Anniversaries are special times, whether they commemorate a birthday or a passing from the physical life, a special event or the founding of an organisation. 22nd February is the anniversary of the dedication of the first White Eagle Lodge in 1936. (This first Lodge was in a hired hall in London, and then the work continued in more permanent premises after the bombing of that first home during the second world war. This story is in itself a reminder, that even though we may lose a physical form, even though change is part of life, the essence that we love is eternal.)
During the dedication service, White Eagle said:`We have chosen to call this centre the White Eagle Lodge - a name not bearing reference to any particular person but referring to the white eagle as a symbol of vision, used down the ages by the Wise Ones whom we are privileged to serve. This is to be a centre of light; and all who would serve the Great White Light, whatever their denomination, whatever their school of thought, can meet here on a common plane of brotherhood and service...this place is to be a lighthouse to guide men and women, and we ask you to help us establish and maintain the light within.'
I have always loved this metaphor of the Lodge being a lighthouse, and I believe that over all the years since these words were spoken, the spiritual light and love has indeed shone brightly out into an often quite dark world. It has never gone out, even though the outer form may have changed. (And this applies of course to our New Lands Temple.) Throughout the years ince 1936, we have been guided safely on our journey through earthly life, not only by a lighthouse, (and there soon became many White Eagle Lighthouses, as more Lodges and Centres were founded all over the world), but also by a shining Pole Star in the heavens, just as the mariners of old were guided long before our modern day technology.
And White Eagle reminds us all now, as he did when these words were spoken: `When you are lost in the world, seek the light of the Star...it is the most powerful instrument which man has been given. You do not need to be anxious about any one...hold them in the Star...then you are giving them the greatest possible help, because you are helping them to help themselves.`
And a final word about anniversaries: they bring with them a special power, indeed a heavenly power and possibly even new vision and understanding. They bring an opportunity to reflect, to remember and to say `thank you` for the blessing an individual life (or an organisation) has brought into our personal lives.
