WBro Greg was invested at a special meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge held at Newminster Lodge 5328 in Morpeth Masonic Hall. The meeting was extremely well attended with over 100 brethren from 23 Lodges at the ceremony led by our Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Ian Craigs.
Newminster Lodge 5328
Meetings of Provincial Grand Lodge are usually conducted in the Third Degree but on this occasion, the meeting was carried out entirely in the First Degree to allow the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Freemasons present to play a full part in the ceremony. The Worshipful Master of Newminster Lodge, WBro John Lyle, opened the meeting and the Provincial delegation processed-in with the usual pomp and ceremony. The Worshipful Master handed the gavel to RWBro Ian Craigs who invited his officers to take up their respective positions in the Lodge.
The Provincial Grand Master paid a moving and personal tribute to WBro Keith Ireland – one of our Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies – who sadly passed to the Grand Lodge above last week. The brethren observed a period of silence for our dearly departed brother who will be deeply missed by all.
Provincial Officers from Viking Lodge 7934 formed an escort and accompanied WBro Greg into the Lodge. After inspection by the Provincial Grand Master, the Provincial Secretary – WBro Brian Rudd – read out the patent of appointment. The ceremony ended with the presentation of the chain of office and WBro Greg Smith was officially our newest Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
APGM W Bro Dr. Greg Smith (4th from left)
The festive board was a lot of fun and brethren enjoyed a delicious three course meal (and one or two drinks). In his toast to WBro Greg, the Provincial Grand Master thanked him for taking up the appointment.
I am looking forward to working with Greg to build on the good work of the tercentenary year.
Provincial Grand Master Ian Craigs
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In response to the toast given in his honour, WBro Greg paid tribute to his predecessor
I want to acknowledge the hard work of WBro Chris Boak and all the effort he put into the University Scheme and the many other initiatives that he was involved with. I wish him a long healthy retirement.
W Bro Dr. Greg Smith PAGDC
Best of luck to WBro Dr Greg Smith in his new role and thank you to our Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Chris Boak for his many years of service to the Province.
Keep checking back on the website for our follow-up feature ‘Get to know your new Assistant Provincial Grand Master’ published next week.