Three members of Old Church Lodge No. 7070, Essex, founded Phocas in memory of Bro Robert Price, a nursery owner who lived in Cheshunt, Herts. The lodge was consecrated on 30th November 1988. Bro Price attained the office of senior warden in Old Church, but was unable to continue to the chair due to a heart condition. He became a stalwart at the lodge of instruction, helping every new candidate with his ritual, giving extra tuition in his greenhouses. 

 

The banner emblem was taken from the coat of arms of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and designed by artist Tony Pugh. The Company’s patron saint, St.Phocas of Sinope, is depicted on the banner.  The Latin inscription reads “Pietas Caritas et Humilitas” – “Godliness, Charity and Humility”.  Considerably more detail is in the Lodge archive file.  The banner was dedicated 2nd April 1991.