1923 Vulcan Lodge Founders Jewel Discovered

On 14th March 1923 Vulcan Lodge No 4510 was consecrated by the then Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro Lieut-Col. Miles J. Stapylton OBE and subsequently another foundation was laid in Middlesrough alongside The North York, Ferrum, Orde-Powlett, Erimus and Peace Lodges.
W. Bro Andrew Stonehouse, together with Bro Thomas Prosser and Bro John Wesley Brown, were the three principal officers at the time, and a recent discovery suggests that at least the Junior and Senior Wardens may have adorned a pocket Jewel as an emblem of their office as founder members.

Through the wonders of the Internet, and a well known auction site, the jewel was purchased.

As mentioned earlier, Bro Thomas Prosser was the very first Senior Warden of Vulcan Lodge. He died in 1944 and his Masonic memorabilia was largely discarded or dispersed, and potentially lost forever.

On 20th October 2008 a lost treasure was presented to the WM of Vulcan Lodge. It was the original founders pocket Jewel of Bro Prosser. No one knows how it migrated so far north to the seller in Glasgow, but it is now back home where it belongs, and consequently, was presented as a gift to Vulcan Lodge in perpetuity.
It has been subsequently approved that the Jewel should continue it’s Masonic journey within the Lodge proceedings, and be presented to the Senior Warden at the annual Installation ceremony and worn throughout the term of his office.