Last night, at an already packed installation meeting of Middlesex Masters Harrow Lodge 9787, an extraordinary and surprise moment unfolded.
The evening was already set to be a memorable occasion, as W Bro David Rubin, a cornerstone of the Harrow Masonic Centre, ascended to the chair of King Solomon—an honour well-earned through years of dedicated service to the Province and Harrow Masonry. With over 100 attendees, additional chairs were hastily brought in as the ceremony commenced.
As is normal for Past Masters’ Lodges, the installation of a new master is always conducted by the Provincial Executive, and the meeting was opened by RW Pro Provincial Grand Master, David Allan, who arrived in splendour with a retinue of Provincial Executive Officers.
Then, the unexpected happened.
Unbeknown to those present, it was announced that Provincial Grand Lodge had already been opened in the Northwick Room and Called Off. This in itself is special as Middlesex is one of the few Provinces where the Provincial Executive conduct ritual in private lodge meetings.
Both Provincial Senior and Junior Grand Wardens were then put in post (an additional duty for them in the calendar) and in addition those acting as Provincial Grand Chaplain and Provincial Grand Pursuivant.
Middlesex Masters Harrow Lodge was called off and Provincial Grand Lodge was then resumed—and all was unveiled. A milestone for the Province was unfolded.
The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO ProvGM had appointed W. Bro Justin E. Purcell, PAGStB, as a new Assistant Provincial Grand Master to focus on Recruitment and Retention, reinforcing the critical importance of membership growth and engagement.
The investiture followed in full ceremonial splendour, as W. Bro Justin E. Purcell, PAGStB, was invested by RW Bro David Allan, ProProvGM as the fifth active Assistant Provincial Grand Master in Middlesex. Receiving his patent and chain of office, he took his rightful place among the Provincial Executive.
With the historic announcement complete, the evening seamlessly transitioned back to its original purpose. VW Bro Jim Mitchell, PGSwdB, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, conducted a flawless installation ceremony, formally placing W. Bro David Rubin in the chair. The new Master then appointed his officers for the year ahead.
Fresh from his appointment, the newest APGM, W. Bro Justin Purcell, provided a flawless Address to the Master, followed by equally slick addresses to the Wardens and Brethren from APGM’s W. Bro Bob Rough and W. Bro Warren Gell.
The celebrations continued with a convivial gathering at the bar, followed by a grand dinner in the newly renovated Harrow Room—complete with a lively raffle and charitable contributions.
Middlesex Past Masters Lodges – A Unique Opportunity
Middlesex is home to four Past Masters Lodges, each based at one of its Masonic Centres. Open to all Masters and Past Masters, membership is just £50 per year on a dine-as-you-go basis—a perfect opportunity to stay connected, hear the latest Provincial news, and engage further in Middlesex Freemasonry.
Upcoming Event: PGO & MGO Club – 27th March
The next major Middlesex event is the PGO & MGO Club meeting on 27th March. As hinted by RW Pro Provincial Grand Master David Allan, in his speech, this particular meeting will have a unique agenda, that includes not only a new brief for the PGO Club, but a new name, announcements of changes on the exec, Grand Rank promotions, and other significant updates.
View Photo Gallery
