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A Centenary of History: Johannesburg Lodge
The Theosophical Society was formed in New York on November 17th, 1875 and later incorporated in Adyar, Madras, India on April 3rd, 1905. The Charter of the Johannesburg Lodge bears the date April 14th, 1899, a scarce 24 years after the founding in New York and six years before the Society worldwide was incorporated in Madras! Not bad for a country that was regarded at the time as the absolute outback. It fills a member with great pride and humiliation (not to mention gratefulness and being inspired) when one reads about the wonderful people who pioneered the way for us, giving of themselves unselfishly to an ideal far greater than any man or any of his institutions.
Theosophy started in South Africa in earnest, when one person placed an advert into The Star newspaper in Johannesburg a few years before the Charter. Mr. L. Ritch placed the advert, hoping that there would be some that thought along the lines he did and to his utter surprise, some twenty people responded. They all met at Joel’s Hotel in Commissioner Street. As far as can be ascertained this happened in 1895 and from this humble beginning, the Theosophical Society in Johannesburg was born. At the time, there was no society like it anywhere in South Africa. Many lectures, group activities and discussions were organized. As with most societies, membership fluctuated and at times it must have seemed to Mr. Ritch that the society would not survive. But, as is always the case in life, there are always the hard workers who strive to keep things going against insurmountable odds. The generations that follow will always be indebted to such people even when time destroys all memory of them.
A few years later, with the help of Mr. Playford, Mr. Kitchen and Mr. Ritch, the Johannesburg Lodge received its Charter bearing the three signatures of its sponsors: Louis Playford, the Chief Resident Magistrate of Johannesburg; Herbert Kitchen an electrical engineer and Lewis W. Ritch, an attorney. The Charter was received from Colonel Olcott in April 1899 just a few months before the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa.
Occultism, comparative religion and allied topics were openly discussed and it would seem that comparative religion was a favourite topic at the time with many lectures on Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. The newly formed Lodge was regarded as being within the jurisdiction of the Indian Section, but its members were in close contact with London. The Countess Wachtermeister, a great friend of Madame Blavatsky, was appointed Correspondent and guided the early steps in South Africa. The Lodge Room in those days was in the Standard Buildings, Market Street but later moved to the United Buildings in Fox Street were they remained for fourteen years. Naturally, the outbreak of war between Britain and South Africa disrupted the Lodge with most of its members having joined up and scattered. However, in the middle of 1902, on a cold winter’s night, a reunion took place at Mr. Playford’s home. Mr. Playford became the first President, Mr. Kitchen the Secretary and Mr. Bell the Treasurer. By January 1903, the Lodge was strong enough to organize public lectures the first being presented by Mr. Playford.
The year 1903 was a memorable year in the history of the Lodge. In that year membership expanded from a mere sixteen to one hundred and twenty three; comprising 58 ordinary members and 65 associates. Miss Pope, a well-known English Section member who came at the behest of Mr. Playford, undoubtedly influenced the rapid growth. That year also saw the publication of the first theosophical magazine in South Africa and was called "The South African Theosophist" under the editorship of Major Peacocke
The year 1904 seems to have been difficult. It’s hinted that some who were interested in dubious occult arts, associated themselves with the Lodge and certainly many members resigned because of this in that year. Some, feeling uncertain about the future of the Lodge, took out a charter for a new Lodge called "HARMONY". Fortunately, though, the founding Lodge did not collapse and the new charter was held in abeyance for some years and then used for the joyous purpose of establishing another Lodge as a result expanding membership.
The work of the Lodge during the next five years was mainly to extend the teachings to other centers of population in South Africa and for this purpose a post box acquired and given as Post Box 863 for the honorary Treasurer Mr. F. Whittaker.
