Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication
Community and camaraderie
In his December message, Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes celebrates the resilience, positivity and charity of Freemasons, against all odds
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rethren, I am sure that, like me, you were very much hoping and, dare I say, expecting today’s meeting to be getting close to normality. Yet here we are looking at each other over masks. Of course, it is right that we are doing so as it is essential that we set the right example, as I believe we have done throughout the pandemic. Setting a good example is something that Freemasons have been doing since Freemasonry started all those years ago. To have done so, and to be seen to have done so, during these difficult times is no surprise – it comes naturally. Evidence of all that has been achieved throughout the country and beyond is there for all to see. It has even been noted in some of the media. I have said frequently, 46
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and this was stressed in our earlier talk, that Masonic charity is not all about money, and so much of it involves work in our communities. And what brilliant work has been done in that regard. However, the financial side is obviously of great relevance, and I have heard numerous times how much the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity), has been appreciated in every part of our Constitution. The liaison between the local areas and the MCF has been exemplary and long may that continue. Where does the MCF get its money from? We all know the answer is from Freemasons. It is astonishing that there has been no let-up in the ability of our brethren to continue fundraising through all adversity. I would never have believed that the South Wales Festival for the RMBI could raise more than £5 million – or more than £1,000 per member. Their PGM was confident this would be the case, and how right he was and how well he knows the generosity of his brethren. I don’t want to single out our Welsh brethren as I am certain all Provinces are capable of the same, but, nonetheless, what a performance and a big thank you to them. Just to confirm what I have said about other Provinces, during even more problematic times earlier in the year nearly £7 million was raised by Durham and West Lancashire at their Festivals. Both are remarkable performances. Raising more than £12 million during some of the most difficult months many of us have known says an awful lot about Freemasonry and Freemasons themselves. Well done to all concerned. Over the past few months, I have been lucky enough to attend a good number of meetings and it has been noticeable how much enjoyment has been garnered from them. The sheer joy of being back together sharing ceremonies and even the odd glass or two afterwards. I have said on several occasions that, once our meetings started again, there would be no reason for poor ritual with the excuse of lack of learning time being used. My impression is that I was right in this and the ceremonies I have seen have been of high quality. All concerned have derived so much enjoyment out of watching the work being done so well. Long may this continue. Brethren, I don’t know about you, but after listening to our speakers today I am looking forward even more to 2022 and beyond. It is clear that this is not an organisation that will be allowed to stand still and decay. There is a tangible and growing sense of reinvigoration based on our core values and fitted for the modern day.
FMT Spring 2022
09/02/2022 15:24
