Founded in 1948 when, despite the world still going through a period of austerity and still recovering from the decimation of the Second World War, a few dedicated freemasons in Portsmouth decided to form a new local lodge. From three of the founding brethren, 5 names were submitted for the name of the lodge and, ultimately, Absit Invidia was chosen. Freely translated, Absit Invidia stands for ‘let there be no ill will’.  Wanting to be somewhat different it was agreed to work Taylor’s Ritual, this being the ritual of one of the founding member’s Mother Lodge in London and at the time not practiced in the Hampshire Province. On Monday 28^th March 1949 the newly founded ‘Absit Invidia Lodge No. 6751’ was duly consecrated at the Masonic Hall, Highbury Street, Portsmouth and whilst this venue is long since gone Absit Invidia thrives and is still one of only two lodges practicing Taylor’s Ritual in Hampshire today.

The meaning behind the Lodge’s Crest: 

 The design of the Lodge Crest gave rise to a lengthy discussion. W. Bro H.F Ingram, Founder Master Designate, proposed to take suggestions to the Master of Art at the Technical School to put the design up for competition among the students. Unfortunately, because it was the end of term, it was a non-starter. Thus, a drawing of a proposed Crest by W. Bro J. A. Hosty (Founder) was the one chosen to be submitted to the Provincial Grand Master (P.G.M) for approval. It was recorded in the early Minute records that this design was only accepted after the removal of shield and the Portsmouth City Crest.  

The Crest is contained in a circle. In the Royal Navy, the Ship’s Crest of all Capital Ships is contained in a circle, and where our Founders were mainly of a service background, chiefly Royal Navy, it would seem natural that there would be a service significance in it. Masonically, the circle, having neither no beginning nor end, is a symbol of the Deity and of eternity.  

Next, we see two different stars, one six-pointed and other five-pointed. Although the triangle has long been regarded as a symbol of the Trinity, in England, the interlaced device was little knowledge until the Medieval times when we find it used as a Mason’s mark. 

The six-pointed star is called the Hexalpha and the five-pointed star called the Pentalpha. The word Alpha is used because the Greek letter ‘A’, suitably arranged, makes each device. The Hexalpha, according to a majority of Masonic writers, is the Seal of Soloman and the Shield of David. It is the six-pointed star or Blazing Star. The symbolism of the Hexalpha is most comprehensive, representing the Universe, the Sun and the Planets. The Pentalpha is the Talisman or Morning Star. It has been regarded as a talisman against the danger of fire and the Pythagoreans though, it to be a symbol of health. 

Now we come to the emblems of the three Armed Services and the allusions drawn from them which refer to the background of the Lodge and its Founders. 

The first is the Cannon which represents the Army, a noble profession when committed to defend our faith. There are many examples of this in the V.S.L. Faith is the foundation of Justice, the bond of amity and the chief support of civil society; we live and walk by faith; by it we have a continual Hope and acknowledgement of a Supreme Being. 

Secondly, the Royal Air Force is represented by the Eagle, a bird of strength and beauty. As He said to the Israelites, ‘I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you unto myself’.  

Lastly the Anchor, representing the Royal Navy. Hope is the Anchor of the Soul both unsure and steadfast. If we believe a thing to be impossible something our despondency may render to it so, but he who perseveres in a just cause will ultimately overcome all difficulties. 

The central feature of the crest is the Sally Port (a name which was considered by the founding members). Sally Port represents Portsmouth and its history and commands respect and pride. Through this a ship can be seen on open waters, signifying Masonry Universal, beyond the horizon.  

The Square and Compass are two working tools of the Lodge, they work in conjunction with each other and teach us not only to square our actions, but to keep them within due bounds. 

Finally, last emblem on the Crest, the All-seeing Eye. Reminding all brethren that wherever we are, or whatever we do, He is with us. His All-seeing Eye observes us, and whilst we continue to act in conformity with the principles of the Craft, let us not fail to discharge our duty to Him, with fervency and zeal. 

Founder Members of the Lodge

W. Bro. J.A. Hosty	Bro. C. Harrison	Bro. R. Poole
W. Bro H.F. Ingram	Bro. C.F.Hearsey	Bro. E.W. Southgate
W. Bro. F.T. Meredith	Bro. L.R.M. Linnell	Bro. G.E. Southwell
W. Bro. C.F. Miller	Bro. L.A.Lall	Bro. E.B. Shaw
W. Bro. G.W.Taylor	Bro. V.A.E.McIntyre	Bro. A.E. Sidebottom
Bro. H Bunting	Bro. G.E. Mugridge	Bro. A.H.Spencer
Bro. G.W.J. Davis	Bro. T.A. Nixon	Bro. W. Venn