July - A Month in the Life of a Provincial Grand Master!
Weathering the weather! Last month it was rain now it’s the extraordinary high temperatures. It’s the early hours of the morning as I write. What searing heat even now at 2.00 am. Keep cool Brethren! It’s been another busy month – I remember that my late Father told me when I became a Mason that “We did not do very much between the months June and October”. How times change and continue to change! Starting with Congratulations! There are two really significant achievements to celebrate in the “Family of Freemasonry”, confirming the very high respect in which West Riding Freemasonry is held and the great personal talents and abilities of our members: The Ancient and Accepted Rite 33⁰ (Colloquially known as –“Rose Croix”) - WBro. John Boyington, PSGD, DepProvGM, has been elected to the Supreme Council 33⁰. The Societas Rosicrucian in Anglia (S.R.I.A.) - WBro Anthony Llewellyn, PSGD, PAsstProvGM, has been installed as the Supreme Magus. Both are magnificent achievements and these worthy Brethren are to be celebrated and congratulated. Centenary Celebrations at Lindley Masonic Hall, Huddersfield! The celebration meeting of Cambodunum Lodge No: 3953 was a magnificent occasion. With the temperature soaring above 35⁰ we met and baked in fraternal union! My thanks to everyone involved in the extensive planning that culminated in a splendid and memorable meeting. Interesting fact! The Lodge nearly closed a few years ago and then the Members decided to do things differently. The outcome is now a thriving lodge with plenty of candidates. Next year will see a full team of Master Masons below the Chair. Proof Positive! It can be done. Victory snatched from the jaws of defeat! Increasing Membership - Survive to Thrive! The Members’ Pathway - Shoots of Growth Appearing! It is early days and it is important not to be overly optimistic. However, – we have experienced a 4% increase in Initiates during the first half of the Year! The Lodges that have adopted and implemented the pragmatic advice within the Members’ Pathway appear to be benefiting. Proposed New Lodge at Garforth The Petition will be formally considered at the September Meeting of Grand Lodge. All things being equal – Monday, 10th of February 2020 could well herald the arrival of a new Lodge in our Province. Fingers crossed! Cambodunum Lodge No: 3953 Please read above for a success story! Want to know the secret of success? Why not visit the Lodge to see for yourself? Annual Meeting with Heads of Other Orders! This is an important Annual Meeting where we conduct a collective health check on Freemasonry in the West Riding. On this occasion, it was a pleasure to welcome the local Heads of both the Masonic Order of Athelstan and also the Order of Pilgrim Preceptors for the first time to the meeting and into the Family of West Riding Freemasonry. Raising our Civic Profile - “Be There - Be Seen!” Charity Matters Provincial Grand Master’s Fund (PGM’s Fund) & West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd. (WRMCL) A moving ceremony took place in Castleford when a Room in the Ex-Services Club was dedicated and opened in memory of two local soldiers who were killed on active service in Iraq and in Afghanistan. A donation from the PGM’s Fund contributed to this Project. It is so pleasing to see local media covering the distribution of the grants My usual plea – Please look in your own Communities to identify such worthy causes and apply to the PGM’s Fund for support. Graduation Dinner - Bradford University As long-time supporters of medical research at the University, including a Major grant in 2018, attending the Graduation Dinner provides the opportunity to raise the profile of Freemasonry among the local academic community and community Leaders. This year was no different where many new contacts were established. It used to surprise me, but no longer, when I am told in conversation that “Freemasons? We’ve never heard of you?” This of course always provides a great opportunity! SNAPS Leeds A small charity in North Leeds supporting children with special needs received a grant direct from the Masonic Charitable Foundation in London. The formal presentation provided an eye-opening opportunity to see the wonderful work that volunteers can do to support these children and their parents. What Else Can We Do? Over to you Brethren - I am always looking for ideas! Remember – If you do not try something new then you’ll never know if it would have worked! The Great Yorkshire Show Yes it was indeed “Great” and we were there again. Plenty of visitors came to talk with us on the Stand. The Lady Masons joined us again and will do so for the foreseeable future. The general public have no problem in understanding that we are separate Organisations. Enhancing Member Experiences International Tripling with the Inspectorates of Portugal and of Malta More progress! The first Project meeting has been held to bring this into being. Details are now been finalised. My thanks to the Company of Past Provincial Stewards who are leading the charge. Conference for New and Young Masons’ Clubs Date confirmed as: Saturday, 28th September 2019 – Leicester We shall be represented. Conference for University Scheme Lodges Date confirmed as: Saturday, 16th November 2019 – Chester We shall be represented. However, this is also the day of our own Royal Arch Provincial Grand Chapter. 2019 Initiates’ Evenings to be held in early 2020 The dates for 3 of the 5 Areas in the Province are now in the diary. 2020 Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at Harrogate Confirming that this will be a great “Member Experience” – Plans are advancing. Watch this space! Learning & Development Have you seen the offerings and Nuggets on Solomon? And Finally: Plans for August It is an active month . . . Provincial Planning for 2020. Meetings at Grand Lodge concerning Learning & Development across the UGLE Constitution and the important Briefing to my Installation Representatives to kick-off a new Masonic Season which begins in September. A Thought to Finish: "My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there!” ●C.F. Kettering My Fraternal best wishes to you and yours as always. David RWBro. David S. Pratt Provincial Grand Master |
David S. PrattProvincial Grand Master for the Province of Yorkshire West Riding Archives
February 2020
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