Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire
Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire - Established 1792...
Link to the UGLE website

Site approved by
The United Grand Lodge of England.

Provincial Grand Masters Page

Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting - June 2008»

Provincial Grand Masters Address - June 2008»

Provincial Grand Lodge Photo Gallery - June 2008»

Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting - May 2008»

Provincial Grand Masters Address - May 2008»

Provincial Grand Lodge Photo Gallery - May 2008»

New Provincial Appointments - Feb 2008»

 

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE JUNE 2008

SPECIAL MEETING OF PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE AND PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER INSTALLS NEW PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER, PROVINCIAL DEPUTY GRAND MASTER AND GRAND SUPERINTENDENT

Tuesday the 24th. June 2008 was a memorable day for the Province of Lincolnshire when some 650 Freemasons attended Provincial meetings at the new Lincolnshire Events Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln.

The day started with a Meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter at 11.30am, after which luncheon was taken by 450 Masons enjoying a wonderful meal in pleasant surroundings.

In the afternoon it was the turn of the Craft to hold its Provincial Grand Lodge and see Rt.W.Bro Graham Ives (pictured later in his wonderfully ornate regalia) installed as Provincial Grand Master.

W.Bro. John Board the Assistant Provincial Grand Master and other Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge entered in procession and he then opened Grand Lodge in due form.

The Rt.W. Deputy Grand Master, Peter Geoffrey Lowndes, and the visiting Officers of Grand Lodge, Present and Past, were received in procession after which the Rt.W.Deputy Grand Master took the Chair.

Following the usual Masonic ceremony the Provincial Grand Master designate, W.Bro. Graham Ives, was escorted into Provincial Grand Lodge and following the benefit of prayer was duly Obligated, Invested and took his place in the Chair.

After further Masonic ceremony, the Provincial Grand Master appointed, Obligated and Invested W.Bro. John Hockin as his Deputy Provincial Grand Master - who then took his place in Provincial Grand Lodge.

The Provincial Grand Master then announced the names of the Brethren he intended to re-appoint as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. Following their Obligations, W.Bro. John Board and W.Bro. Tim Dodds were Invested as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and took their places in the Lodge.

The appointment of the other Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge was confirmed and then the Bylaws presented to the Provincial Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Master then rose to Address the Brethren.

ADDRESS GIVEN AT PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE BY RT. W. BRO. GRAHAM IVES, THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER

Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Distinguished Guests, and Brethren:

Welcome to this Special Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge. I am overwhelmed to see so many of you here today. I am so well supported by the Brethren of this Province and numerous distinguished guests. Thank you all very much for your attendance and I hope that you are enjoying your day as much as I am. Some of our visitors have travelled long distances to be with us.

Our Principal guest and Installing Officer is of course the Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Peter Geoffrey Lowndes. We are deeply honoured to have you here today, Sir. I am particularly indebted to you for Installing me as Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire with such dignity and courtesy. I have had the pleasure at previous Installation Ceremonies in other Provinces, and indeed in this Province, of hearing the reading of Patents by the Assistant Grand Secretary, Worshipful Brother Graham F. Redman. His readings are unique and special in Freemasonry. It did not occur to me that one day he would read a Patent for me and I am sure that those who have heard such a reading for the first time will remember it for some time to come. Thank you very much, Brother Assistant Grand Secretary.

The Acting Grand Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother James M. Long, has worked with his team very hard and efficiently throughout the whole of the day. It is a long day for the Grand Directors of Ceremony and all of us have enjoyed and been impressed by their work both during the rehearsal and during the meeting. Hence, as well as thanking the Acting Grand Director of Ceremonies I also thank his Deputies, Very Worshipful Brother Andrew F.C. Wigram and Worshipful Brother Bruce C.T. Clitheroe.

The hard work and assistance of the Grand Tyler, Worshipful Brother Malcolm Brooks, has been very impressive and considerably enhanced the colour and dignity of the Ceremony. All in all I hope that those in the team from Grand Lodge are enjoying their visit to the Province of Lincolnshire as much as we have enjoyed having them with us.

