W. Bro Stan Marut PPrJGD SLGR, reports on the Provincial Service of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Spirit at Guildford.
The weather Gods had conspired to produce a chilly day with showers later in the afternoon. Not only that but the Highways Agency decided that road works at Junction 10 of the M25 were more important than the Province of Middlesex Pilgrims on their masonic “Camino” to Guildford’s most holy place.
On entering the Cathedral both Craft and Royal Arch “pilgrims” were greeted by the sounds of the main Cathedral Organ played by the Provincial Grand Organist W. Bro James P Mooney-Dutton. This was a wonderful prelude to the afternoons proceedings.
W. Bro James P Mooney-Dutton ProvGOrg The Procession of the Pro Provincial Grand Master RW Bro David Allan accompanied by the Craft and Royal Arch Executive, Provincial Stewards and Brethren parading Lodge and Chapter banners together with Cathedral Vergers, Provincial Clergy and the Reverend Canon Rachel Young entered the Nave. This processional was accompanied by the hymn O Worship the King all glorious above.
Canon Rachel Young then welcomed all the Brethren and their families to the service. The Opening Prayer, “Almighty God to whose hearts be Open”, would be familiar to members of the Royal Arch. This was followed by The Lord’s Prayer. The Volume of the Sacred Law was opened by the Pro Provincial Grand Master and the masonic hymn “Hail Eternal, By whose Aid” put the proceedings firmly into masonic mode.
FIRST READING
Then followed the first reading given by W. Bro Mark Millard, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. The reading was from the Book of Sirach (35;15b -17, 20-22b) which is generally not included in Protestant Bibles but may be found in other Christian traditions. The message was that God is an impartial Judge who favours the humble and those who are wronged over those with wicked intentions. This humility referred particularly to the poor, the orphans and the
widowed. Those who serve God wholeheartedly and with good intention would have their prayers answered.
This was followed by the Anthem, “Be Thou my Vison, O Lord of my heart”, a hymn the words of which go back to the sixth century written by the Irish Poet Dalan Forgaill. He was an early Irish Saint. This was beautifully sung by Middlesex Mason Brother Grigore Riciu, a member of Staines St Mary’s Lodge No 6187 and also Orchestral Lodge No 3028 in London. He is an accomplished tenor, and many would have been transfixed by the beauty of his voice. In any other environment there may have been rapturous applause, However, given the solemnity of the Cathedral domain this could not be. The hymn was truly sung with great feeling.
SECOND READING
This reading was given E. Comp Howard Hughes, Deputy Grand Superintendent and was taken from the New Testament (2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18). It referred in particular to St Paul. Once again, this reading emphasised that for those where death is impending and who kept the faith could anticipate a crown of righteousness from God, a testament to a life of faithful service. There followed the Offertory Hymn – Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken.
THIRD READING
The RW Bro David Allan, Pro Provincial Grand Master gave a reading from Luke 18: 9-14 – the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. This gave the moral lesson that humility is more valued than self-righteous pride. The humble person who acknowledges their need for mercy is justified by God whilst the person full of pride and who exalts themselves and looks down on others is not. The lesson was that those who humbled themselves would be exalted and those that exalted themselves will be humbled. Each of the Readings highlighted the attributes of service and humility.
THE ADDRESS
The essence of the New Testament reading was amplified by the Address given by the Past Provincial Assistant Grand Chaplain. Below is provided an extract from the content his Sermon:
“Why would the Lord accept one person’s prayer and reject the others?” St Luke the writer of this gospel gives us a hint: despising one’s neighbour closes the door to God’s heart. Expressing disdain and contempt for others is more than being mean-minded. It is the sin of Pride which is defined as an excessive love of one’s own excellence. Pride springs from the assumption that one is qualified to sit in judgment and to publicly shame those who do not conform to our standards and religious practices. From excessive Pride also comes arrogance which can alienate us from others and blind us to our flaws.” And further: The Gospel reading, he said, “therefore, presents both an opportunity and a warning.
As Freemasons navigating the world we must always be aware of how we are perceived. We profess to being an organisation that is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be. How is our interaction with society viewed including the many great achievements, charitable donations we have made, the many charities we support, etc. Are they perceived with the intention given, of charity or seen as headline grabbers? We have an opportunity to present a positive, humble and benevolent image and we are warned about the excesses associated with Pride that could easily ruin our image”.
He then finished by defining his message by being thankful to God for the good that the Province has achieved but not Prideful and that we should be reminded that we all need an element of humility, to keep our feet firmly on the ground and celebrate our achievements by remaining humble in our interactions.
ANTHEM
Once again Bro Grigore sang beautifully the “Ingemisco” from Verdi’s Requiem.
Ingemisco; is a Latin text from the Requiem, often translated as I groan as one who is guilty or I moan as one who is guilty;. The lyrics plead for mercy and hope, acknowledging the speaker's sin and unworthiness.
Intercessory prayers were then offered leading to the final prayer by the Provincial Grand Chaplain. The Volume of the Sacred Law was then closed by the Pro Provincial Grand Master.
Although still light outside the Cathedral, the evening shadows were contriving to close and the last Hymn, the masonic closing ode, was rendered. The congregation the stood and sang two verses from the National Anthem the second of which the last few words were particularly apt in our masonic environment – “Lord Make the Nations See That Men Should Brothers be, And form One Family The Wide World O’er”.
THE FINAL BLESSING
This was given by the Reverend Canon Rachel Young Canon Liturgist of Guildford Cathedral. The Recessional Hymn was “Guide Me, O though Great Jehovah after which thew Middlesex Pilgrims retired from the Cathedral to refreshment each to his abode. Once again the Thanksgiving Service was another magnificent event and a credit to the organisers who made it an occasion to remember. The musical renditions by the Provincial Grand Organist of Brother Riciu were especial moments. The Province is truly blessed to have such Brethren in its ranks.
LINK TO ORDER OF SERVICE
See also: https://www.grigorericiu.com/ (Grigore is from Moldova and by clicking the link will give an insight into his career to date and his aspirations).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xizHbNHkSI8 (Be Thou my Vision sung by Grigore.)
Ingemisco from Verdi’s Requiem sung by Jonas Kaufmann –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZlCSelK9tM
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