Provincial News

John Thorpe Museum is Open

It is often said that at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester, we have one of the finest Masonic Museums outside of London. This is a statement we are very proud of and encourage all of our brethren to use it as much as possible.

When is the museum open for brethren to look around?

Every weekday, Freemasons’ Hall Leicester is open from 4:30pm when meetings are held. In addition, the museum can be open by arrangement for events such as Ladies’ Evenings. In this case the host lodge should supply a supervisor to be always on hand.

When will there be someone there to assist with questions?

Members of the Library and Museum team are available on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 10am and 12noon to give advice and tours by appointment, which can be made by emailing Don Peacock at donapeacock@ aol.com. There is a lecture available about the museum, given by Derek Andrews, which can be given at a lodge meeting, and tailored to a specific lodge. This could take the form of a lecture at a lodge meeting, followed by a 4:30pm visit to museum at the next meeting.

For anyone who has not been, what can be found in the museum?

The museum contains an impressive collection of mainly Masonic artefacts dating back to the earliest days of the formation of the Premier Grand Lodge in 1717 and before. The collection includes Masonic jewels awarded to Past Masters and Stewards of the various Masonic Charities, and special jewels issued to commemorate specific events in Freemasonry. There are also many collar jewels worn by lodge officers that predate the standard designs agreed after the date of the Union of the two Grand Lodges in 1813. There are many examples of Masonic regalia such as aprons, sashes and collars. Some of these are for other Constitutions such as Scottish, Irish and European. There are also good examples of engraved Masonic glassware, printed porcelain, and pottery with Masonic inscriptions. Also on display are important items such as the marble pietre dure table which appeared on the BBC Antiques Roadshow, and a silver plate belonging to Thomas Dunckerley, one of the most prominent Freemasons in the latter half of the Eighteenth Century. Many other interesting objects are on view throughout the Museum. One of the very latest additions is a visual display screen which show various interesting features on items in the Museum and news articles relevant to local Freemasonry. Visitors can interrogate the Museum database through this screen and view pictures of the items searched for.

Can I bring family and friends?

Yes. The museum is open to all brethren and any guests they wish to host who are not Freemasons.

Would the museum be interested in displaying any items that brethren may have in their own private collection?

Yes. The team would be very interested to view such items and discuss loaning them to the museum, please contact Don Peacock at donapeacock@aol.com.

Are the public allowed to visit on their own, and, if so, how?

Yes, although visits can only be made by appointment at present. This is something we are looking to change in the future. The Provincial Grand Master would like the museum to be available to the public, an aim which is fully supported by the team. As visitors will know, we currently have a limitation with disabled access to the museum. The entrance requires ascending two steps, making easier access is currently under consideration.

How can I look at the books in the David Hagger Library which are in locked cabinets?

By appointment and one of the team will be able to show you the books and give advice. In the very near future, there will be an electronic catalogue available in the library.

Is it possible to take any of them away?

Some of the books may be borrowed for an agreed period to allow research but must be signed for. This can be arranged by contacting the team in advance.

New Grand Rank Appointments

On Wednesday 27th April 2022 a team from Leicestershire & Rutland visited Grand Lodge in London to support several brethren who received Grand Rank appointments and promotions.

The Provincial Grand Master Peter Kinder was delighted to lead the brethren to London for one of the highlights of the Masonic calendar. At this meeting, Richard Jelly (St John’s Lodge No.279), Steve Finnigan (Lodge of Gratitude No.6514), and Tony Sibson (Newarke Lodge No.6794) received appointments to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies (PAGDC). At the same meeting, Charles Cunnington (Lodge of the Holy Well No.7827) was promoted to Past Grand Sword Bearer (PGSwdB) (with which comes the appellation, Very Worshipful Brother), and John Peberdy (Beacon Lodge No.5208) received a promotion to Past Junior Grand Deacon (PJGD). These appointments and promotions reflect many years of dedicated service to their lodges and the Craft in general.

Pictured Left to Right: APGM Andy Green, Phil Dodd, DPGM Brian Carruthers, John Peberdy, PGM Peter Kinder, Richard Jelly, Steve Finnigan, Tony Sibson, Noel Manby.

Members’ Pathway

The Members’ Pathway is a process that enables Lodges to grow and remain vibrant.

What is the Members’ Pathway?

The Members' Pathway provides an overall framework to help lodges to:

•Plan lodge and membership development

•Attract and welcome new members

•Engage with new and existing members

•Retrieve those who have drifted away.

Why is the Members’ Pathway important?

The Members’ Pathway contains practical ideas drawn from the experience and success of lodges over recent years in engaging members, ensuring meetings are well planned and enjoyed by all, stemming losses and growing memberships. It should be the catalyst to help re-build our Lodges and re-engage our membership. It will allow us to showcase all that is great about freemasonry, demonstrating how we champion our values of Integrity, Respect. Friendship and Charity It will also answer questions such as: Who might be interested in Freemasonry? How do we present Freemasonry to prospective members? How do we support new and existing members? How do we make meetings enjoyable and appealing, so that members look forward to their meetings?

Who is involved?

The successful implementation of the Members’ Pathway relies on the Lodge Care Team and the support Lodge members give them. Every member of the Lodge from the newest to the most experienced should have the opportunity to contribute to Lodge membership development. A willingness to embrace change as part of inspiring and motivating Lodge members will be a pre-requisite for success. The Provincial Care Team are always available to guide and support Lodges. There is clear evidence that members obtain greater enjoyment from their Freemasonry when The Members’ Pathway is embraced and implemented within Lodges. Who would not wish to get more enjoyment!