What a pleasure it was for me and the Brethren of Lincolnshire to see the two senior visiting Provincial Grand Masters taking part in my Installation Ceremony. Both of them are old friends of the Province and in particular our immediate Past Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Gordon Walkerley Smith. I am of course referring to Right Worshipful Brother Michael H. Roalfe, the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Leicester and Rutland, and Right Worshipful Brother William Barrington Hall, the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire.

We are also honoured by the presence of distinguished guests from other Provinces. They are of course most welcome and many of them are old friends of the Province. On this occasion they will not be announced individually but their importance to us at this meeting cannot be overstated.

The new Provincial Grand Master with the Installation team

I am also grateful for the support of heads of other Orders within this Province. Several of them are present and again I don’t intend to mention them by name on this occasion. Not only am I appreciative of their support today but I am also very grateful to them for supporting Craft Masonry generally. However, it is wholly appropriate that I should welcome individually Right Worshipful Brother Geoffrey Mawer Cooper, a Past Provincial Grand Master for this Province. It is always a great delight to have him with us.

I was a very long serving Deputy Grand Superintendent in Charge but I have been a short serving Deputy Provincial Grand Master and indeed Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge. I have been “in charge” since the 1st June after the formal retirement of my predecessor. It follows from this that the arrangements for this meeting have been prepared at short notice. I am considerably indebted to all the Brethren in this Province who have taken part in the arrangements for this meeting. I am not able to mention all of them by name but there are some Brethren who I must specifically refer to.

In particular Worshipful Brother Carroll R. Preston, the Provincial Grand Secretary, and the Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary, Worshipful Brother John F. Warwick, have worked so hard for me in the arrangements for this meeting. They have been supported by several other Brethren, including Worshipful Brother Roy Eaton and Worshipful Brother Stewart Oxborough, and of course Mrs. Gene Reader in the Provincial Office. Nothing has been too much trouble for them. Our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, new to the Office, Worshipful Brother Robert M. Holland and his Deputies and Assistants have been brilliant in the preparation for today and in their work throughout the today itself. It has been a great comfort to know that they have been there and that everything has been properly prepared for and dealt with so well on the day. Moreover the assistance of the Brethren from the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge has been essential to the smooth running of the day.

I again thank the hardworking Worshipful Brother Geoffrey Greenhough and his colleagues who have provided and managed the excellent sound system. As always his hard work and dedication is much appreciated.

I extend my thanks to Brother Malcolm Forrest for providing his own Organ for the Ceremony. Worshipful Brother Martin Pettit of Lincoln has worked very hard yesterday and today.

The said Provincial Officers have liaised closely with the Secretariat of Grand Lodge during the weeks leading up to today. Whenever they have requested assistance and advice it has been forthcoming. Moreover, the Secretariat has played a proactive and very efficient part in the preparations. It would have been impossible for us without that assistance and I thank them all.

This Address cannot pass without me paying tribute to my predecessor, Right Worshipful Brother Gordon Walkerley Smith. Looking back he has taken a keen interest in me from the date of my Initiation in 1973. Over many years he has supported and guided me. Since I was installed as his Deputy Provincial Grand Master he has worked very closely with me and has done all that he can to prepare me for this high Office. He has done his best to transfer to me all the benefit of his considerable experience and ability. I am sure that this will stand me in good stead in the future. Moreover, I have inherited from him a robust and strong Province. Over his very successful and happy term of office he has introduced a number of new initiatives and he presided over a very successful Festival. I intend to build upon his initiatives and ideas. We wish him well in his retirement and I am sure that we shall see him taking a prominent part in Craft Masonry and Freemasonry generally in this Province in the years ahead.

It would be inappropriate for me to set out in this Address my hopes, aspirations and plans for the future. Suffice it to say that there will be no drastic changes because such changes are not necessary. I have around me a very experienced and competent team. I look forward to working closely with them and indeed with all the Brethren of this Province. I intend to involve as many Brethren as possible in the responsibilities and great challenges ahead. Brethren you can rest assured that I shall do all I can to ensure that this Province continues to flourish in the years ahead and that we always unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness. Since I was Initiated into Freemasonry on the 15th March 1973 I have entered upon a continuing magical journey. I invite you Brethren to continue that journey with me during the years ahead. Thank you all very much for listening to me. It has been a wonderful day for me which I shall never forget and I do hope that you all have a safe journey home.

Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives
Provincial Grand Master

Following the Provincial Grand Masters Address to the Brethren, Provincial Grand Lodge was closed in the usual Masonic manner.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE PHOTOGRAPHS

The new Provincial team of W.Bro. John Hockin, Deputy Provincial Grand Master; Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, Provincial Grand Master; W.Bro. John Board, Assistant Provincial Grand Master and W.Bro. Tim Dodds, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Master with the Sword and Banner Bearers

Left to right: W.Bro.S.J. Morley, Provincial Senior Warden; Rt.W.Bro. Graham Ives, Provincial Grand Master; W.Bro. R.C. Preston, Provincial Grand Secretary; and W.Bro. V.P. Brooks, Provincial Junior Warden

The Provincial Grand Master took time out to thank Jacqueline Vear of the EPIC Centre for all her assistance in making the event such a success.

Left to right: W.Bro. A.A. Greswell, Deputy DC; W.Bro. R.M. Holland, DC;and W.Bro.S.S. Marwaha Deputy DC can relax after a job well done.

The Rt.W. Deputy Grand Master, Peter Geoffrey Lowndes accepts a gift of Grimsby salmon and commemorative glasses engraved with Lincoln Cathedral from W.Bro. Graham Ives at the Festive Board.

The Rt.W. Deputy Grand Master, Peter Geoffrey Lowndes explains the significance of the Kent Cube as he presents it to W.Bro. Graham Ives prior to his Installation as Provincial Grand Master.

W.Bro Robert Holland, DC for the Craft and E. Comp David Bird, DC for the Holy Royal Arch rest after a job well done.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE MAY 2008

The Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting was held a the Beachcomber Complex, North Sea Lane, Humberston DN36 4ET on Saturday 17th May 2008 and was followed by luncheon.

The Meeting came to order as the Grand Lodge Officers entered to a wonderful processional march played by W.Bro. Eric Wayman on an organ loaned for the proceedings by Bro. Macolm Forrest.

The visiting Provincial Grand Masters and Officers from other Provinces then processed in with the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.

The Provincial Grand Master extended a warm welcome to all the Brethren and then proceeded to open and conduct the business of Provincial Grand Lodge.

Report of the Provincial Charity Committee and Lincolnshire Masonic Charity Association
During the usual proceedings of the Provincial Grand Lodge, the Report of the Provincial Charity Committee was made by V.W.Bro. Raymond Powdrill Windsor and W.Bro John Hockin gave the report of the Lincolnshire Masonic Charity Association.

Following approval of both reports the Provincial Grand Master said..."In thanking V.W.Bro Windsor and W.Bro.Hockin for the wonderful support they give to the various charities, I would also like to support them in their report given to you today.

The Province, as you have heard, are now preparing for a challenging 5 year festival for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. This leads us to ponder over our other charities which have, over the past 5 years occupied our attention.

It has been no mean feat for the Province to have raised, during that period, over £600,000 for the New Lincolnshire Benevolent Fund allowing us to hand over £150,000 given to the community and has guaranteed, during the next 5 year period of the festival campaign, to allow approximately £50,000 per annum for their chosen charities.

This leads me to ponder over the choices that lodges will undoubtedly be thinking about and whilst I fully appreciate their wish to continue from their funds, to support as before, I do urge caution in this desire - praiseworthy though it is.

I have in mind the problems that I foresee in the future and I refer to our 21 Masonic Centres. Many are in good order, many are in need of attention and some require serious re-thinking as to their future. I am not advocating closure but I am saying that Lodge Management Committees should seriously consider what is best for Freemasonry in the future in the long term.

Clearly lodges must totally support the Festival but I suggest, as I have tried carefully to explain that as we have planned generously to support the community through the Festival and therefore any spare donations which would have, in normal circumstances, have supported local lodge choices it is now, I suggest, channelled into a building fund.

We must all remember that costs for building can only be sourced from the Brethren and that, in real terms, means an increase in lodge subscriptions. We owe it to our predecessors to look after our assets so that our successors can continue to enjoy their Freemasonry in comfortable surroundings and our building should reflect the image of Freemasonry and we ourselves should be comfortable and happy to welcome our family, friends and visitors to them. We can only do this with confidence if it feels and looks right. Buildings are really no different to human beings. They breath the same air, suffer Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer and grow old just like human beings. And just like human beings they need regular attention. Whilst human beings can have their lives extended by pills and by-passes, building cannot survive on pills and zippers and need constant maintenance and refurbishing. In other words they need financing and the crunch question is how they are to be financed.

