The Reserve Forces Lodge of Northumbria No. 2666 recently held a distinguished Military Dining-In to formally welcome the newly appointed Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Kevin Stannard. The event, which combined military tradition with Masonic ceremony, was a testament to the values of service, camaraderie, and brotherhood that define the Lodge.
Masonic Ceremony of Passing for Brother Grace
The evening commenced with the PGM being piped into the temple, a military tradition not seen within Masonic Lodges, along with his new Executive Team. The evening then progressed with the solemn and time-honoured Masonic Ceremony of Passing. Advancing Brother Grace to the Second Degree within Freemasonry, on behalf of Duke Of Connaught Lodge no. 3892. This significant milestone in his Masonic journey was conducted with great reverence, emphasizing the Lodge’s commitment to personal growth and moral development. The ceremony reinforced the ancient principles of Freemasonry, ensuring that Brother Grace took his next step with the full support of his brethren. On conclusion, the PGM was once again piped out of the Temple.
Welcoming the New Provincial Grand Master
Following the ceremony, the Lodge transitioned to the formal Military Dining-In, a long-standing tradition that reflects the shared military heritage of many of its members. With brethren adorned in their distinctive green Mess Dress jackets, the evening was imbued with the sense of respect and discipline that unites both the military and Masonic institutions.
During his speech, the Worshipful Master of the Lodge emphasized the significance of the evening’s proceedings, stating, “Tonight, we celebrate the highest traditions of chivalry, honour, and brotherhood, reinforcing the values that we as Freemasons cherish. It is our great privilege to welcome our new Provincial Grand Master, Kevin Stannard, whose leadership will guide us into a new era of strength and unity.”
A Night of Fellowship and Celebration
The dining-in featured a formal meal, during which members and guests had the opportunity to share in fellowship and camaraderie. Traditional toasts were given, acknowledging the dedication and service of the Lodge’s members, as well as the vision and leadership of Kevin Stannard. The Provincial Grand Master, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the esteemed traditions of the Lodge.
The evening concluded with reflections on the shared bond of service and Freemasonry, with attendees leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The Reserve Forces Lodge of Northumbria continues to stand as a beacon of integrity, tradition, and fraternity, fostering the development of its members and honouring its deep-rooted military heritage.
For those interested in learning more about the Lodge, meetings are held at Fern Avenue, Jesmond, on the first Wednesday of each month. Enquiries can be directed to the Assistant Secretary at assistant-mess-sec@outlook.com.