In 1907, Dr. Annie Besant was elected as International President of The Theosophical Society and a letter of congratulations was sent from the Society in Johannesburg. Annie Besant made a deep and lasting impression on the Society with her masterly interpretations of the Ancient Wisdom. She traveled widely presenting lectures but South Africa was not one the fortunate countries to have hosted her. Madame Blavatsky did once visit South Africa in 1852 albeit only for a few hours and 23 years before she founded the Society in New York. However, The Johannesburg Lodge was in the fortunate position to have had the honour of the presence of the Mahatma Ghandi. He was never a member of the Lodge but was always ready to give what help he could with Lodge activities. Ghandi became a member of the Vegetarian Society. When asked, "why not accept Christianity?" his sober reply was that he could not care to study Christianity without having studied his own religion first. This began an intense study of the Bhagavad Gita. When asked if he considered himself a Theosophist he replied that he was not but there was much in Theosophy that he could easily associate with. There were many lectures given on Indian religion and philosophy given to fortunate theosophical audiences in Johannesburg.
The years that followed saw a constant stream of teachers coming to South Africa to help and guide us. Many conventions were held during the 1st World War and the 1920’s. Some Conventions were held at a site adjacent to the Liberal Catholic Church. The most memorable person at that time in the LCC was the Rt. Reverend Wedgewood who gave a lecture at the Convention on "Reincarnation" attracting over 1000 people. Mrs. Gowland from South America gave a series of very interesting lectures on Tibet.
In 1936, Mr. Playford died. A tribute to his life and work, written by his friend Mr. Arnold, was published in "The Link".
In 1938, Miss Clara Codd came to Johannesburg and made the city her headquarters. She immediately started to play a very prominent role in the South African Section as well as contributing to the history of Theosophy throughout the world. She was bestowed the honor of life membership along with Mr. Arnold, Bishop John Cordes, Mr. Kruisheer and Mr. Ritch. Most of Miss Codd’s work remains to this day in the Lodge’s Library.
During the Second World War, the Lodge’s membership was not as disrupted as those of other European countries, and so was able to play its part in the good cause of those years, helping many distressed people who sought refuge in this country. The prisoners-of war in this country as well as the poor end needy of all races was also the attention of the Lodge. This was indeed a very dark time for humanity and the Lodge worked diligently in these dark days to keep the Light of the Ancient Wisdom Teachings burning in all its members.
The late Rev. Major Ralph Polkinghorne, M.B.E. of the Liberal Catholic Church, Johannesburg, became Staff Officer, Chaplains to the South African Armed Forces and Dennis Erwin was one of a small group of South African soldiers who founded the country’s unique war memorial.
From 1945-1952 Mr. and Mrs. Stakesby Lewis shared alternately the Presidency of the Johannesburg Lodge. A family that had over the years contributed to many good causes and to the spiritual life of Johannesburg. Improvements to the racial relationships in Johannesburg and the care and protection of animals are but a few of the causes that can be attributed to the family. Mr. Stakesby Lewis contested a seat in the City Council in 1947 but was unsuccessful.
In 1949, the Lodge celebrated its Golden Jubilee. At this point in time, the Lodge had 186 members and more members joining proved the vitality of the Lodge.
The Library was very active with 552 books borrowed. New books to the value of 148 pounds were sold. The Jubilee was held in the Langham Hotel in Johannesburg. The Theme was "Go forth into the darkness and change into light" and the highlight was the talk by Clara Codd "The Return Of The Mysteries".
In 1950 the Lodge acquired a plot of land on which we could build our on building in the future. The cost involved for the site was 4600 Pounds and was paid for in full. The address was Hoofd Street in Braamfontein opposite the Normal College. Although the plans had been drawn up, a building permit was still outstanding. The Lodge’s social service was very active with cloths, food and other comforts distributed to the needy in Johannesburg as well as an annual gift to the children’s ward of the Baragwanath Hospital.
In 1951, the Lodge moved to new premises namely a converted house in Soper Road, Berea. Mr. R. Pizzighelli, the then Lodge President, welcomed all at the official opening on December 15th, 1951 while Clara Codd dedicated the building. The originator of the Johannesburg Lodge, Mr. Ritch, was also present. It must have been a great joy to him and all those present to see how a small seed had prospered into the formation of a strong Lodge with its own premises. This was all due to hard work, dedication and selfless service by the people who had understood the priceless gift the revelation of the ageless Wisdom has brought to humanity. The year 1951 was also the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the original Founders of Theosophical Society. Various members traveled to different countries, contacting the Lodges in those countries and bringing back fascinating tales of their experiences. This helped to enthuse a new spirit into the Lodge and its work emphasizing Universal Brotherhood. Fred Day and Fred Bell, both hard workers in the Lodge, made a very important donation of books to the Lodge Library enriching it beyond measure.