I am afraid there is only one answer - for we certainly cannot receive outside help and it therefore has to come from the pockets of the Brethren. This in turn creates another problem in how best the Brethren can support a major Festival, local community and charities and yet maintain their buildings. Something has to give. I believe the time has arrived, having set up the new Trust to support local charities (i.e., over £50,000 for the next 5 years) and our 4 major Masonic charities giving an average of £20m per annum to the outside world - any other funds which otherwise would have been given to local charities should now be set aside for the maintenance and improvements of the centres. If neglected we are leaving our successors untold problems and it is not fair to do so. Indeed, how can we attract younger members if we appear outwardly as a poor neighbour with an uncaring image. The time has come, I believe in the short term, in the adage of "Charity begins at Home." Remember when you are giving to the Festival you are supporting not only Masons and their dependents but also sons and daughters of deprived parents and orphans and talented youngsters who would not have the opportunity to improve their education.

In conclusion we must not forget the work of our Lodge Almoners who are working so well and keeping our lodge members informed of their not so fortunate Brethren. It is important that they not only follow the progress of the Brethren who are ill but those noted as missing lodge meetings - they are just as important to us and to encourage them to return I believe is one of the duties of an Almoner. He does, however, require assistance from lodge members to achieve this objective.

Finally I sincerely thank W.Bro.Keith Slater and Avis, his wife, who do so much in supporting our less fortunate Brethren and dependents.

Election of Provincial Grand Treasurer
A new Treasurer was elected in the person of W.Bro. Ian Pounder. After welcoming W.Bro Pounder, the Provincial Grand Master said...." I would like to record the grateful thanks of all of the Brethren of the Province for the sterling service given by his predecessor W.Bro.John Adams who retired at the end of last year and was, for so many years, the Treasurer of both Craft and Chapter. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for his prudent management of our affairs for such a long period and we are pleased that he continuing as Treasurer for the Royal Arch. We shall miss his wise counsel but pleased to know that he is still serving us in our charity affairs.

Appointment and Investiture of Provincial Grand Officers
In the further business of Provincial Grand Lodge, the Provincial Grand Master appointed and invested his Officers

.

The new Wardens stand by their Chairs after the Provincial Grand Lodge has closed.

ADDRESS GIVEN AT PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE BY
RT. W. BRO. GORDON WALKERLEY SMITH,
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER

We have now come to that part of our meeting when I address you and may I say, first of all, what a great pleasure it is for me to invest so many of your personally. I know how much you look forward to this day, having worked diligently over the years for your lodges and I trust today will be regarded as some reward for your past services and I hope that you will continue to support with vigour and enthusiasm the aims and principles of our fraternity within your lodge and the Province.

At this stage I would like to thank all those Brethren who have worked so hard to make today the success which we all hope it will be. The Provincial Secretary, his Assistant and all of the staff in the office who have worked hard to send out the invitations, collating the replies, attending to printing and the thousand other jobs which is so necessary to make today just happen and I would also like to thank the Brethren of the host lodge, the St Peter's Lodge, for their support and assistance over the past 2 days.

Finally, and as always, our grateful thanks to W.Bro. Greenhough who once again has been responsible for the amplification system which is so important on such occasions as this.

My thanks also go to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and his Deputies and Assistants - and to the Stewards Lodge for their work in the background. All this is very much appreciated, and clearly, as this is the first occasion that the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies has been responsible for such a meeting, we congratulate him and his team.

I would now like to take the opportunity to thank, on my behalf and on behalf of the Province, the Provincial Wardens for their work. I trust that they had a
rewarding year in office and I was pleased to receive the comments and helpful reports following their visits to your lodges. It is quite clear, from what they observed and reported, that the Province is in good heart.

I am also always grateful to the Grand Officers who have represented the Province at Installation Ceremonies and for their helpful reports.

The Active Officers for the year have all made visits with me to the lodges and have also been responsible for attending and reporting on the Lodge of Instructions.

