After three years of planning, the Province’s 96th lodge, Mulliner Classic Car Lodge No. 10019, was finally consecrated on Saturday the 30th April 2022 at Freemasons' Hall, The Griggs Centre, Sheaf Close, Northampton
Over 170-brethren attended the Consecration (the second in the Province this year), which included a wonderful ceremony and a most enjoyable festive board.
The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes (top), and Founding Worshipful Master, WBro Steve Brown PAGDC, arrive at Sheaf Close for the Consecration of Mulliner Classic Car Lodge No. 10019
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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, and at times amusing, 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 the Provincial Grand organist, WBro Chris Winfield, and a choir comprising members of Pro Musica Lodge No. 9547. Both contributed to a wonderful atmosphere.
The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, and his consecration team together with the officers of Mulliner Lodge No. 10019
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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 WBro Steve Brown PAGDC in fine style as the Lodge’s first Worshipful Master.
WBro Steve then appointed and invested his officers in a wonderful manner. The Provincial Grand Master (Designate) WBro Mark Constant PSGD was appointed as Senior Warden, and with WBro Stephen Griggs ProvAGDC unavoidably absent, WBro Tony Greene PAGDC was invited to act as Junior Warden. Other officers were duly invested, and the lodge’s joining members provided excellent support throughout.
From left, WBro Mark Constant PSGD (APGM and PGM Designate - Senior Warden), RWBro Max Bayes PGM, WBro Steve Brown PAGDC (Founding Master), and WBro Tony Greene PAGDC (Acting Junior Warden)
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Membership of the lodge is aimed at brethren who own or have an intertest in classic cars of all types. Please click the button below to view a gallery showing the wonderful range of cars on display:
Having had an excellent start with 41-founding members, including the Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Bedfordshire, RWBro Anthony Henderson, and many others from outside the Province, the Lodge is set to be successful with several prospective joining members waiting in the wings; also, an initiate set to join the Lodge at the next meeting.
The Master, Wardens, and other founding members of Mulliner Classic Car Lodge No.10019
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The newly installed Master, WBro Steve Brown PAGDC, said:
It has been such a wonderful occasion and I consider myself extremely honoured to be the first Worshipful Master of this special lodge, which combines my two favourite hobbies: Freemasonry and classic cars. Seeing the huge numbers that attended to support us, many bringing their cars along, was truly magnificent.
Lodge secretary, WBro. Ged Dempsey PAGDC, added:
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.
The new Lodge's name was taken from the famous coach-building family business founded in the name of Arthur Mulliner in Northampton in 1760. The business retained its local connections until it was acquired by Henlys Limited in 1940.
HJ Mulliner was a member of the Mulliner family involved with coach building in Liverpool, Northampton and London; he was also a founding member of the RAC in 1897
From the late 1800's, the business included the construction of motor-car bodies, and held a close relationship with Daimler and Rolls Royce. There are also past family connections with Freemasonry in the Province, and it is pleasing to see the link continue with WBro Alan R Mulliner LGR having been appointed Lodge Chaplain.
At the Festive Board, the Worshipful Master outlined his commitment to charity with support for the 2024 MCF Festival appeal and the East Anglia Air Ambulance, whose help was vital in the speedy response and rescue of W Bro Stephen Griggs after his accident.
The Lodge's very special gavels!
In addition to congratulating all those whose efforts made the consecration such a successful event, we send the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Mulliner Classic Car Lodge No. 10019 our very best wishes for the future.
The Lodge's next meeting with be held on the 18th of June 2022 when the ceremony will be an initiation!