GRAND LODGE
OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

In October 1957 at the Grand Communication the Grand Secretary addressed the Grand Lodge at the request of the Grand Master as follows:

"Some two years ago the question arose as to the propriety of our Grand Lodge bearing the Armorial Ensigns which, so far as is known, have been used in its seal, its standard, certain regalia, certificates and other stationery since its foundation in 1884.  Such Achievement of Arms is depicted on the coloured plaque on the wall of this room, and many of you are aware that the Arms on the shield are in fact those which were used by the Grand Lodges of the Ancients and Moderns combined on the union of the two in 1813 to form the Arms of the United Grand Lodge of England.  So far as can be ascertained, this Coat of Arms was adopted without question by a committee which had been set up in connection with the formation of Grand Lodge, and we have no ground for saying that the approval of the United Grand Lodge of England was then or ever has been obtained for its use here.  On pursuing the matter it was learned that an official grant of arms was obtained by the United Grand Lodge of England in 1919, and as our Arms were in substance a copy of those of that Grand Lodge, it became abundantly clear that we had unwittingly trespassed."

With the concurrence of the Board of General Purposes, an application was made to the College of Arms in London in February 1956 by the Grand Master for a grant of Armorial Bearings.  Arms were granted by Garter Principal King of Arms and Clarenceaux King of Arms on 15 April 1957.
.
.
The Arms are blazoned as follows: "Azure (blue) issuant from the base a Sun in splendor Or (gold) on a Chief dovetailed of the last (gold) an open book Proper (normal colours) bound Gules (red) between on the dexter (right) a square surmounted by a pair of compasses expanded the points downwards and on the sinister (left) a sword erect of the last (red)" 
.
.
The Crest is blazoned:  "Three flowers of Sturt's Desert Pea between two branches of leaves of the same plant Proper (normal colours)"
.
.
The Motto is: "Pro Deo et Fratribus" meaning  "For God and the brethren"
.

.
.
The Grand Secretary concluded as follows:

"The Sun in splendour depicted in the shield of the new Arms is, perhaps, indicative of Australia, and it is also Masonic in character.  The dovetailed chief is indicative of practical Masonry, whilst the square and compasses, the open book and the sword speak Masonically for themselves.  It is most gratifying that we have been able to obtain for the crest the flowers and leaves of the Sturt's Desert Pea as appearing on our Grand Lodge Regalia.  Steps are being taken by the Board of General Purposes to obtain a new seal and standard for the Grand Lodge and to incorporate our new Achievement of Arms on Grand Lodge certificates, regalia, etc. in due course."

.
.
The old design of the Coat of Arms continued in use on the stock of Grand Lodge Certificates for joining members until several years ago.  That design does not have the border of lions as shown on the Arms of the United Grand Lodge of England.   The design used previously by this Grand Lodge is shown adjacent on a Masonic jewel,  from the stock used for Hall Stone and Centenary Restoration jewels.  These were issued to indicate that the recipient Lodge fulfilled its obligation in connection with the building and/or restoration of the Adelaide Masonic Centre at North Terrace, Adelaide.

current Armorial Bearings of  the State of South Australia	former Armorial Bearings of  the State of South Australia
	drawing by Allan K Chatto

 .

At left is shown the regalia of a Past Grand Lodge Officer, consisting of a collar with jewel of office attached, and an apron.  Note the Sturt's Desert Pea (Swainsonia formosa) displayed on the apron, taken from the Crest of the Coat of Arms of the Grand Lodge.

To read more about Sturt's Desert Pea  CLICK HERE