Provincial Service of Thanksgiving 2009

We were honoured by the presence of our newly installed Pro Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Roger J Croome QPM, as he starts his important terms of office in both Craft and Royal Arch and we look forward with great enthusiasm to his period of leadership. We gathered for our Annual Service and pride ourselves in our continuing support for the needy, the sick and for those for whom life in these difficult times is just an endless struggle. Undoubtedly the greatest achievement during the last year was the culmination of the Provincial Appeal for the RMBI where Middlesex Freemasons raised over £4.03m. This staggering total exceeded all expectations and is a tribute to the strength of the Craft in our wonderful Province and the care and compassionate generosity of its members. Once again we are very happy to be their in the beautiful historic Cathedral and Abbey Church which has tended to the needs of pilgrims from all races and creeds throughout its long and illustrious history. In once again welcoming the Sub Dean, Canon Stephen Lake, to our service we express our gratitude to the Dean and Chapter for permission to hold our service here and for the assistance of the vergers and staff.

We paraded newly dedicated banners from Putney, Greystoke Temple of Uxbridge and Prince Michael of Kent Lodges together with those from Henry Levander (125 years old), Hamilton (100 years old) Brent Valley and Draytonian Lodges (both 90 years old). Also banners from Pinner Hill and Richmond Chapters (55 and 107 years old), Jubilee Chapter and the Round Table Chapter of Middlesex. We also parade the banner of the Royal Arch Province of Middlesex. Our preacher, VW Bro. the Revd Dr Michael Morgan PGChap, makes a welcome return to this Province of which he is a member through Old Gaytonians Lodge. Bro Morgan preached at our second service in 1993 at Guildford Cathedral and was Prestonian Lecturer in 1992. He is a past APGM and GSupt in Hampshire and Isle of Wight and PrGM in the Mark degree. He is now Grand Prior in the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Rite. Apart from work with the Church the Open University and the computer industry, he distinguished himself by visiting every Cathedral in mainland Britain on a cycle tour in the cause of Charity and has completed the Lands End to John O’Groats ride on seven occasions.

May the benign influence of Faith, Hope and Charity prosper our endeavours to be more extensively serviceable to our fellow men.