Lawrence of Uxbridge

lawrence

Middlesex Masters Uxbridge No 9292 – Installation

Ed: The T E Lawrence name has a famous association with the town of Uxbridge. Many will be familiar with Lawrence of Arabia whose amazing feats in the deserts of the Middle East changed the face of the War against the Ottomans in the area we now know as Jordan. His achievements are renowned especially in respect to the Battle of Aqaba. The battle was fought for the Red Sea port of Aqaba during the Arab Revolt of World War I. The attacking forces, led by Sherif Nasir and Auda abu Tayi and advised by T. E. Lawrence, were victorious over the Ottoman Empire defenders. (Wikipedia). On his return to the UK after the war Lawrence was met with acclaim and as a hero. After a few years in the limelight, he did an amazing thing and joined the RAF under an assumed name and was stationed at Uxbridge. This was just over one hundred years ago. He never let on as to his identity and went through the rigours of service life in the lower ranks. He was subsequently found out. The story does not end here and there were many other odd moves from a man who was a legend in his own time. T E Lawrence was a keen motorcyclist and one of his motorbikes was the Brough Superior. Middlesex Masters Uxbridge Lodge No 9292 has its own version of a Lawrence in the guise of W. Bro Peter Lawrence PPrSGD who also has had a racing career involving motorcycles. Not only this association but RAF Uxbridge is a stone’s throw from Hercies Road and the Uxbridge Masonic Centre. The story of Lawrence’s sojourn at RAF Uxbridge is recounted in the book “The Mint” written by him under the pseudonym A/C Ross. It was published posthumously.

W. Bro Frank O’Keefe PPrSGD, Media Team member, relates events at the Installation of W. Bro Peter Lawrence PPrSGD the latter day Lawrence of Uxbridge.

Frank says, “I know I’ve said this before, but if you want to visit a Lodge and see pomp and ceremony of just a little less than at Great Queen St, while having the opportunity to get up close with the Pro Provincial Grand Master and his Executive and other distinguished guests, then this is the meeting to attend. Or join the Lodge, if you haven’t already. You get most of the pomp, but in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Before the lodge was opened, the Past Pro Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Roger Croome QPM was escorted into the Lodge room. The WM W Bro Paul Sully PAGSwdB APGM then opened the Lodge in the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd degrees before he resumed in the 1^st for the despatch of business. This commenced with eulogies for departed merit and greeting the Masters of other Installed Masters Lodges in the Province, along with all the other visitors.

After the minutes had been approved and signed, the RW Past Pro Provincial Grand Master was saluted with seven.

There were four joining members who were balloted for, and this having proved in their favour they were welcomed into the Lodge by the WM. Other business having been attended to the ProvGDC, W. Bro Mark Millard was admitted. He proceeded to announce the impending entrance of the Pro Provincial Grand Master and his team with a very impressive and assured feat of memory – listing the whole contingent by name and rank. An escort was formed and RW Bro David Allan was admitted to loud applause. He then took the chair of King Solomon, resumed the Lodge in the 2^nd degree, upon which W. Bro Peter Lawrence, was presented to be obligated as Master Elect. W. Bro Peter being duly obligated, the Lodge was resumed in the 3^rd degree, and a Board of Installed Masters was duly constituted. The Pro Prov. Grand Master then gave a fine display of ritual, setting a perfect example to his Province of what a huge difference hard work and good preparation can make in the delivery of a ceremony as he Installed W. Bro Peter in a most excellent and sincere manner. The new WM then proceeded to appoint and invest his Officers for the year.

The Address to the Master was given by W. Bro Jim Mitchell, DepPGM, the Address to the Wardens was delivered by W. Bro Ian Ferguson, PAGStdB APGM, and the Immediate Past Master W. Bro Paul Scully, APGM PAGSwdB concluded with the Address to the Brethren. Each was a superb performance, and rightly earned a round of applause from the Brethren.

The newly Installed Master then despatched the rest of the routine business before the Risings. Thus, this excellent, enjoyable, inspiring meeting drew to a close, and the Lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 12:50. This was followed by an orderly stampede to the bar, before we all took our places at an excellent Festive Board, at which 67 brethren were present. This is reminiscent of the heyday of masonry when such numbers at meetings and festive boards were commonplace.”

The Pro Provincial Grand Master and the newly Installed Master of Middlesex Masters Uxbridge Lodge No 9292 W. Bro Peter Lawrence PPrSGD – the sun shining on the righteous. T E Lawrence and his favoured motorcycle – the Brough Superior. Taken some time after his days at Uxbridge – photo free to use – Wikicommons.