Saturday 1st March saw the Installation of the Incoming Worshipful Master of Middlesex Masters (Uxbridge) Lodge No 9292. These occasions are always to be cherished as the Lodge is graced with the presence of the Pro Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the 5 APGMs, as well as other members of the Provincial Executive. And so it was that W. Bro Ruel Lawrence PProvAGDC who succeeded W. Bro Peter Lawrence PPrJGW was Installed in the Chair of King Solomon. It might at first sight seem that this was a dynastic succession. The Brethren may rest assured that this was purely happenstance. You might get this kind of situation when a father Installs his son, or other family member.
After the regular business of the Lodge, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies announced that the Pro Provincial Grand Master was without. R.W Bro David Allan along with his Provincial retinue was welcomed into the Lodge with spontaneous applause and was handed the gavel by the outgoing Master. In his brief address to the brethren the Pro Provincial Grand Master introduced the new APGM, W. Bro Justin Purcell PAGStdB. He described W. Bro Justin’s specialist role as being that of retention and recruitment and the development of Lodges where brethren of kindred interest might meet together. This could include sports activities such as Rugby and other interest groups not to mention gardening. He also referred to the forthcoming meeting of the PGO Club to be held in March of which all brethren would have been notified. Also, Secretaries and Treasurers would be encouraged to participate in Workshops to update their skills and administrative knowledge. Finally, and not least, all brethren were invited to another fun day at Great Cockrow and this would take place on Saturday July 12th.
The Installation
As ever the Installations at Installed Masters’ Lodges are a lesson in Masonic Mastery, a Master class no less. And what greater honour could there be than to be Installed in the Chair of King Solomon by the Pro Provincial Grand Master. The Addresses were given as follows: To the Master – V.W Bro Jim Mitchell, to the Wardens – W. Bro Paul Sully and to the Brethren W. Bro Robert Rough, after which the Worshipful Master invested his Officers.
These occasions are special, and the great thing is that the work was performed to the highest standard and everybody appeared to be enjoying themselves.
After the closing recession the Provincial Executive retired to the bar before luncheon was served which gave them the opportunity to mingle with the members before enjoying a very fine festive board for which the Uxbridge Masonic Centre is renowned.
This report was written by W. Bro Stan Marut PPrJGD SLGR – Provincial Communications Team.