The Easter Convention of 1952 was held in Johannesburg with Mr. N. Sri Nam and Mrs. Olive Stevenson-Howell from London as Guests of Honour. Loudspeakers had to be used to convey the lectures to the crowd outside who were unable to fit into the hall. The members of the Lodge also put on a mystery drama "The Shining One and His Shadow". Many people helped to beautify the gardens and get the Lodge in a state of readiness for the Convention. The year 1952/53 brought sorrow for the Lodge. Miss Knudsen, a long serving and dedicated member of the Lodge, passed away. She lived an extremely frugal existence in order to benefit the Theosophical work in Johannesburg. On June 14th, 1952, our founder, Mr. Ritch, also passed away. He will always be remembered as a great scholar and able journalist, friend of all the people of Johannesburg and the one who started it all.
Between 1954 and 1958, good, steady work in the Lodge was done resulting in solid growth. The Library was greatly expanded; a tape recording device was acquired. In 1956, the Easter Convention was again held in Johannesburg. The more artistically inclined members produced beautiful paintings of members and sculptors from Ivan and Pam Mitford Barberton were also received. Mary Patterson arrived from America, delivering lectures throughout the Section. She eventually stayed on, became National President in 1958 and President of The Johannesburg Lodge in 1959. After due consideration and rising expenses in maintaining an old building, it was decided to sell Soper Road and move to Trafalgar House in Kotze Street where a lease for a year was signed. The Committee decided to look to building or buying property in the near future.
In 1962, both Mary Patterson and Ronni Pizzighelli passed away. The chair and podium in the Lodge were dedicated to the memory of Ronni Pizzighelli and bears his name. Another stalwart, Bertie Stern, was elected to the Sectional Committee of the Johannesburg Council for Adult Education and became the Lodge Representative. Miss de Wet ensured that books of a theosophical nature were donated to the Johannesburg Public Library. A bequest from Ronni Pizzighelli’s brother in 1964 was used to rebind the older books of great importance and to improve the Library. Due to increasing property rates, Abel Road was sold and other ways obtaining suitable and affordable premises had to be found. However, by 1965, Abel Road was still not sold and the Lodge was in Africa House. Although the plot was an expense to the Lodge, an inheritance from the late J.H. Immelman enabled the Lodge to look towards the future where it will have a building of its own. The National Convention was held at the Lodge in 1967 and history was made when the head of the Section was now The General Secretary and not the National President anymore. The Theme of the Convention was "The Role of Theosophy in our daily Life" and grand entertainment was provided by the Young Theosophists led by Tom and Ann Davis. A repeat performance was given at the Scharnel-Leans home after the garden party was rained out. John Coates visited in 1968 and his topic of "Reincarnation" drew great interest drawing many people to the lectures.
In 1969, Johannesburg Lodge once again hosted the National Convention. Advocate John Martin was the Lodge President and hosted the Mayor, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Lewis to a 70th birthday luncheon. A statuette of the "Serpent Fire" and the Charter of the Lodge was displayed near the main table. The sculpture was later presented to the Johannesburg City Council. The larger sculpture was later completed by Ivan-Mitford Barberton and erected in the Johannesburg CBD at the corner of Nugget and Smith Street on May 8th, 1971 also known as White Lotus Day in commemoration of the passing of H.P. Blavatsky. Due to an increase in renting expenses the Society moved to Senator Towers in Hancock Street in 1972.
In 1973, the necessity of a permanent home became apparent as the move to Senator Towers was of a temporary nature because no rights of assembly had been granted. In the early years the Lodge had owned property in Auckland Park and that was sold in 1942 because it was considered to far removed from the city center. In that same area, the Finance Committee now bought an old run down house in 31 Streatly Avenue. The purchase was done in spite of some members having misgivings. Due to the extreme diligence and hard work of the Committee, the house was virtually renovated and the Lodge subsequently flourished. In 1977, the National Convention was again held at the Lodge but this time, in it very own building. The Theme of the Convention was in the format of a Summer School covering two aspects:
· "Ways of presenting Theosophy"
· "How to make Theosophy a living reality in Daily Life"
The overall Theme was presented as "The True Work Of Man". Bertie Stern was made an honorary member. On December 16th, Jacob Bischoff passed away. He gave invaluable service to the Lodge over many, many years holding such responsible positions National Treasurer and Deputy General Secretary for a number of years as well as being the Johannesburg Lodge President in 1961 and 1977. His wife Anna was the general Secretary at the time.
