The Square and Compasses. A news letter for the Grand Lodge of South Africa. No. 39 April 2015.

He had an interest in classic cars and, amongst others, owned 3 Studebakers, a Jaguar and a Goggomobile. As far as his working life was concerned, Ben spent most of it in the Financial Services industry and the last 30 years or so in computer related roles in the finance world. He was a member of the general management team of one of the largest commercial banks in South Africa, with particular responsibility for computer related issues in the bank’s motor vehicle financing division. He also had active interests in a number of family controlled businesses. Ben Lindeque was initiated into Freemasonry in 1972 in Lodge Benoni Golden Jubilee, No 76. He took the chair for the first time in 1982. He was appointed as a Provincial Grand Lodge Officer in 1983 and became Provincial Grand Master in 1990, after serving 3 years as Deputy. Ben served 5 years as Provincial Grand Master of the Northern Division, before being Most Worshipful Brother Ben Lindeque OSM. appointed as an Assistant Grand Master in 1995. FAREWELL TO A VERY SPECIAL MASON He was elected and installed as the 6th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Africa in 1997 In Freemasonry we exhort our Brethren to and served in this role, with distinction, until 2003. “be henceforth an example” by their personal conduct, their application of our Masonic teachings and their “faithfulness and zeal for our Order”. MW Bro Ben Lindeque was an excellent example. Ben was born in Johannesburg and spent most of his adult life in and around the City of Gold. He was married to Marjorie and also leaves a daughter, Leigh-Anne, a daughter-in-law, Debbie, and 2 Grandchildren, Daniel and Rebecca, both of whom were the apple of his eye. Ben loved animals and he and Marge spent their life surrounded by their dogs and cats. He was passionate about the outdoors and wildlife and, in his earlier years, used to spend every opportunity Ben and Marge at a Masonic Spring Ball he got venturing on safaris or visiting his game lodge. Ben enjoyed nothing better than getting into In response to the negative religious and his Landrover and breaking away from civilisation. political perceptions that were being propagated at that time, Ben embarked on a program to “open Funeral Arrangements up” Freemasonry and dispel the idea that it was a

Date : Thursday 16th April 2015 secret society with an agenda for evil. The members of the Order were encouraged to talk 12:00 pm : Memorial Service at about Freemasonry and, through the introduction Orange Grove Masonic complex. of “open” Installations and Lodges of Mourning, Brethren must not wear Masonic regalia or any the outside world was encouraged to “come and insignia of office. A dark suit and a lodge apron see for themselves”. This far more open approach with a black rosette should be worn. is still very much practised today.

During his term as Grand Master, Ben was a stickler for the protocols of the Order and insisted on “doing it right”. This led to a marked improvement in the image of the Order. It is perhaps fitting that the Protocol document extensively worked on by Ben has finally been completed and will be provided to all of our Brethren during the course of the next few days.

RW Bro Piet Coetzee, MW Bro Geoff Edwards, MW Bro Watty Watson, MW Bro Ben Lindeque, RW Bro George Schuitemaker

Having completed his term as Grand Master, Ben continued to play a leading role in our Grand Lodge. Until fairly recently, he was Chairman of Finance, chaired our Grand Committee meetings and managed the maintenance and upgrades to our Orange Grove property. Our new Temple in which Ben’s funeral will be held was very much attributable to Ben’s initiative and personal efforts. Ben was also a very active member of the At a Provincial AGM with RW Bro Johan Olivier and Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for South Africa MW Bro George Groenewald and was awarded his 33rd degree in Cape Town on

Ben always 29 January 1999. He became an Executive member enjoyed being called of The Supreme Council for South Africa in 2005 upon to address his and held the position of Grand Secretary General for the next 3 years. Brethren and was renowned for his easy oratory skills and endless supply of good jokes. As a result, the Brethren looked forward to his contribution at festive boards – although Opening Andy’s House his addresses weren’t always short and even Ben described himself as “a man of many words”. In recognition of his extensive contribution to our Grand Lodge, Ben was awarded the “Order Most Puissant Bro Ben Lindeque of Service to Masonry” (OSM) in 2004. In 2008 Ben was elected as the Sovereign

Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for South Africa and, as such, he headed up our AASR until 2014. He excelled in this role and travelled extensively as he promoted South Africa’s credentials around the world. Having completed his term, Ben became the Grand Treasurer for the Supreme Council. At the 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for South Africa, Ben was presented with the highly prestigious “Meritorious Award”. MW Bro Ben Lindeque really left his mark. As a Man and a Mason, he will long be remembered. MW Bro John Bowen presents Ben with an OSM MW Bro Geoff Edwards OSM