Saturday 11th June witnessed a contingent of Light Blues travel to the village of Rosslyn in Scotland, not only to re-ignite old friendships but to take in the magnificence of the Rosslyn Chapel. Organised by W.Bro Richard Erskine, the current Master of The Duke of Connaught Lodge No.3492, which meets at Wallsend Masonic Hall, the trip was open to both Masons and their partners and was well supported by members of the Byker, Cramlington, Fern Avenue, North Shields and Wallsend Masonic buildings.
A luxury coach, hired for the day and driven by W.Bro Wilf Crawford, the Master of The St Anthony’s Lodge No.4423, which meets at Byker Masonic Hall, departed from Byker at 8am, making a second stop at Seaton Burn for more brethren to join the two and a half hour journey, which was whiled away with a number of quizzes, with the prize of a tin of chocolates won by ‘The Backseat Boys’.
Arriving at Rosslyn, the coach parked at the Rosslyn Chapel Car Park, and the tour party walked the short distance to the nearby Masonic Hall, home to Rosslyn St Clair Lodge, No 606 of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, who played hosts for the day. The touring party received a very warm welcome and were shown around the Lodge building’s many fascinating pictures, murals and artefacts, prior to lunch being served.
The Lodge’s presentation display contains many items of interest including a folded American flag that was presented to the Lodge by a visiting American brother who delivered a talk on 9/11. This brother was a first responder on that fateful day and the flag he presented to the lodge, was one of six flown at ground zero, before being carefully folded for presentation during a series of talks he delivered in Scotland. Also on display was a Masonic jewel, originally presented to King George VI.
Following the meal, two of the Lodge’s brethren presented a slide show on the history of the chapel and its “possible” Masonic links and the group then made their way to the chapel where a group booking had been arranged for 2pm, giving the group the chance to view the fantastic exterior and interior. Sadly, the taking of photographs of the interior was prohibited, however, the visitors described the interior as truly inspiring, with many interesting images embedded in the sculpture throughout.
The group returned to the Masonic Hall, following the tour, where a second meal had been laid on, and they were treated to a short ‘Harmony’ set by one of the Rosslyn St Clair brethren. After a few ‘refreshments’ and a vote of thanks to the brethren of Rosslyn St Clair Lodge, for their wonderful hospitality, the party boarded the coach for the return journey to England.
A fantastic, memorable day was had by all and the Light Blues are sure the trip will be repeated at some point in the future, so make sure you get your place reserved early.
Special thanks from the Light Blues Club of Northumberland to W.Bro. Richard Erskine for organising the trip, W.Bro. Wilf Crawford for driving the coach and the brethren of Rosslyn St Clair Lodge, No 606, for their friendship and hospitality, which made it a fantastic trip for all involved.
Many thanks go to Bro Darren Bolton for the submission of this article.
Interested in finding out more about the Northumberland Light Blues Club? Head over to http://www.northumberlandlightblues.org.uk/
If you have a story, event or news item you would like to have published on the Provincial website, or social media, please get in touch with our Communications Team at news@northumberlandmasons.org.uk