In the heart of Cosham, Portsmouth, stands Wayfarers Lodge 5740, a beacon of Masonic tradition and camaraderie. Once a thriving Lodge it had, until recently, become a struggling lodge but has now become a vibrant and zealous community. At its core is W.Bro. Don Green, a retired Navy diver and lifelong Mason with more than fifty years of service under his belt.
Don served with distinction during the Falklands Campaign, and his contributions to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Masons are considered greater than the sum of their parts. Today, he is revered as the “Father of the Lodge”, embodying the spirit and traditions that define Wayfarers Lodge 5740 and its commitment to charity. His wisdom and dedication serve as a guiding light for fellow Masons, inspiring them to uphold the values integral to their community. As a Grand Officer in the Mark, Don supports many Mark Mason lodges across Hampshire, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the order.
We often refer to the fact that support at home during our Masonic journey is fundamental. If ever there was a case for demonstrating that support, Don and Evelyn were that couple. In this case, central to Don’s Masonic journey was the steadfast and continued encouragement of his beloved wife, Evelyn. Her unwavering contribution facilitated Don’s love for their work. Most notably, her artistic touch graced the lodge with a beautifully designed motif symbolising their shared dedication and visually outlined Wayfarers’ values and traditional origins. Over time, this emblem has faded. More recently Evelyn had been suffering but despite her illness, she remained a pillar of support for Don until her passing. In tribute to her legacy and their shared journey, Don commemorated Evelyn’s life by recounting the story of her painting and designing the lodge crest during an open lodge meeting. This crest, mostly unknown to many newer brethren, stands proudly embedded in the lodge’s honours board.
To honour Evelyn’s memory and contribution, the brethren revitalised her design by having it embroidered onto the aprons of the Lodge Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden. During a recent Installation ceremony, Don presented these aprons to the lodge in an emotional speech filled with love and appreciation.
This gesture serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future, celebrating family, commitment, love, and the evolving culture of the lodge. The story of Don and Evelyn is a profound expression of Masonic values now embedded into the lodge ornaments, acting as a visible ‘Mark’ that will continue to inspire Wayfarers Lodge 5740. It reminds all Masons of the profound impact of dedication and tradition, encouraging them to embrace these values as they navigate their own journeys and ensuring that Wayfarers Lodge remains a promising beacon for future generations.”