You are all well aware that I totally support the work of the Lodge of Instructions and believe it is here that the real teaching, mentoring and learning should be communicated and discussed, particularly as it is in a more informal atmosphere and creates a forum for getting to know each other and developing friendships. It goes without saying that I believe the sooner a Brother is involved in a Lodge of Instruction the easier it is for him to be motivated and interested in our movement. We must teach him that we have no theology but we should go back to our roots and explain why we are different from other organisations, namely that we have a belief In a Supreme Being, that we try to observe a moral law on a man to man basis and that we are not a service organisation. We try to improve as individuals. One can question whether our detractors follow the same idea! as us.

During the past year many events have taken place involving the Provincial Team including anniversaries, dedications and celebrating 50 years of service to Freemasonry by a number of our Brethren. All have been enjoyable occasions but I think we must all agree that the most happy of occasions occurred on the 29tn February this year, when we said farewell to 3 Brethren who had given tremendous service to Lincolnshire Freemasonry during the past decade. I refer, of course, to the Past Deputy V.W.Bro. Windsor, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. R.Adams and the Past Provincial Director of Ceremonies W.Bro. Dodds who was elevated that night as Provincial Assistant Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Master flanked by V.W.Bro. Raymond Windsor (left) and W.Bro. Ron Adams (right)

It was the end of an era but with the introduction of new faces and I am quite sure that the foundation is now in place for a secure future. Clearly by their attendance and the reception given, the Brethren showed their appreciation of those I have named and honoured.

The Lincolnshire Masonic Social Committee, under the Chairmanship of V.W.Bro. Windsor, is doing excellent work and is bringing our wives and families into Freemasonry in a most happy and unprecedented way. Clearly they enjoy their association as a unit and the many activities they pursue indicates they are becoming a recognizable force for good in the Province.

The next big event, of course, Is Sunday 1st June at Market Rasen, when I hope many of you come and support the Fun Day that has been arranged for those less fortunate than ourselves. If the past 2 occasions are anything to go by we are in for another happy and special day.

Last year we officially launched what we call the Archives Committee and you will notice on the last years Blue Book - pages 19 and 20 - not only a Mission Statement but the proposals that are now well In progress and being developed under the Chairmanship of W.Bro. R. Brittain. I am most grateful for the arduous task he and his committee have agreed to undertake and wish them well and hope all lodges will co-operate in ensuring the history and records of the past 200 years in the Province are not only retained but eventually prepared in such a way that not only we, but our community, can enjoy their work. One day I am hoping that it will be possible to have records available in a suitable centre, to show the public just how influential Masons have been in the past to the development of their communities, the arts, science and to the cultural achievements both locally and nationally. Reading them indeed makes you proud to be a member of such a fraternity.

The website, under the leadership of W.Bro. Stewart Oxborough, has developed over the past year and there is little doubt that it is one of the best presentations that you will find. It is full of interest and information to our members and to the public at large and once again demonstrates to all and sundry the impact and influence we have in our local communities in a very discreet and unpretentious manner.

I would now like to refer to two general matters which affect our lodges and some of the problems that I have been aware of in recent times.

Working with the Provincial Office Team has made me realise just how much times have changed in the last decade. Then it was possible to manage the affairs of the administration of the Province by 2 or at most 3 Brethren and a part-time paid Secretary. Today there are 8 Brethren plus the part-time Secretary. What is this really saying - simply that the workload has virtually quadrupled in a very short space of time i.e., keeping records, computer work, once thought to save time and effort has merely increased the workload as I see it, charity work, disciplinary matters, increase in the number of lodges, Installations, visits, Lodge of Instructions, Grand Lodge matters such as Almoners, Orators and mentoring, website plus the constant questions that have to be answered from Lodge Secretaries and Grand Officers etc. This all takes time organising and most unfortunately communicating through the right channels.

If the Province is under such pressure then it follows that extra work is being placed in the hands of Lodge Secretaries and the amount of paperwork generated from all quarters and I can hear the Secretaries groan every time they open the post. I am therefore saying that I am concerned at the workload that is now being placed in the hands of the Lodge Secretaries who, after all, are only voluntary and not paid members. I have itemised some of the circulation headings and this causes me to place the subject on the agenda. May I suggest to all lodges that they give this matter some serious attention for Secretaries are generally very conscientious and uncomplaining and members are unaware of the problems in the background and only surface when errors are noticed or worst still there is a sudden resignation due to pressure of work. It is in the interests of not only the Lodge but the Secretaries also, for more involvement in administration matters to be shared by members of the lodge. This not only helps the Secretaries but gives experience to future Secretaries and educates them more in the business side of Freemasonry.

