Address to Provincial Grand Lodge
The Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge is a marvellous occasion in our Masonic Calendar. I am extremely pleased to welcome representatives from the three Branches of the Masonic Widows’ Association – Chippenham and District;
Members of the Masonic Widows’ Association – I am delighted you have witnessed the appointment and investiture of the Provincial Team for the coming year and the opportunity to learn about the work of the Masonic Samaritan Fund.
Brethren, I hope you have had a very enjoyable and refreshing summer. The summer Masonic recess allows us time for quiet reflection, relaxation and preparation for the challenges ahead.
At last year’s meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge I concluded my Address by expressing my belief that there has not been a time when so much pride is shown in being a Freemason:
- we are a small Province but have a big heart.
- we are ordinary people who together form an important part of local communities; we take time to share our Freemasonry with others - our family and friends.
- we have adopted an active policy of greater openness and transparency in the role that Freemasonry plays in the Wiltshire community. It is true that in common with many other organisations, we have interesting aspects of our ceremonies which we consider to be private - but nothing like the fanciful ideas often quoted.
- and most important of all - we enjoy our Freemasonry and have fun.
3Rs Programme Recruit, Refresh, Retain.
The success of the 3Rs Programme remains the top priority for the Province. I am keenly aware that:
- individual Lodges must take ownership of the concept.
- members are responsible for the success or otherwise of the Programme.
- the sovereignty of the Lodge is paramount.
I was really delighted with the contribution Lodge delegates made at the 3Rs Conference on 9 July. The minutes have been sent to Lodges, and have been copied onto CDs which will be distributed to all members with the November issue of ‘Across the Plain’. Whilst recognising that we must preserve the underlying principles and tenets of the Craft, there was universal agreement of the need for evolutionary change to make us truly relevant in the 21st Century. Delegates supported the proposal that forming small 3Rs Teams within each Lodge was the best way to move the Programme forward, and they further agreed that it would be advantageous for such Teams to liaise directly with the Provincial 3Rs Project Team. Development of such a liaison has my full support, and I commend it to all Lodges.
Last year I addressed a specific personal word to a very few of our more senior members – to please be tolerant in accepting the fresh ideas new members bring to the Lodge and for acceptance of changes which would enhance openness and enable our newer members to take a much more active part in Lodge activities and decision making. Failure to do so leads to dissatisfaction within the Lodge - the reason quoted by 30% of those who resigned from the Craft within three years of being Raised. At Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge, openness within Lodges and within our communities has become a watch word. I am delighted that Master Masons are now invited on a ‘Provincial rota basis to Grand Lodge Quarterly Communications. This is mirrored in Wiltshire by inviting Master Masons – indeed all members - to attend the Annual Provincial Committee.
I ask for tolerance and understanding at all levels. Listen to the views and opinions of our new members, and enable them to be fully involved in all Lodge activities. In short, ensure that our actions and attitudes clearly demonstrate to newer members that they are truly valued and respected.
As in all walks of life Freemasonry has to evolve and adapt to modern life, and if it does not, it will go the way of the dinosaur and eventually be no more.
Over half our Lodges have now hosted a discussion on the 3Rs Programme. The remaining Lodges have been contacted with a request to include a discussion session in their coming Masonic year programmes. It is the recipe for a vibrant Masonic future. The 3Rs Programme has come a long way, and we are beginning to reap the benefits. Now is the time to maintain momentum.
Public Relations Team
In today’s language, we could say that the fundamental principles to which our members subscribe are integrity; honesty; fairness; kindness; and tolerance. These are principles of which we should be very proud and we should not hesitate to articulate them, when appropriate opportunities present themselves. We should also make it very clear that we very much enjoy ourselves and what we do. I have no doubt our principles will appeal to those who are not masons if they are made aware of them.
Open communication will result in a greater understanding of Masonic affairs by the general public. By doing so will further assist to dispel the myths and misunderstandings which still prevail.
In the Provincial Grand Master’s Address last year, I announced the formation of a Public Relations Team to look at the content and format of the Provincial web site and our magazine ‘Across The Plain’ ~ to see that both initiatives are easily accessed by members, families, friends and those curious enough to explore them for whatever reason, and in particular to ensure that Freemasonry is presented to the highest possible standard.
It is with great pleasure that I announce the launch of the first of these initiatives, the new Provincial web site for Provincial Grand Lodge. As of now, the web site can be accessed and I commend the new web site to you. It is a development of quite outstanding quality and imagination. I look forward to receiving your comments on its content and appearance. The Provincial web site will be edited under the direction of Des Morgan with Barry Cooper continuing as web master.
May I add that two of the key members involved with the development of the Web site are ‘newish’ members presently progressing through the offices of their respective Lodges and some years away from reaching the Chair of Master
The success of our Provincial magazine, ‘Across the Plain’, reflects the vision and skill of its past Editor Brian Chappill, who developed the original magazine to its present standard. However, we have taken the opportunity to introduce further enhancements.
Under the skilled direction of the new Editor, Philip Mackie, ‘Across the Plain’ will provide a more enhanced variety of selected and interesting articles received from its Correspondents. In future the magazine will be posted to our homes and to the homes of members of the Masonic Widows’ Association. To help with the cost of postage, additional revenue has been secured through the sale of advertising space. The magazine will be published twice a year in November and in May.
