LETTERS
was excellent and I am certain that we saw a lot more than if we were at the Albert Hall. The atmosphere was incredible and I cannot say how privileged I felt to be part of your special day. You could have heard a pin drop as everyone watched with great interest and when, spontaneously, most of the men joined in singing the hymns. It made you realise just how wonderful an organisation Freemasonry is. Well done, guys, and happy 300th birthday UGLE. May you go from strength to strength. Ruth Wright, Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons
Sir, I write to congratulate all for the Freemasons' 300th anniversary show that was online. For most of us Down Under and in other parts of the world, it showed the world a great story and what Freemasonry's aims are about. Congratulations to the team who wrote the script for the anniversary show. If this does not bring in members to the order, then what do we have to do? Mike Burrell, Lodge Combermere, No. 752, (Unattached), Viet., Australia
THE TEMPLE IN THE HOTEL Sir, Readers of 'The Temple Builder' article in the last issue might be interested in further information about Alexander Burnett Brown's interesting masonic career. His architectural career aside, he was Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex when HRH The Duke of York was the Provincial Grand Master, and became Provincial Grand Master when HRH became George VI on the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII. Right Worshipful Brother Alexander Burnett Brown was held in very high esteem by the brethren of Middlesex, so much so that a lodge was consecrated in 1945 as Alexander Burnett Brown Lodge, No. 6133, in his honour. Both his sons were the lodge's First Master and Senior Warden. It is unfortunate to record that from 1996 the lodge began to fail despite strenuous efforts. In 2000,
freemasonrytoday.com
I had to inform the Province of the situation, and the Warrant was duly surrendered. David A Walters, Middlesex Masters Lodge, No. 3420, Staines, Middlesex
Sir, I very much enjoyed the article on Alexander Burnett Brown, architect and eminent Freemason, especially with reference to the Grecian Temple at the Great Eastern Hotel. I was initiated in that Temple in September 1981 into Semper Fidelis Lodge, No. 4393. The most memorable part of the ceremony was descending the magnificent winding staircase into the Temple. Within a couple of years, the lodge had to leave the Great Eastern Hotel and move to Great Queen Street as the then-owners found it not economical to have lodge meetings on Saturdays. I would be interested to obtain a copy of any photograph of that winding staircase as a reminder of my 36 happy years in Freemasonry. Geoffrey Cathersides, Fraternitas Lodge, No. 6046, East Kent
Sir, For me it was especially interesting to read the article on the Grecian Temple in the autumn edition of Freemasonry Today. Having served in the Rifle Brigade, I became a joining member of its London Life Brigade Lodge, No. 1962, in 1975. I have a vivid memory
of my first visit, descending the marble staircase into the temple and being in awe at the ceiling, furniture and surroundings. I deem myself very fortunate to have had this experience. Sadly, thereafter it was closed to Freemasonry. However, being a listed structure the Grecian Temple will remain unique. Bernard Dribble, Wellington Lodge, No. 341, Rye, Sussex
PERFECT ARRANGEMENT Sir, We were interested to read your article 'Perfect Arrangement' in the autumn edition of Freemasonry Today. We are a husband and wife duo (keyboard player and female vocalist) who for the past four years have been entertaining in various venues and at masonic events in the Lake District and Lancashire. We also perform at care and residential homes and find it very rewarding. We agree with the article that live music can be beneficial. Some of these homes specialise in dementia care and it is amazing how many residents remember the words to the music that we play. Staff and residents often end up dancing and clapping away. We are now looking at working in homes for adults with learning difficulties. Mike Langdon, Bela Lodge, No. 7576, Milnthorpe, Cumberland & Westmorland
75