Attending the Grand Invstiture and Quarterly Communications

On 14 September 2022 three Masons of this District ventured to Great Queen Street, London, to visit Freemasons Hall to be part of the Quarterly Communications meeting of United Grand Lodge of England. They were W.Bro Clynton Hardy PAGDC of Waitemata Lodge, W.Bro Roger Johnstone PAGSwdB of Alexandra Lodge and W.Bro Dr Mike Kearsley PAGDC of Corinthian Lodge. This was a special occasion because, as well as the usual business matters to be attended to, Grand Lodge was investing a new set of the most senior ‘rulers’ of the Craft. M.W.Bro Peter Lowndes was retiring as Pro Grand Master, and R.W.Bro Johnathan Spence was taking his place. Unfortunately, only a week before, the Queen had died and thus the MW Grand Master, the Duke of Kent, could not attend as he would normally have done, and most Masonic activity was cancelled and in mourning. Black ties were required for all meetings and all brethren were to stand for two minutes silence as a mark of respect before any other activity. After M.W.Bro Spence had been Obligated and Invested, his position as Deputy Grand Master was taken by R.W.Bro Sir David Wotton, whose own former position as Assistant Grand Master was taken by R.W.Bro John Medlock, former Provincial Grand Master for Somerset.

After the splendid ceremony which attracted around 2,000 attendees in the Grand Temple, with overflow screens in several other lodge rooms, the brethren dined in the Connaught Rooms or in nearby hotels and restaurants many joining together in their various provinces. Bros Hardy, Johnstone and Kearsley joined the brethren from their former English provinces to renew old links. A truly splendid occasion for all.

M.W.Bro Johnathan Spence. the new Pro Grand Master

The crowds starting to arrive Bros Clynton Hardy, Roger Johnstone and Mike Kearsley

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