Albion Lodge196ER

About the Book

This book traces the history of Freemasonry in Barbados from its earliest times in 1740 through to the Consecration of Albion Lodge No. 196 E.R., in 1790 thereafter the reader will embark upon an exciting journey to the present day. Although this book has particular emphasis on the history of Albion Lodge No. 196 E.R., this Lodge did not exist in isolation. Therefore there are several pages dedicated to other Lodges meeting in Barbados and registered under the United Grand Lodge of England, Lodges registered under the Scottish Constitution, especially Lodge Scotia 340 S.C. and Lodges registered under Irish Constitutions which have long ceased to exist. There is also materials on the formation of the District Grand Lodge of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean as it is now called, and a list of District Grand Masters, which should be of interest to members of Lodges that comprise the District. This is a must reader for every member of Albion Lodge 196 E.R., and masons of other Lodges meeting in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, who have a keen interest in understanding the several trials which Freemasonry had to overcome in order to become the vibrant organization it is today.

About the Author

WORSHIPFUL BROTHER- N.G.D. ATWELL: The author of the original text, which is now being updated, is Worshipful Brother, N.G.D. Atwell, more familiarly known as Gotch Atwell. Gotch came into Freemasonry through his connection with Wanderers Cricket Club, Barbados where he was a non-playing member. He was the Club’s administrator. Many of his friends at the Club were Freemasons, and encouraged Gotch to join Albion Lodge196ER., which he did in September 1974. He was advanced to the Chairmanship or “Worshipful Master” of the Lodge in 1980, 1981; and again in 1999. He eventually joined other Lodges and Branches of Freemasonry where he also served as presiding officer in all of them, as years went by. Gotch also served as Secretary to the Lodge for a number of years and played a major role in its operations during these years. Notably he resuscitated and revised our unique ritual which still remains in current use in Albion. Brother Neville Doorly Graham Atwell’s indelible and mammoth contribution to Albion is hereby documented as history. After retiring Gotch emigrated to the USA where he spent many years until his death on April 7th 2015.