1982 saw the National Convention back in Johannesburg with the theme of "Spiritual Unfoldment". It was well attended, but the death of Jacob Bischoff had a profound effect on his wife Anna the General Secretary and on the Convention as a whole. As a result Arthur Bunton, a tireless worker for the Society, took over as General Secretary and continued in this Office until 1992. He inspired many Johannesburg Lodge audiences with his excellent lectures.
Phyllis Lean had had an unfortunate time during the year, being mugged several times and landing up in hospital. Tom Watson another prominent member passed over on 5th March 1983. He was the Bishop of the Liberal Catholic Church and a Co-Freemason of high degree. Mrs. Anna Bischoff, a General Secretary for many years 1972-1982, was made an Honorary Life Member of the South African Section. Gertrude Souter, who was a devoted member of the Johannesburg Lodge for many years before moving to Durban, passed over on 28th November 1983, in Durban. Mr. J D Goudriaan also passed over at this time. In the library of the Lodge there is a bronze bust of Annie Besant donated by Ivan Mitford-Barberton, a long time member and devoted worker for the Lodge. With the passing over of so many prominent members of Lodges all over the country, there seemed to be a considerable decline of membership causing many lodges to close down temporarily. Considerable effort was made by all to stimulate new membership. This was a hard working time for the Johannesburg Lodge. Bertie Stern celebrated his 90th birthday in 1987. Born in Yorkshire in 1897 and coming to South Africa in 1913, he joined the Johannesburg Lodge in 1924 and as a full member in 1939 and remained a faithful member until his death in 1989. Mrs. Phyllis Scarnell-Lean passed over in May 1988. A very active member, she was General Secretary from 1967 to 1969. She was also very active in the compilation and publishing of the Link Magazine for many years. She left a husband and an adopted daughter Carol Cardoso (Butler) behind. August 1989 saw the Festival of Body and Mind in Johannesburg and many pamphlets were handed out at the stall for Theosophy. From this some inquiries resulted. 1991 had the theme "The Spiritual Awakening of the Individual" at the National Convention here in Johannesburg. This being also the H.P.B. Centenary Year, we had a special Convention Programme with four well known speakers, Clive Scott, Arthur Kaplan, Mr Eddie Pearce and Bishop Johannes van Alphen of the Liberal Catholic Church. Lively interest and colour was injected and a deep spiritual message was given out. The President of the Lodge Mr. Desmond Chapman and his able committee did some great catering and organization.
In 1992 Nete Burford was asked to take over as President. A very able Committee was formed after the first AGM and it was decided that the Lodge premises required extensive renovation and modification. The main motivation being that the upstairs kitchen floor was sinking creating a hazardous situation. The lecture hall was also extended to seat 75. The library was rebuilt and refitted, and a ladies toilet added to the building. A shower and toilet was added for the caretaker’s use. The problem of security was also addressed and at a low cost a wall was built with the cooperation of the neighbour. The wall along the front of the building was extended to completely wall in the Property. Six large trees unfortunately had to be removed, and in order to save money, the committee did this. Rising damp in the old part of the library caused a drainage channel to be constructed. The swimming pool was no longer in use and as its thick reinforced walls defeated all efforts of demolishing, it was converted into seating in a garden area very complimentary to the Lodge. Resulting from the above, there is now increased attendance at Sunday Lectures and a good increase of membership, making all efforts well worthwhile.
1996 saw the National Convention again in Johannesburg with the theme "Healing Our Planet". The honoured guest as Bhupendra Vora who lectured widely in South Africa after the Convention. There were visitors from as far away as Zambia and Kenya.
