Provincial News
- Written by: John Fergusson
Following an invitation from the Mayor of Stamford, the Province of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire was represented by W. Bro. David Burton, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, at the Battle of Britain service and parade in Stamford on Sunday 20 September 2015.
The service itself was held at All Saints Church which was followed by a parade and wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial in Broad Street.
- Written by: John Fergusson
The Challenge Awaits – 2015 / 2016:
The new Masonic season 2015/2016 is underway and what a launch we had on Thursday 3rd September when the Bristol Demonstration Team guested at our First Principals’ Chapter in Northampton to demonstrate their ancient and original ceremony of the “Passing of the Veils”. In spite of attempts over the years by higher authority to modify and even delete the ritual, Bristol held firm and for some 250 years, their Exaltation ceremony including the “Passing of the Veils” has stood the test of time.
Before an audience of some 270 Companions (and dining 250+), we were privileged to witness a truly outstanding ceremony from which many of us made the requisite daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. We were indeed grateful to the three Principals and Companions of our First Principals’ Chapter for allowing us to take advantage of their September Convocation to hold such a unique and special occasion for Province.
And now we look forward to the first Convocation of Piscator Chapter in October, here in Northampton, after their recent relocation from London following in the successful footsteps of Piscator Lodge just a few short years ago.
Then Companions, the rest of the new season awaits which we can embrace with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Each of us must be seen as an ambassador for the Royal Arch, collectively raising the profile to even greater heights in order to attract worthy Master Masons and to encourage them to engage in that fourth and final stage of Pure Ancient Masonry by exaltation into the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch - a journey of enlightenment from “Initiation to Exaltation” and the very completion of Craft Masonry itself.
Social Media of one sort or another is helping enormously to communicate with our Companions and to convey our message to those Brethren who have still to make that final commitment. Remind them, Companions, that we were all initiated into Pure Antient Masonry as so clearly defined in the Book of Constitutions. As an integral part, their journey is so incomplete until they are able to share with us that unique companionship and friendship that they will only find in the Supreme Degree.
That’s our challenge; it’s our collective responsibility and Companions, I wish you all well in your endeavours. Share the journey with me; enjoy the new Masonic season ahead and I will catch up with you all again before too long.
E Comp Wayne E Williams
ME Grand Superintendent
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
At the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge on Wednesday, 9 September, the Pro Grand Master announced the name of the new central Masonic charity that is to operate from 1 April 2016 when the existing four charities are combined.
It is to be known as the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
Over two years ago, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester launched the Thorpe Hall Capital Appeal to fund the building of a new state-of-the-art hospice building at Thorpe Hall in Peterborough.
Local Mason Ian Knox (whose wife had spent her final days at the Hospice) took up the challenge of helping raise funds in support of this Appeal. He has successfully spearheaded efforts which have resulted in donations from Lodges and individuals across the Province.
(l to r) WBro Gerry Crawford (ProvGChStwd), WBro Ian Knox (fund raising coordinator), WBro David Burton (APGM), Jane Petit, WBro Alan Nicholls (PGC Trustee), WBro Russell Laxton (Local Communication Officer)
These efforts have been supported by the Provincial Grand Charity and on 8 September 2015 at Thorpe Hall local Masons, led by the APGM, WBro David Burton, presented a cheque for £25,000 to Jane Petit, its Director. (In addition, some individual Masons and Lodges have sent donations directly. These will bring the total Masonic donations to about £50,000.)
Jane Petit said
Thank you for coming along and presenting us with such an incredible amount of money. We are incredibly grateful.
This coincided with a visit from Her Royal Highness during which she official opened the new building.