometimes presented by an individual member or purchased by the Lodge normally to commemorate a jubilee or other special occasion.
It must have been very shortly after the Goffs Oak Lodge was consecrated - 23rd April 1952 - that the idea of a Lodge banner was raised as on 18th March the following year the banner was dedicated by the then Provincial Grand Master, RW.Bro.The Rev. Joseph Moffett, DD. The banner was presented to the Lodge by Bro. L.L.G. Lobb, the founding Senior Warden and, at that time, the Master Elect of the Goffs Oak Lodge.
The central motif of the banner is a representation of the ancient oak tree that stood in the village of Goffs Oak until it was struck by lightning and destroyed. Another oak tree has subsequently been planted in its place.
The Goffs Oak Lodge banner was recently refurbished as part of the Lodge's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Please click on the above photograph to see an enlarged image.