Certificate of Merit for WBro John Ward

At their 102nd regular meeting at the Masonic Hall, Ellindon on Wednesday 3 February, Thomas Deacon Lodge No 9126 was honoured by a surprise visit from the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall.  He was accompanied by his Director of Ceremonies, WBro Neil Young.

The Provincial Grand Master explained they “were just passing, and decided to drop in.” They then enjoyed the Passing of Bro Michael Marjoram. After an excellent extended explanation of the Second Degree tracing board by WBro John Hitchin, the entered apprentices were re-admitted.

The Worshipful Master announced an additional item to the agenda.  The true reason for the Provincial Grand Master’s attendance became clear when he awarded WBro John Ward the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Merit.

(l to r) WBro John Ward with the Provincial Grand Master

Bro John had been Director of Ceremonies at Thomas Deacon Lodge for ten years, and Assistant Director of Ceremonies for a further five years prior to that. The PGM praised Bro John’s work in Freemasonry and in particular his hard work in Thomas Deacon Lodge.

A Founder member and Past Master of Thomas Deacon Lodge, WBro Wilf Rodwell, received his Certificate of Merit in 2009.

Successful Peterborough Initiates' Supper

	A very successful Initiates Evening took place at the Masonic Centre, Ellindon on Friday 22 January 2010.   The evening started with informal drinks.   After this all were invited to take their seats in the Lodge Room.   The PGM, RW Bro Barrie Hall, introduced the evening, with an outline of what was to follow and a 15 minute presentation on the basic principles of Freemasonry.
			Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall

		This was followed by WBro Trevor Boswell, the incoming Provincial Grand Secretary, who gave a short talk on Masonic Charities and the varying ways Freemasons support them.         Mrs Joy Hall, the wife of the PGM, then gave a ‘Masonic Wife’s’ perspective of Freemasonry referring inevitably to the early commitment made by all Freemasons ‘just one night out a month is not too much for a man to ask for is it’?
	WBro Trevor Boswell		Mrs Joy Hall

			There followed a very entertaining and informative explanation of the Lodge Room and regalia by WBro Reg Hirst, Provincial Education & Training Officer.   Much to the amusement of those present, he ended his presentation wearing the regalia of the PGM (however it was safely returned at the end).
	WBro Reg Hirst in PGM's regalia

The evening concluded informally over a drink and a buffet supper.

St John's Lodge No 3972 - Jubilee Certificate Presentations

The meeting in Northampton of St John’s Lodge No 3972 on Monday 18 January 2010 was a very special special occasion.

Brothers at very different stages in their masonic careers took centre stage. For Bro Johan-Christ Moukoko, who was born in Cameroon, West Africa, and is a 41 years old secondary school teacher of French, it was his first day as a Freemason as he was initiated into the Lodge.

For two other Bros it was a celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Wayne Williams, presented them with their Jubilee Certificates.

WBro Wayne Williams said WBro George Short, 84 years, a retired teacher of mathematics, had been initiated into St John’s Lodge 50 years ago to the day. He had been its organist for 18 years and its Worshipful Master in 1974. He became a ProvGStwd in 1976, PPGReg in 1980, PPJGW in 1989 and PPSGW in 1990.

(l to R) WBro Wayne Williams, Bro John Bogan, WM WBro Mark Douglast & WBro George Short

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master (who is also the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of the Holy Royal Arch Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire) particularly thanked Bro George for his support of the Holy Royal Arch in the Province over many years. Bro George was promoted to Grand Rank (PAGDC) in the Holy Royal Arch in 1996. Clearly moved by the emotion of the occasion Bro George sincerely thanked WBro Williams.

(l to r) The most senior Lodge member, WBro George Short, welcomes the most junior, Bro Johan-Christ Moukoko

In April 1959 Bro John Bogan was initiated into St Munn Ardnadam Lodge No 496 (meeting in Argyll under the Grand Lodge of Scotland). A Marine Engineer, his work took him to many parts of the world. In 2008 he moved to Northampton and became a joining member of St John’s Lodge where he is now the Inner Guard.

In presenting Bro John with his Jubilee Certificate, WBro Williams said that although Bro John had only been a member of this Province for two years the Certificate celebrated the contribution he had made in the whole of his 50 years as a Freemason.

Bro John said, “The current Worshipful Master, WBro Mark Douglas, is the youngest WM the Lodge has ever had. If I progress through the offices, as I intend to do, I shall probably be the oldest!”

Book Your Lodge's Oration

In his role as Provincial Grand Orator, VWBro Derek Young has made a New Year call for expressions of interest from Lodges in receiving Orations or Lectures during the next Masonic year.

Representatives of Lodges wishing to include such Orations or Lectures in their 2010/11 programme of meetings should contact VWBro Derek Young directly or through the Provincial Office.

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