There is now one sad note that I wish to refer to and that is the number of blackballing of candidates which appears to have increased in the past 2 or 3 years. This should never happen as we have a perfectly good system and procedure to follow and when such incidents occur it not only reflects on the candidate but causes embarrassment to the proposers and often disharmony with the Brethren. The solution is simple - we must be careful not to introduce anyone as a candidate who is unlikely to meet our standards and the responsibility of avoiding such unpleasantness lies entirely with a vigilant Lodge Committee and constantly to remind themselves of Dr Oliver's advice given over a Century ago and which still applies. I stress that when the ballot is taken it should be a mere formality if the proper procedures have been adopted. Lodge Committees, I urge, should review their procedures.

And now to a more pleasant task. I have been fairly economical with issuing Certificates of Merit as PGM and I believe the last one was some 4 years ago. I have therefore given this very careful thought and I wish to acknowledge the work over a long period of time of 2 Brethren within the Province. Those that I will be presenting with the Certificate of Merit have worked very diligently and hard on one of the subjects I have raised today i.e., the looking after of the Masonic Centre. I refer to W.Bro. Askew of the Crowle Centre, and W.Bro. Beard of the Boston. I would now ask the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies if you will kindly conduct them to the rostrum. (The Provincial Grand Master then presented the Certificates of Merit to the two Brethren who were warmly applauded by the Brethren).

Another pleasant duty I have to perform is for a Brother Initiated 50 years ago (in February) the Past Provincial Grand Master – Geoffrey Mawer Cooper. It is a particular matter of pride that on my last occasion I congratulate you on 50 years in Freemasonry. You are respected and loved by a Province you have served so well. I remember with affection your time as Provincial Grand Master. (The Provincial Grand Master then presented Rt.W.Bro. G.M. Cooper with a ‘50 Years in Freemasonry’ Certificate which was warmly greeted by the Brethren).

Rt.W.Bro. Geoffrey Mawer Cooper, the Past Provincial Grand Master, with his 50 Years in Freemasonry Certificate and the Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith.

Now I come to the point, Brethren, that I know is of great interest to you all and that is my impending retirement and the appointment of my successor. I can now formally announce that I have sent in my retirement letter which terminates at midnight on Saturday 31t May 2008. On 24th June, significantly the same day of St John The Baptist, my successor will Installed. The venue is the Lincolnshire Showground which is a new building and is vastly superior to where we have met previously. I can now name my successor as W.Bro. Graham Ives and his Deputy, W.Bro. John Hockin. I wish them both every happiness and a successful period in office.

Pictured left (immediately after the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting) W. Bro Graham Ives, the next Provincial Grand Master for the Masonic Province of Lincolnshire, and his future Deputy W. Bro. John Hockin.

I believe this is a wonderful and indeed inspiring time for Freemasonry ahead, the foundation of which already has been laid in the new initiatives created during the past decade, including an improvement in the image of Freemasonry with the community.

I personally look forward to seeing and witnessing the progress of Freemasonry in Lincolnshire with my usual enthusiasm and belief in what it stands for to the individual and in particular the influence it has, in general, on the world.

Clearly I have much to be thankful for and it is very difficult for me to say nothing but simply and sincerely thank you to all of you who have been so helpful, loyal and understanding. If I were to thank all of the individuals who have helped me then I am sure to miss one or two but I believe that all who have worked with me know that I have appreciated very much their friendship and I trust we all can part with happy memories.

All I ask now, having thanked you all sincerely for what you have meant to me and Anne and my family, is that you give the same support, loyalty and commitment to my successor.

And my final thanks must go to the Provincial Grand Masters and other Officers of the adjoining Provinces who have supported Lincolnshire on every possible occasion. I have valued their friendship and company on the many visits to their Provinces and likewise in this Province. I wish them and their Brethren every happiness and success in the future.

Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith
Provincial Grand Master

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE PHOTO GALLERY MAY 2008

W.Bro Tony Miller (left) in the last few moments of his year as Provincial Grand Senior Deacon stands with W.Bro. Ian McLean who had left the Chair of St. Peter Lodge No:7648 just 48 hours previous. Provincial Grand Lodge was held under the Banner of St. Peter Lodge this year.

W.Bro. Carroll Preston, the Provincial Grand Secretary, is clearly happy at the way the Provincial Grand Lodge went.

W.Bro. B.J. Hinds the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer prepares to lead in the Brethren for the last time in his year of office.

W.Bro. Mel Barrowcliffe welcomes a prospective customer to the Lincolnshire Provincial Regalia stand.

W.Bro. Meharban Singh Jutlla L.G.R. of St. Olives Lodge No:2764 London (left) congratulates W.Bro. S.S. Marwaha on his promotion to Provincial Grand Deputy Director of Ceremonies.

W.Bro Cliff Reeves (left) and W.Bro. George Burrows enjoy a trip to sunny Cleethorpes from Pharos Lodge No:6450 in Scunthorpe.

The Provincial Grand Master keeps the Brethren entertained during the Festive Board.

(Provincial Grand Lodge Photographs courtesy of W.Bro. Stewart Oxborough)

SPECIAL PROVINCIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 2008 SEES APPOINTMENT OF NEW SENIOR OFFICERS AND GLOWING TRIBUTES TO THOSE RETIRING FROM OFFICE

 

The new Provincial Team and their predecessors. Left to right: W.Bro Robert Holland, V.W.Bro. Raymond Windsor, W.Bro Graham Ives, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith, W.Bro. John Board, W.Bro. Tim Dodds and W.Bro. Ron Adams.

A special Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms, Lincoln on Friday the 29th February, 2008 for the specific task of appointing a new Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

The Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith, considered that the good work carried out by the present generation of officers could only be continued into the future by building on the foundations already in place by adding new faces to the Provincial team. He also felt that it was most important that those retiring from office should have their services recognised and wanted it to be a happy and memorable occasion.

The Rt.W. Provincial Grand Master flanked by the new Provincial team and existing Provincial Officers. (Left to Right) W.Bro. A.A. Greswell, Dep.D.C.; W.Bro. G. Ives, D.P.G.M.; W.Bro. B.J. Humphrey, S.W.; Rt.W.Bro. G.W. Smith, P.G.M.; W.Bro. M.F. Bilton, J.W.; W.Bro.J.C. Board, A.P.G.M.; W.Bro. R.M. Holland D.C.; W.Bro. T.F. Dodds, A.P.G.M.; W.Bro. V.P. Brookes, A.D.C..

Accordingly, a special meeting of the Lincolnshire Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No:9726 was called and, after opening in the usual manner and at the appropriate time, the Provincial Grand Master entered in procession with the Provincial team.

The Worshipful Master of the Lincolnshire Provincial Stewards Lodge, W.Bro. Colin Brader, welcomed the Provincial Grand Master and offered him the gavel. The Provincial Grand Master thanked W.Bro Brader for the warmth of his welcome, accepted the gavel and took the Chair. He then opened Provincial Grand Lodge in the usual manner.

The Provincial Grand Master welcomed the Bethren, who filled the Assembly Rooms to capacity, to Provincial Grand Lodge and remarked that this was a special night to introduce new members to the Provincial hierarchy but that it was also tinged with sadness as we were saying goodbye to three others.

The end of an era as the Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerley Smith, stands with V.W.Bro Raymond Windsor (left) and W.Bro Ron Adams (right) after a moving ceremony at Lincoln.

He recalled the history of how he had come to the office of Provincial Grand Master and how he then needed to look for two loyal and experienced men to support him in his task. He had never regretted the appointment of V.W.Bro Raymond Windsor and W.Bro. Ron Adams who had served him loyally and well.

Before commenting further on these two officers, the Provincial Grand Master referred to the other officer standing down from office - W.Bro. Tim Dodds who was relinquishing the post of Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

He said that W.Bro. Dodds had served the Province well and must take credit for the very high example he set in the numerous Provincial Meetings and Consecrations that he had participated in during his time as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. He also paid tribute to the very high standard of work W.Bro. Dodds had instilled in the Directors of Ceremony throughout the Province.