April 1998 saw the Centenary Year for the Johannesburg Lodge. Our Guest Of Honour at our Centenary Convention was the International President of the Theosophical Society Radha Burnier. It was indeed a rare privilege to have her among us. The Convention Theme was "Revealing The Golden Light Within". Delegates from around the world were present and no effort was spared in order to make the Lodge as prepared as possible for this historic event. The Convention was memorable for several obvious reasons apart from the Centenary celebration. Radha Burnier's lectures were awe-inspiring to say the least. Lectures were also given by Clive Scott, Ivan Kaplan, Eddie Pearce, Hugh Bingham, Hugh Laue, Dr. Motshekga, premier of Gauteng and Tom Davis. It was also very exciting to meet so many members from other parts of the world and to hear what they were doing to enhance Man's spiritual development in their respective countries. It was also reassuring to find that most of the problems we encounter in our Theosophical work is not unique. The catering was, as is usually the case, excellent. Again, Lodge members distinguished themselves in this regard. On the Sunday morning (Day Three of the Convention) all delegates went to the Sterkfontein Caves to view the archeological sites where scientists are busy uncovering the clues to the beginnings of humanity on Earth. To visit the location where Robert Broom discovered the 1.9 million-year-old Australopithecus Robustus in 1938 was very inspiring and most of us left with a sudden urge to take up Paleontology as a hobby at least! The Convention ended with an excellent and inspiring public lecture by Radha Burnier. Unknown to all of us at this point in time, it was the last Convention attended by Dr. Evangelides. He passed away ten days later. Dr. Evangelides was the oldest member in 1998 in South Africa and his warmth, razor-sharp intelligence, sense of humour and friendliness will be missed by many, many people far outside the walls of the Lodge. The Theosophical Society is indeed poorer with the loss of this beloved member. For those of us who must carry the burden forward, may we do your legacy proud Dr. Evangelides. Eddie Pearce also passed away in 1998. An honorary member, who worked tirelessly in bringing the Knowledge of the Ancient Wisdom Teachings to the masses, he will be sourly missed. In a timeframe of only a few months, the Lodge has lost two of its most valuable members but we must, as students of the Ancient Wisdom, accept that this is the Way of things and that the Great Work must continue.
The Johannesburg Lodge stands as a mute witness to a century of tumultuous change. Humanity made incredible progress in such areas such as science and technology and sadly also achieving the lowest of lows in its spiritual development expressed so vividly in two global conflicts (and countless smaller ones). It has seen man’s brutality expressed to his fellow creatures in the most horrible ways imaginable. But the Lodge also bears witness to the great miracles of the 20th century and recognizes that those miracles are but reflections of the Ancient Wisdom Teachings, which once covered the globe and has been forgotten in the collective memory of mankind. For this very purpose the Lodge will strive tirelessly to revive this Great Memory so that all of Earth can reap the benefits some day. It is indeed an important task, one in which we cannot be hesitant about in any way because the alternative, given man’s most recent history, is too grim to imagine. If we are to ignore our responsibility in this regard, History will judge us as fools and History has had quite enough of fools.
For those students of Theosophy who has served this Cause over so many decades in Johannesburg, we salute your selfless efforts and noble undertakings. When reading this document, one gets an idea of the ordeals that were suffered in order to bring the Ancient Wisdom into the open. Your tireless and often thankless work is an inspiration to those of us who will bear witness to the new century and indeed millennium. We can only aspire to equal your achievements. One is reminded here of Albert Schweitzer’s words once, when explaining the source of inspiration:
"Sometimes our Light is dimmed by the toils of this life; but is blown again into Flame by an encounter with an extra-ordinary human being; Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this Inner Light."
It is with great pride that the members of Johannesburg Lodge echo these sentiments when reading of those that prepared the way before us over the years. May we do their memory proud in the decades to follow and never be a shame to their legacy.
There are two roads before humanity as we reach the end of this century: become wise and discover our true nature or perish and be no more. Let us commit ourselves as students of Theosophy to the former justifying the legacy we inherited from all those that worked so dilligently over the last 100 years.
Let us therefore renew our commitment to the mountain of work at hand, aiming high, working perseveringly; studying hard, being tolerant and contributing as far as possible to the enhancing of life on this little planetary home of ours and more importantly, to do it to the best of our abilities. There is simply no alternative: everything we do must be done for its true value to the benefit of all because History always second-guesses everything that was done and if done half-heartedly; the consequences will be dire...
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