Friday 19th of January 2024 and a very chilly winters evening and ice on the ground. Despite this the meeting took place at Uppermill Masonic Hall. Brethren from far and wide had travelled to see W Bro. Paul Burke installed as Commander of Peace Lodge for the second time. After negotiating the ice outside in the car park the Brethren entered to find it not much warmer inside. With his overcoat still on, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro Andrew James Brown was happily chatting to the Brethren despite the cold and, a very busy week with visits to Grand Stewards Lodge in London to see R.W.Bro. Brian Morris Batty P.Prov. G.M. installed as their Worshipful Master and, an escorted visit to Ainsty Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1739 in Wetherby accompanying the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton.
W. Bro. Steve Spooner D.C. keeping warm by making sure all the Peace Lodge officers were in attendance and perhaps looking for some unsuspecting visitor to help. With the heating slowing kicking in and the Brethren thawing the Lodge was duly opened by the W.C.N. who thanked Andrew for attending. Then a ballot for Bro. Eric D.N. Denton as a joining member of Peace Lodge which proved successful Eric was then admitted welcomed and took his place.
Paul, in his address to his officers thanked them for their support over the past year, stating it had been a learning curve and that he was certainly more confident now and ready for the ensuing year. Paul was then duly proclaimed the Worshipful Commander of Peace Lodge. Going on to appoint and invest his officers, which included their newest member, Eric. Other business included a proposition for another joining member. Great news for the Lodge of Peace. With that, the lodge was closed, and time for the Festive board. The first course of a hearty vegetable soup certainly went down well as did the main course and dessert.
W. Bro. Andrew congratulated W Bro. Paul on being proclaimed as Commander. He also passed on the congratulations and best wishes of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master J. Trevor Bolton. Andrew gave a brief report on what had been going on within the Province talking about The Provincial Grand Lodge meeting taking place at Bradford Grammar School on Saturday 6th April 2024 with dining again at the Midland Hotel. Please try to support our Prov.G.M. if you can.
After great company and a fabulous Festive board, it was time to wrap up warm again de-ice the car and make our various routes home.
Mark Well Brethren.
With thanks to W.Bro. John M. Fitzpatrick P.Prov.G.Stwd.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager