I am writing this page at the end of two months into what has proved to be a busy Masonic season. After completing the recommendations for the 2005 Provincial honours cycle and finalising the list of Attendees / Representatives for the seasons Installations, the Season commenced for myself by attending the D.C’s / A.D.C.’s workshop. This event has been run on an annual basis by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for a number of years and proves to be an excellent prelude to the Masonic year.

I have given myself the task of attempting to visit every Lodge and Chapter in the Preston Group on at least one occasion during the coming season and to date I am on track to achieve this. I must record my thanks to all the members of the Lodges and Chapters that I have to visited to date, for the welcome and in many cases the generous hospitality I have received, however there is a challenge to ones willpower on many of these visits, when one has to decide not to stay for the Festive Board! Many of the visits have been on the occasion of a Lodge’s Installation and these have all been enjoyable occasions. Notable among these was the Installation at Stanley of Preston Lodge, when the Attendee was W.Bro.H.E.Ross, P.S.G.D., A.Pr.G.M. Harry, as I am sure most Brethren are aware, is the Chaplain to Everton Football Club and at the time of his visit were (and still are), riding high in the Premiership. His pride in this situation was quite apparent. His response to Toast No.3, which he delivered in his own inimitable style, was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

I attended for the first time; the Group Chairman’s meeting, which is chaired by the Provincial Grand Master. At this meeting we were given details of the new Charity Structure that the Province is in the process of establishing. This will mirror the recently established Care structure. Briefly the Charity structure is being established to give a more corporate and co-ordinated approach to giving within the Province and will provide support for Lodge Charity Stewards and Group fundraising activities.

The concept of Lodge Amalgamations has now been readily adopted in the Preston Group with three having already been completed and with a further three shortly to be confirmed by United Grand Lodge. I would remind Lodges that Amalgamation in itself is not the total solution; it does however create a much better environment in the Lodge for future candidates to come into. One way forward is for Lodges to consider adopting the New Zealand Programme. Briefly this is a formalised programme of assisting in the recruitment and retention of members. I am encouraging Lodges in the Group to consider receiving a presentation of the Programme by one of the Brethren who have been trained to deliver these.

The Deputy Grand Superintendent, E.Comp.B.A.Jackson, P.G.Swd.B. has graced the Group by a visit to The Chapter of Unanimity on the occasion that the Chapter were carrying out an exaltation ceremony. Both E.Comp.Stanley Oldfield, P.G.Std.B., AtoPrGPs and myself accompanied E.Comp.Jackson on what was a splendid occasion. This distinguished Chapter is making a special effort to recruit new candidates and are expected to carry another exaltation ceremony at their next meeting. I wish them well in their endeavours.

Looking forward the Lodge of Endeavour will again be holding a Service of Remembrance at their November meeting and will also be participating in the Festival of Remembrance Parade in Preston, when again they will lay a wreath from the Lodge at the Cenotaph.

A number of Preston Lodges will be holding their final meetings during November prior to their Amalgamations being ratified by United Grand Lodge in December. These are Broughton and Vanguard Lodges, who are amalgamating with Fraternity Lodge, and Preston Temple Lodge, who are amalgamating with Royal Preston Lodge. I am sure these final meetings will happy, but nevertheless nostalgic occasions, and I am privileged to have been invited to attend.

Looking further ahead, the Group will be holding a Carol Service on Sunday 12 th December, again at St Mary’s Church, Penwortham, when it is anticipated that the Deputy Provincial Grand Master will attend. I am looking forward to maximum support for what I am sure will be another pleasant service.

In the meantime I sincerely hope that you all continue to enjoy your Freemasonry.

Ian Greenwood
Chairman

 

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