After two years of planning, the Province’s 95th lodge, Lodge of United Services No. 10012, was finally consecrated on Saturday the 15th of January at Freemasons' Hall, The Griggs Centre, Sheaf Close, Northampton
Over 200-brethren attended the Consecration, which entailed a wonderful ceremony and most-harmonious festive board.
The Master, Wardens, and other founding members of Lodge of United Services No. 10012
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The ceremony was led by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, in his usual exemplary manner. It included several thought-provoking addresses by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, WBro Aaron Day, and was excellently orchestrated throughout by the Provincial Secretariat and the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Dale Gilbert, who was ably assisted by his deputies.
The occasion was further enhanced by the music of guest organist, WBro John Hitchin PAGDC, and a choir comprising members of Pro Musica Lodge No. 9547. Both contributed to a wonderful atmosphere.
Once the consecration ceremony had concluded, the Lodge’s first installation meeting was led by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Charles Bennett PGSwdB, who installed Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Luigi Orsi PSGD in fine style as the Lodge’s first Worshipful Master.
WBro Orsi APGM, PSGD then appointed and invested his officers in a wonderful manner. WBro Bob Smith PAGDC was appointed as Senior Warden, and WBro Steve Stock ProvGStwd, as Junior Warden. The lodge’s joining members provided excellent support throughout.
From left, WBro Steve Kingan (ProvJGW), WBro Dale Gilbert (ProvGDC, PAGDC), VWBro Charles Bennett (DepProvGM, PGSwdB), WBro Bob Smith (PAGDC), RWBro Max Bayes (ProvGM), WBro Lou Orsi (ProvAGM, PSGD), WBro Steve Stock (ProvGStwd), WBro Mark Constant (PSGD, ProvAGM), WBro Tom Webster (ProvDepGDC), WBro Roger Blason (ProvDepGDC), and WBro Jonathon Hibbins (ProvSGW)
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Membership of the lodge is aimed at serving or retired members of the military or emergency services. Alternatively, persons who have an extremely close and recognisable collection thereto.
The Lodge will meet on the first Saturday in February and October; also, the third Saturday in June. The Lodge’s calendar will also include a visit to another Lodge founded on similar interests.
Having had an excellent start with 45-founding members and 2-joining members - some from outside the Province - the Lodge promises to be most successful. A new initiate is already set to join the Lodge at the next meeting.
APGM and newly installed Master, WBro Lou Orsi, said:
It has been such a wonderful occasion and I consider myself extremely honoured to be the first Worshipful Master of this special lodge. Seeing the huge numbers that attended to support us was truly magnificent.
Lodge secretary, WBro. John Ford LGR, added:
A chance conversation two years ago started the long and rewarding journey of the Lodge of United Services. We didn’t realise how popular it would prove and all feel very proud and humbled with what has been achieved. A very special thanks to the Provincial Grand Master for his support, WBro William Diggins, Provincial Grand Secretary for all his assistance and patience and the whole Provincial team that helped make the Consecration a very special occasion. Now the work really begins!
At the end of the meeting, Bro Tony Reeves presented the Master with three gavels he had handcrafted in the form of a tank, helicopter, and ship in tribute to the work of the Army, Royal Air Force, and Navy. The gavels will be used for future meetings.
At the Festive Board, the Lodge Brethren demonstrated their commitment to charity when the Lodge’s Charity Steward, WBro Jonathan Connor, presented the Provincial Grand Master with cheque for £5,000 in support of the 2024 MCF Festival.
We congratulate all those whose efforts made the consecration such a successful event and send the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Lodge of United Services No. 10012 our very best wishes for the future.