Lodge Meridian No. 1742SC, Umuda-Isingwu, Umuahia

In the second half of 1980, Brethren from various Lodges in the English and Scottish Constitutions from the Old Bende Province of Nigeria, got
together informally to discuss the possibility of founding a Lodge in Umuahia.
The need for some Masonic presence in Umuahia had become very obvious since the nearest Lodges were, Lodge Endeavour No. 1593 S.C.
at Aba and Lodge Owere No. 1693 S.C. at Owerri, each about 60 Km (37.28 miles) away. The others were two English Constitution Lodges and
one Scottish Constitution Lodge in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to the South and to the North, two English Constitution Lodges and one Scottish
Constitution Lodge in Enugu. Besides, an increasing number of Brethren in the above Lodges were natives of the Old Bende Province.
Consequently, an inaugural and more formal meeting was held on Sunday, 3rd April 1981 at the then Imo Hotels (Now: Abia Hotels) with Bro.
Beremako E. Ogbuagu, OON, Hon. SDGM, PJDGW, presiding. This meeting considered a number of suggested names for the proposed Lodge. It
was decided to use the Community Hall, Eziama Mgbaja Ossa, Umuahia as the Masonic Temple. Meetings would be held every 3rd Saturday of
the months of January, March, July, September and November, elections being held in September and Installation in November.
A suggested design for the regalia was agreed - deep green base lamb skin with green and white edging and red flap.
At the meeting held on 18th April, 1981, it was finally decided that the name of the Lodge shall be - Lodge Meridian or failing it, Lodge Valiant or
failing it, Lodge Bendeland.
An appeal was made to Lodge Endeavour No. 1593 S.C. and Lodge Owere No. 1693 S.C. to sponsor the PETITION to the Grand Lodge of
Scotland through the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria. These two Lodges favorably responded to the request and the authorized officers signed and
recommended the PETITION on 2nd of May, 1981
At the meeting held in Lagos on Saturday 9th May, 1981, the District Grand Master of Nigeria in a motion by Bro. Hon Justice Adewale Thompson
PDDGM. and seconded by Bro. Chief J. A. K. Oyebanjo, approved the founding of the Lodge and submitted the PETITION for favorable
consideration of the Grand Lodge.
Subsequently, the Grand Lodge graciously granted the Charter for Lodge Meridian No. 1742 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland on the 5th
day of November, 1981
Lodge Meridian No. 1742 S.C. was duly Errected and Consecrated by the Right Worshipful, the District Grand Master of Nigeria, Bro. Chief Dr.
Oluyinka Olumide, M.A., MB, CHB, FMCGP, Hon. Junior Grand Warden on Saturday 18th September, 1982.