The Provincial Grand Master then referred to W.Bro. Ron Adams who he had known well before his appointment. W.Bro. Adams had links with United Grand Lodge and had been tasked with the job of Provincial Information Officer.

W.Bro Adams had, as part of this work, become involved with communications for the Province, the Provincial web site, and also more recently the issue of archiving of Masonic information.

Finally the Provincial Grand Master came to his Deputy and said that V.W.Bro. Raymond Windsor had served him extremely well and loyally.

He continued by mentioning the Lincolnshire Provincial Social Committee which, under V.W.Bro. Windsor's direction as Chair, had flourished and become a credit to the Province. Their events included bringing together Brethren and their ladies and involved Caravan rallies, socials, and the Fun Day to name but a few.

V.W.Bro. Windsor was also very active in the Province's charity work acting as link man between the Province and Almoners.

The Provincial Grand master ended his tribute to the three retiring offers by saying that the Province owed a great deal of gratitude to these worthy Brethren and he asked that the assembled Brethren show their appreciation. This they resoundingly did.

The Provincial Grand Master then proceeded to the appointment and investiture of the new Provincial officers.

The first new appointment was of W.Bro. Robert Martyn Holland who was promoted from the post of Deputy Director of Ceremonies to Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Provincial Grand Master remarked that Robert had been under the guidance of W.Bro Tim Dodds for five years and he would be a difficult act to follow. However, the Provincial Grand Master was sure that he would stamp his authority on the office and make it his own. He warmly congratulated W.Bro Holland on his appointment and investiture.

W.Bro. Holland had no time to catch his breath as there was a knock at the door and, to the amusement of the Brethren, the Provincial Grand Master said "Here's your first job".

The next appointment and investiture was that of the new Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Graham Ives. The Provincial Grand Master remarked on W.Bro. Ives' Masonic career to date from his Initiation in the Earl of Yarborough Lodge, his climb up the ladder to the Chair and later the office of Director of Ceremonies, his subsequent promotion to Provincial Rank and duty as an active Warden, and then eventually the honour of being appointed to Grand Rank.

The Provincial Grand Master remarked that not only had W.Bro. Ives been honoured by an active Grand rank but he was also the Grand Superintendent Designate for Lincolnshire in the Holy Royal Arch.

W.Bro. Ives was then invested as the new Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire. The chain of office was placed about his neck by his predecessor, V.W.Bro. Raymond Windsor.

The final appointment and investiture was for that of Assistant Provincial Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master said he had great pleasure in offering this appointment to W.Bro. Tim Dodds.

Rt.W.Bro. Gordon Walkerly Smith said that, as a result of all the work done around the Province, W.Bro. Dodds was probably the best known Mason in the Province. W.Bro Dodds had the chain of office placed about his neck by his predecessor, W.Bro. Ron Adams, who took the time to say that the appointment was richly deserved.

This completed the appointment and investiture of the new Provincial officers.

The Provincial Grand Master then took a moment to thank all the Brethren of the Province for the care and love shown to him and his wife during his illness, treatment and recuperation. He said that the wonderful support had encouraged him to return to his duties - perhaps a little before he should!

The proceedings of Provincial Grand Lodge being completed, it was closed and the Provincial Grand Master handed the gavel back to W.Bro Brader of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge. The Provincial Grand Master and his officers formed procession and were escorted from the Lodge Room.

The Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge then proceeded to close in the usual manner.

The newly appointed and invested officers stand with the Provincial Grand Master. (Left to right) W.Bro. Robert Holland, W.Bro. Graham Ives, W.Bro. Gordon Walkerly Smith, W.Bro. Tim Dodds.

The Meeting was followed by a splendid meal where the Provincial Grand Master made further reference to the wonderful work done by V.W.Bro Windsor and W.BroAdams - both of whom received a standing ovation from the assembled Brethren.

The Provincial Grand Master during his speech at the Festive Board

The Provincial Grand Master also extended a warm welcome to W.Bro. Ives, W.Bro. Dodds and W.Bro. Holland, assuring them of his support and pleasure at making their appointments.

We offer our warmest congratulations to those newly promoted Brethren and sincere thanks and appreciation to those who have retired after serving the Province so well for so long.

Freemasons' Hall
Great Queen Street
London WC2B 5AZ
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7831 9811
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7831 6021