Ballot boxes are used in the Lodge for members to anonymously vote before candidates are admitted. The Deacons will give each me member of the Lodge a white ball for “yes” and a black ball for “no” and then go around and collect them after if there are three black balls given in then will normally mean the candidate is not admitted.
This Ballot box dates from c1882 and is made of mahogany with inlaid panels with the badges of the Principal Officers of the Lodge, The Master and Senior and Junior Wardens.
Lodge Fidelis No.1809 was Consecrated on the 28th April 1879 and received its Centenary Warrant on the 28th April 1979 it was Consecrated at the Masonic Hall, Court Place, under a charter granted under the seal by His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, Grand Master of England.
The Consecrating officer was Brother James Gallienne Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Past Master of Doyle’s Lodge No.84 the Worshipful Master of Mariners Lodge No.168, the Sponsoring Lodge and Bro. T. M. Bichard was installed as the first Worshipful Master.
The Lodge has always had a good membership attracting Brethren from various backgrounds including seafarers, growers and more recently building industry. It was noted as the family Lodge and had strong links with the North of the island.
The Lodge joined two other Lodges and established the Le Marchant Street Temple which was Consecrated on 6th September 1883.
