An impressive gathering of Brethren and distinguished guests led by the R W Provincial Grand Master witnessed W Bro Alan Gauld PProvGReg install James Crawford into the Chair of King Solomon. We all wish WBro James well and are certain that he will discharge the duties of his high office with honour to himself and credit to the Craft.
The Ceremony of Installation was conducted with due solemnity and to a consistently high standard. WBro James then appointed his Officers, including his Brother Wilf as SW. He also had the pleasing duty of presenting Bro Mark Balmer with his Grand Lodge Certificate.
The St Anthony’s Lodge has a long-standing association with Scottish Lodges; so it was pleasing to welcome W Bro Dale Hall (Lodge Friendship 1712) and W. Bro Eric Hoare (‘Eric Frae Berwick’ – Lodge Dunse 23), the latter giving a moving presentation and explanation of the VSL to the WM.
Following the Ceremony, the Brethren repaired to the dining area for a highly-enjoyable Festive Board. WM James presented the PGM with a cheque for £300 as a contribution to the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The PGM gratefully accepted this donation, noted that the Lodge had already been recognised as a Grand Patron of the 2020 Festival and thanked the Brethren for their continued generosity.
The PGM then congratulated the WM and his Officers on the high standard of ritual and wished them well for the forthcoming year, during which he was pleased to note that the Lodge would be celebrating its Centenary and was scheduled to initiate seven Candidates. He thanked the Lodge for their truly Masonic welcome.
I am continually heartened by the immense friendship and benevolence shown throughout the Province, which did so much to put into practice the principles and tenets of our wonderful organisation. I very much hope that the Pandemic is now coming to its end and allows a full resumption of normal life, both Masonic and other.
RW Bro. Ian Craigs, Provincial Grand Master
W Bro Dale Hall (Lodge Friendship 1712) then congratulated the WM, his Officers and Brethren on behalf of the Scottish Brethren and wished them well for the future.
This excellent evening then drew to a close, with thanks to WM James and his Officers and Brethren of the Lodge and all good wishes for the future – and not forgetting the Hall Officers who did so much to ensure that the proceedings took place in a Covid-secure environment.
If you have a story, event or news item you would like to have published on the Provincial website, please get in touch with the Provincial Communications Team at news@northumberlandmasons.org.uk