The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful David Purdie, was joined by a number of brethren at this weeks Quarterly Communications meeting at Great Queen Street.
The Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master, John Herbert Prizeman, opened Grand Lodge in ample form, and after the usual reports and accounts were declared, he congratulated the new Grand Secretary, Dan Heath, on his appointment being confirmed.
The meeting was then called off and representatives of the charities entered the Grand Temple. Presentations were made by Right Worshipful Brother Archie Torrance, the President of the Mark Benevolent Fund, regarding the history of the fund and then a breakdown of the donations was given. It was pleasing to see that the Province was mentioned in the document, highlighting the total donations made in 2023.
This was followed by responses by some of the representatives present, including a musical interlude by one of them. After they had left the temple, the meeting was called back on and the Pro Grand Master gave his address, and then invited the Pro Grand Master of the Craft to address the brethren. During his address, Most Worshipful Brother Jonathan Spence made reference to the journey all orders are on, and although it will take some time, the orders are working more closely together. Following the addresses, Grand Lodge was closed to the rousing tune of the National Anthem.
The brethren then retired to the Grand Connaught Rooms to participate in the celebratory festive board.
It was noticed that in the absence of our current Grand Steward, Right Worshipful Peter Hawken, our own Past Provincial Grand Master had taken up the role of wine waiter, and what a fantastic example he set. He did remark that he will get his own back in the future on the missing individual. It was also a pleasure for our Deputy Provincial Grand Master, John P. Clendinning, who met up with an old acquaintance who originated from the Plymouth Area, and was still a member of some lodges in that area.
A wonderful day was had by all, and after all of the speeches had been completed, the brethren made their long way back to Devonshire courtesy of GWR.
MMH Video of the Quarterly Communications
Pro Grand Masters address to the Craft the following day
MBF videos from the day - Video 1 , Video 2 , Shelterbox