Lodge at 280: Legacy of resilience praised as Founder’s Week begins

The Lodge School’s tradition of resilience and service was lauded yesterday as principal Stephen Jackman, himself a former head boy of the school, delivered an address marking 280 years of the St John institution’s history during its Founder’s Week service at Holy Cross Anglican Church.

The school, originally part of the bequest of Christopher Codrington that includes the theological seminary Codrington College, began as the Codrington Grammar School with its first intake of students in September 1745. During the 19th century, it relocated to the lodge of the college’s chaplain, thus giving the school its current name.

Jackman highlighted the school’s long-standing role at the heart of both parish and nation, reminding the congregation of its historic importance since opening its doors.

“Our service this morning started with a hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness,” he began. “This school has been an integral part of St John and, more importantly, of Barbados,” he said, reflecting on the school’s origins and the pivotal place it holds within the wider community.

The principal underscored the school’s reputation for adaptability.

“We have always adapted, adjusted and overcome. We have always been there to produce and to give,” he said, referencing milestones including the establishment of the first Cadet Union and the admission of female students in the 1980s as proof of The Lodge School’s capacity to evolve with the times.

He also pointed to the accomplishments of past and present students as testament to the school’s ongoing mission.

Youth activist and philanthropist Ashley Lashley was named a United Nations delegate in the area of climate change, and Jonathan Newland, an outgoing student, won an Aubrey Collymore scholarship for his activism in the area of environmental protection and climate change.

“Our young people continue to live the mantle of being more than just a student, but proud citizens,” Jackman said.

While acknowledging the difficulties posed by educational reform, Jackman struck a note of confidence about the Lodge continuing to meet future challenges. “We celebrate 280 years at a time of approval where we are entering education reform. But you can rest assured . . . we will be here for the next generation, we will continue to adjust, to adapt and to change.”

He closed on a message of faith and determination, drawing on the school’s motto in his final remarks. “Our motto is ‘possunt quia posse videntur’ – ‘they can because they think they can’. But we know that we always will be able to do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.”

Among old scholars in attendance were former tourism minister, diplomat and athletics administrator Ambassador Noel Lynch, and famed Combined Islands and Leewards Islands cricketer and later administrator Hugh Gore, who was a boarder during the school’s former boarding establishment which was discontinued in 1979.

The service, which brought together students, alumni and community members, reinforced The Lodge School’s enduring values and its commitment to preparing future generations for success.

Among activities planned during Founder’s Week are an alumni mentorship session at the school on Tuesday morning, a reunion reception of old scholars on Wednesday, a stakeholder town hall meeting on Thursday and a fair on Saturday at the Massiah Street campus.

(BT)