4 minute read
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
Brethren, 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, 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.
Clockwise from top right: Freemasons’ Hall, UGLE face masks, the Grand Temple
Images: Dom Tyler
Today, we have seen and heard about many of the people who care so deeply for Freemasonry in general and UGLE in particular. They are totally dedicated to making the organisation better for our members, enriching their experience, enhancing their enjoyment, and educating and challenging them too. The work of the Strategy Group is just one aspect – there are many other working parties, such as Membership, Pathway, and Hermes, with members from around the country working towards the same goal. They have lively, often differing views as to priorities and emphasis that they are keen to express and debate.
It is so important that we shape a vision and strategy that is well thought through, responds to the aspirations and needs of our members, but, above all, inspires them as well.
Freemasonry is a journey that starts with our initiation and continues throughout our lives: making that journey more meaningful, so that we do not fall into a rut but are constantly reinvigorated, surprised, delighted and improved as people – that all seems to be central to some of the strategic thinking of which we caught a glimpse of today.
Brethren, as you have seen, UGLE is embarked upon a thorough and absorbing exercise designed to make it a more relevant, attractive and, essentially, a thriving membership organisation going forward.
I hope that, like me, you are looking forward to seeing how this unfolds. In the meantime, I hope you all had a happy Christmas holiday period and I wish you a happy new year and hope that 2022 will be an enjoyable one for you all.
