"Go and Do Thou Likewise"

 

The Provincial Grand Officers' Lodge, No. 3747, was attended by many members of the Lodge and their guests, including a number of newer masons. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Harold Woodward was in attendance, supported by the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, WBros Philip Mountford, James Sutcliffe, Derek Thornhill, Martin Caller, Stephen Blank and Martin Roche. The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, and WBro Alex McLaren (APGM) were engaged on other Masonic Business. Others present included the PProvGM, RWBro Paul JE Rink, the PAPGM, WBro Harold Hesmondhalgh, the Deputy Grand Superintendent, Allan Bennion, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, William Porter and AProvGPs - WBros Stuart Hughes and Michael Llandriau.

The first items of business included the reporting of sad news - recent deaths of members of the Lodge and especially the loss of Brenda, dear wife of Keith Schofield, the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province. The Brethren stood in silence as a mark of respect to their merit.

There were 3 prospective joining members balloted for during the evening, WBros Terence Bailey, R Derek Calrow and Graham F Rawlinson.

Then followed the elections of Officers for the ensuing year, which to everyones delight included the election of VWBro Harold Woodward as Master Elect. Harold thanked the Principal Officers (the only ones included in the vote) for their vote but also thanked all those who abstained from the vote! :-)

The highlight of the evening's business was to receive the 2009 Prestonian Lecture: “Go And Do Thou Likewise”: English Masonic Processions from the 18th to the 20th Centuries, by WBro Dr John Wade, PProvJGW, (Yorks. WR & Derbys.)

Dr Wade first explained the history of the Prestonian Lecture - the first one being given in the early 19th Century following William Preston's death. William had left £300 in his will, for Grand Lodge to perpetuate his lecture sytem.

The title of today's lecture is interesting in relation to the name of William Preston, as the latter was expelled from Freemasonry for a period after himself being involved in a procession after Grand Lodge had decreed, in 1754, that public Masonic processions were banned unless authority had been gained from the Grand Master or his Deputy. Prior to this Masonic processions had been commonplace to celebrate the Annual Feast and Installation of a new Grand Master (stopped in 1747) and for Masonic funerals etc.

Processions are documented from 1619 onwards and have been for many reasons, over the centuries, including for celebrations of special days, laying of foundation stones, and to join in major civic or community events. Historically displays of Masonry have helped cement the bonds held with the local community and other groups and Freemasons were proud to be involved. On a more philosophical note Dr Wade reflected on the private nature of some of our masonic activities and the very public nature of others, with a wide zone of transition between the extremes).

John covered the very interesting history of many Masonic processions, in London and the Provinces, including some relating to East Lancashire and notably that to the laying of the foundation stone for Freemasons' Hall, Cooper Street, in 1863.

Towards the end, in his summary, Dr Wade noted that with discontinuity with processions, we had lost another civic association that we have held for hundreds of years, and he highlighted the importance of such associations in affirming our moral integrity and maintaining our profile in society.

See further notes below

 

WBro John Wade, PProvJGW (Yorkshire WR and Derbyshire)
Prestonian Lecturer 2009

 

VWBro Harold Woodward, DepPGM, WBro John Wade and the Master, WBro Arnold Ray

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The Festive Board

Freemasons Hall provided a tremendous service and meal at the Festive Board following the meeting. Lively banter around the tables was interspersed with wine taking, and many excellent acquaintances were renewed, following the summer recess.

The Senior Warden (Henri Lyons - left) toasted the health of the RWProvincial Grand Master, stating that he was in excellent health and continued to work very hard, with only welfare of the Province and its Brethren at mind.

The Junior Warden (Rev John Winstanley - right) had the privilege of toasting the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. He commented that they all give unsparingly for the welfare of the Province, carrying out their work with style, grace and humour. He also discussed changes in society and technology over the years and pointed out the irreplaceable nature of the work our Craft Executive Officers perform in modern times. Finally he referred to the lovely fact that VWBro Harold Woodward has become Master Elect for 2011/12.

In response, VWBro Woodward (below) referred to the challenging, interesting and stimulating lecture we had received.

Harold noted that in the last 25 years we had seen more changes in the Masonic world than in the previous 250 years. Sometimes we feel the need to change to suit modern society and give the Craft a make-over, he said, whereas our focus should be on preserving the integrity of the Craft and ensuring its future in our communities.

Harold quoted from past addresses given at Grand Lodge by the Grand Master and Pro Grand Master and pointed out that what matters most is the quailty of the men within our Order and that they should have and practise Masonic teachings at a high moral and spiritual level - putting back into society what they have learned and becoming themselves better men withmore fulfilled lives.

"Quality will attract Quality and, if within Freemasonry we require less of our Candidates, then we shall receive less". Harold pointed out the excellent examples of good practice demonstrated by the PGM and his Assistants, who are then able to develop mutual trust and respect with each other and the brethren. Their first job is to serve the brethren, once they accept this they then become good leaders. We are all able to follow good example, put Freemasonry into action and add value to our lives and the lives of others. Men of quality ate the conscience of our society.

VWBro Harold Woodward, Deputy Provincial Grand Master

 

 

The acting IPM, WBro Robert Frankl, ProvGTreas, gave an excellent toast to the Master, referring to his dignity, humility and humanity. He joked that being Master of this Lodge was like sitting down to a fantastic meal but then you are only able to have two bites of it before it is over. In response WBro Arnold Ray thanked everyone for their help and assistance, especially WBro Norman Cope (below), who had helped calm his fears so that he could enjoy his time in the Chair of this prestigious Lodge. The Master also had a little gift for the Deputy Provincial Grand Master - a collection of brass band CDs and a beautiful box of chocolates to take home.

 

 

 

Lodge DC and ADC - WBros Norman Cope, PAGDC, ProvGDC and Andrew Holland, PProvJGW

 

Harold Woodward and John Wade with the booklet for the Prestonian Lecture - 2009

Prestonian Lecture, 2009

WBro Wade is donating proceeds from the sale of the Prestonian Lecture booklet to two charities: the Trust for Research into Freemasonry Masonic (who he hopes will spend funds on procuring and storing the collection of books from Sheffield university's ex Centre for Research). His second Charity is non-masonic - the Cavendish Cancer Care Centre in Sheffield (so far he has donated over £4000 to the Unit (in 2009)).

If you wish to purchase a signed book you can contact WBro Wade HERE - the cost is £5.00 - Worth every penny

Finally - John Wade is the current master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge, no. 2076, and you can find out more about this, the Premier Lodge of research, on their website: HERE