It is my practice not to thank members by name – through fear of missing someone, but on this exceptional occasion, I take great pleasure in acknowledging the considerable work, passion and infectious enthusiasm of Des Morgan, Philip Mackie, Barry Cooper, Michael Wilson, Andrew Hargreaves, John Calvert, David Davies, Brian Chappill, and Philip Bullock.
Provincial Tie
To strengthen our identity as Wiltshire Freemasons, the new Provincial tie is now available.
Profits from the sale of the tie will be allocated to the 2017 Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund. The tie may be worn in Wiltshire Lodges, in Wiltshire Holy Royal Arch Chapters (with the kind permission of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent), in other Provinces with the permission of the Provincial Grand Master for that Province. The tie cannot be worn in Grand Lodge or in Supreme Grand Chapter.
Freemasons, their families and dependants will be very familiar with the considerable commitment to charitable support which Freemasonry gives to charities and good causes in our communities. We regularly hear the observation that 'charity begins at home' which raises the question "who is there to care for Freemasons, their families and dependants who have a financial, healthcare or family need?"
I have today written a personal letter – posted to the home address – of all members of the Province – and to all members of the Masonic Widows’ Association bringing to notice a joint initiative of the central Masonic Charities ~ The Freemasons' Grand Charity; The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys; The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution; and The Masonic Samaritan Fund. This initiative is known as “Freemasonry Cares”, a particularly apt title to demonstrate exactly what is on the label, Freemasonry does indeed care. I have also enclosed a second copy of my letter with a request that the copy letter and the second brochure be handed to a close family relative so that families are fully aware of the support provided through this initiative.
The central Masonic Charities acknowledge that there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the full range of support available to members, their dependants, and immediate family. This initiative aims to make seeking and obtaining assistance easier and (hopefully) less embarrassing. This initiative is not a replacement or substitute for the role of the Lodge Almoner or the Provincial Grand Almoner – our Lodge Almoners remain a most vital part of the system of support for Freemasons, their families and the widows of Freemasons.
During the coming months, there will be presentations to provide further information to Lodge Almoners, members, and, through the Masonic Widows’ Association, to Masonic Widows. Information will also be available on the new Provincial web site and in the Provincial magazine ‘Across the Plain’.
Masonic Samaritan Fund Festival 2017
I am pleased to confirm that Peter Winton, Deputy Provincial Grand Master will be spearheading the 2017 Festival and has already put in place a number of key processes and formed strategic groups as part of the preliminary work being undertaken prior to the official launch of the Festival which will take place on 4 October 2012.
The launch of the 2017 Festival in this City Hall next October will be spectacular and noisy ... coloured smoke, laser lights and music. I am most disappointed that Peter Winton and his team have failed to secure the attendance of Mary Poppins flying down from the ceiling on her umbrella - to reflect the importance of the Five Year Festival ...... but as an alternative – I understand Peter will be emulating Harry Potter and giving a demonstration of that very popular Wizarding sport – Quidditch.
The Festival Jewel will be subject to the approval by the MW The Grand Master. However, the ‘draft jewel’ beautifully designed by Andrew Tiffin is unlike anything we have previously seen within the Province – it is quite outstanding.”
I am greatly moved that all Masonic Orders in the Province have pledged their support – Holy Royal Arch, Mark Master Masons, Rose Croix and the Golf Society have already made donations.... and we have not yet offically launched the Festival.
I am delighted to be able to present, on behalf of the Province a cheque for £5,000 to Richard Douglas for the Masonic Samaritan Fund Festival 2017
Provincial Grand Officers 2010 - 2011
I extend my thanks to all those who held office during the past year in Provincial Office - my particular thanks to their wives and partners for their support and tolerance. The Active Officers quickly developed into a strong and successful team – working well together in discharging the formal side of their Masonic duties; of equal importance is that we had tremendous fun. They have made strong and I hope lasting friendships within the Provincial Team, with myself, the Deputy PGM and the Assistant PGM, and also with members of our Lodges.
Provincial Grand Officers 2011 - 2012
This meeting is a very special occasion for members receiving Provincial Appointment and to colleagues attending to witness the event.
I congratulate all those whom I have appointed and invested to Provincial Grand rank and those whom I have promoted within Provincial Grand Lodge - all richly deserved appointments. I thank you for your continued support in all that you do, and will continue to do for the Province and for Freemasonry in general, and I am confident that you will enjoy your new responsibilities. I encourage all officers, whether with active or past ranks to join the Provincial Team at Lodge Installation meetings; you will always receive a warm welcome.
Closing Observations
We are a small Province but have big hearts, it can be said we Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much. We can all be very optimistic about the future of Freemasonry we are ordinary people who together form an important part of local communities; we take time to share our Freemasonry with others - our family and friends, and most important of all - we enjoy our Freemasonry and we do have fun.
Thank you for attending this meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge in such numbers and thank you for your continued attention and for your generous support.
Presentation to Richard Douglas, Chief Executive of The Masonic Samaritan Fund
The Provincial Grand Master presenting a cheque for £5,000
