General News
30 September, 2024
Freemason congratulated on 75 years
On August 13 at the Nhill soldier lounge, Worshipful Brother Jack Bullen visited from his Woodend home with his son Robert to attend a very special and rare occasion.
WBro Jack, a former Nhill resident and Bullen Bros owner, was presented with a 75-years-of-service award and jewel from the Lowan Lodge 107 and Freemasons Victoria.
WBro Jack joined Freemasonry in 1947 and has been a member ever since.
At 103 years old he could be forgiven for not attending too many recent meetings but his wit and charisma are still very much alive.
Worshipful Master Rhys interviewed WBro Jack about his time in Freemasonry and how much it had changed since 1947.
WBro Jack was Worshipful Master in 1963-64 and said members from Rainbow, Jeparit, Kaniva, Dimboola, Warracknabeal, Minyip and the three lodges in Horsham attended this event and even produced a picture to prove the number of members present.
WBro Jack said society had changed a lot, as well as principles and values, but recommended Freemasonry to any man in the Wimmera who wanted to make a difference in their community as well as in themselves.
WBro Jack left Nhill in 1984 and it was fitting that WBro Colin Merrett, who went in as Worshipful Master that year, presented him with his jewel.
VWBro John Teakle then presented him with a lapel pin and provided insight into WBro Jack's Masonic career.
Mr Merv Schnieder, who worked with WBro Jack, joked with those present that he should have been a special member of Lowan Lodge 107 for all the years he helped WBro Jack prepare for lodge meetings.
Freemasonry and Lowan Lodge 107 congratulated WBro Jack on this amazing achievement and thanked him for his dedication to Freemasonry for all these years.
Freemasonry is an organisation of men supporting each other, their families and the community.
- RHYS WEBB