UNITED GRAND LODGEOF

Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of England

Quarterly CommunicationHolden at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London

on Wednesday, the 11th day of March 2015

Present:

MW Bro P.G. Lowndes ...................................................................................Pro Grand Master RW Bro J. Spence ................................................................................... Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Sir David Wootton ................................................................. Assistant Grand Master RW Bro R.J. Race, DL ................................................ Metropolitan Grand Master for London RW Bro J.S. Winpenny ............................................... Provincial Grand Master for West Kent RW Bro R.K. Wilson ........................................ Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire RW Bro J.M. Webb .............................................................Provincial Grand Master for Essex RW Bro J.S. Rushmer ..................................................... Provincial Grand Master for Norfolk RW Bro R.J. Wolverson ..................................... Provincial Grand Master for Cambridgeshire RW Bro E. Stuart-Bamford .............................................. Provincial Grand Master for Surrey RW Bro the Rev M.C.G. Lane ........................... Provincial Grand Master for Monmouthshire RW Bro M.J. Sawyer .............................................. Provincial Grand Master for Bedfordshire RW Bro K.E. Thomas .......................................................Provincial Grand Master for Sussex RW Bro R. Merritt ............................................................ Provincial Grand Master for Dorset RW Bro G. Ives .......................................................Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire RW Bro N.J. Thompson, DL ...... Provincial Grand Master for Cumberland and Westmorland RW Bro Chief M.O. Taiga ................................................... District Grand Master for Nigeria RW Bro S. Adcott ..........................................................Provincial Grand Master for Cheshire RW Bro K.M. Rondel ........................................................Provincial Grand Master for Jersey RW Bro D.V. Hagger ........................ Provincial Grand Master for Leicestershire and Rutland RW Bro D.F. Macey ..............................................Provincial Grand Master for Warwickshire RW Bro M.J. Wilks ........................Provincial Grand Master for Hampshire and Isle of Wight RW Bro A.J. Vaughan ....................................................... Provincial Grand Master for Bristol RW Bro C.A.S. Hadler ................................................. Provincial Grand Master for Somerset RW Bro G.G. Dearing ................................................. Provincial Grand Master for East Kent RW Bro P.A. Taylor ....................................................Provincial Grand Master for Shropshire RW Bro M.G. Peters .................................................... Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire RW Bro G. Robertson ......................................Provincial Grand Master for Buckinghamshire RW Bro Sir David Trippier, RD, DL ..................Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire RW Bro Dr A.I. Stewart, TD .................................. Provincial Grand Master for Staffordshire

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RW Bro the Rev D.J. Bowen .................................Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire RW Bro I. Kingsbury .................................................Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire RW Bro I.J. Yeldham ....................................................... Provincial Grand Master for Suffolk RW Bro R.C. Vaughan ......................................... Provincial Grand Master for Worcestershire RW Bro G. Jones, OBE ........................................... Provincial Grand Master for South Wales RW Bro P.J. Gower ................................................ Provincial Grand Master for Hertfordshire RW Bro D.S. Pratt ..................................Provincial Grand Master for Yorkshire, West Riding RW Bro J. Gillyon ................ Provincial Grand Master for Yorkshire, North and East Ridings RW Bro S.D. Hookey ................................................Provincial Grand Master for West Wales RW Bro A.G.D. Mason .........................................Pro Provincial Grand Master for Middlesex RW Bro J.A. Harrison ........................................Provincial Grand Master for West Lancashire RW Bro J.R.G. Hilditch ............................................Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire RW Bro P.S.A. Bullock ................................................ Provincial Grand Master for Wiltshire RW Bro Sir Stuart Hampson ...................................................................Senior Grand Warden RW Bro J.A.P. Whinney, PJGW ..........................................................as Junior Grand Warden RW Bro A.C. Wilson, PSGW ........................................ President, Board of General Purposes RW Bro the Rt Hon Sir John Chadwick, ED, PSGW .......................................Grand Registrar VW Bro the Rev A.J. Davey .............................................................................Grand Chaplain RW Bro C.N.R. Brown, PJGW........................................................................ Grand Secretary VW Bro D.R. Dinsmore .................................................................................Grand Chancellor VW Bro His Honour Judge R.M. Hone, QC ..................................... President, Grand Charity VW Bro M. Woodcock ............................. President, Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys RW Bro Brig W.E. Shackell, CBE, PJGW ....................... President, Masonic Samaritan Fund RW Bro O.A.W. Lodge, TD, PJGW ......................................... Grand Director of Ceremonies RW Bro G.C. King ................................................................................... Grand Sword Bearer VW Bro J.C. Pagella ............................................................... Grand Superintendent of Works RW Bro Q.C.T. Humberstone, PJGW ............................................................. Grand Treasurer W Bro the Rev A.W. Avery ...............................................................Deputy Grand Chaplain RW Bro R. Reed, PProvGM, Buckinghamshire ... Deputy President, Board of General Purposes VW Bro G.F. Redman, PGSwdB ........................................................ Deputy Grand Secretary W Bro P.L. Hall ..........................................................Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro Dr G.R.E. Shilson ...........................................Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro M.J.P. Horlock ................................................Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro H.K. Emmerson ............................................................. Deputy Grand Sword Bearer W Bro R.C. Bruce ....................................................Deputy Grand Superintendent of Works W Bro W.H. Morley ..............................................................................Senior Grand Deacon W Bro Sir Paul Williams, OBE, DL ...................................................... Junior Grand Deacon W Bro Dr R.J. R. Dunstan..................................................................... Junior Grand Deacon W Bro M. Graham ................................................................................. Junior Grand Deacon W Bro M.R. Heenan .............................................................................. Junior Grand Deacon W Bro the Rev P. Thompson .......................................................... Assistant Grand Chaplain W Bro A.G. Rayner ....................................................................... Assistant Grand Secretary W Bro S.E.R. Christie ................................................................... Assistant Grand Secretary VW Bro J.M. Hamill, PGSwdB .....................................................Assistant Grand Chancellor W Bro N.J. Burger...................................................Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro D.J. Cresswell ..............................................Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies

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W Bro I.S.J. DʼArcy ................................................Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro E.D.J. Goodchild .........................................Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro J.C. Pacey ....................................................Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro R.H. Reano ..................................................Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro D.A. Stanford ..............................................Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro Dr D.R. Staples ............................................Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies W Bro Lt Col E.J.N. Brookes, TD ......................................... Assistant Grand Sword Bearer W Bro Lt Cdr J.F. King, RN ................................................... Assistant Grand Sword Bearer W Bro G.H. Stallard ..............................................Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works W Bro P. Abbott ....................................................Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works W Bro P.G. Bowen ..........................................................................................Grand Organist W Bro D.W. May ............................................................................... Grand Standard Bearer W Bro B.R. Northmore ...................................................................... Grand Standard Bearer W Bro G.M.W. Beckwith ....................................................Assistant Grand Standard Bearer W Bro J.W. Oram ................................................................Assistant Grand Standard Bearer W Bro A.J. Leopard ...........................................................................Deputy Grand Organist W Bro A.P. Grier ......................................................................................... Grand Pursuivant W Bro H.P. OʼBrien .................................................................... Assistant Grand Pursuivant W Bro J.C. Roberts ..................................................................... Assistant Grand Pursuivant W Bro M.P. Stylianides ............................................................... Assistant Grand Pursuivant W Bro R.D.T. Clitherow ................................................................................. Grand Steward RW Bro D.K. Williamson, PAGM ..................................................................... Grand Steward W Bro G.F. Cross ............................................................................................ Grand Steward W Bro J.P da Costa ......................................................................................... Grand Steward W Bro M.H.F. Wentworth ............................................................................... Grand Steward W Bro P.G. Larner, PAGDC ............................................................................ Grand Steward W Bro G.G. Sanders, PSGD ........................................................................... Grand Steward W Bro K. Gilbert, PSGD................................................................................. Grand Steward W Bro M.E.R. Scholfi eld ................................................................................ Grand Steward W Bro B.W. Lown ........................................................................................... Grand Steward W Bro C.A. Akle, PJGD ................................................................................. Grand Steward RW Bro D.H.T. Henderson-Ross, ProvGM, Gloucestershire............................ Grand Steward VW Bro P.R.A. Baker, PGSwdB ....................................................................... Grand Steward W Bro A.O. Thomas ........................................................................................ Grand Steward W Bro W.S.C. Burton ...................................................................................... Grand Steward W Bro M.G. Gates, PAGDC ........................................................................... Grand Steward VW Bro B.C.T. Clitherow, TD, PGSwdB .......................................................... Grand Steward W Bro M. Brooks, PAGDC ..................................................................................Grand Tyler

A large number of Past Grand Offi cers, qualifi ed Past Grand Stewards, and the Masters, Past Masters, and Wardens of many private Lodges.

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VISITORSGRAND LODGE OF GREECE

MW Bro George Vassilogeorgis .......................................................................... Grand Master

GRAND LODGE ALPINA OF SWITZERLAND W Bro Colin Mills ........................................................................... Representative of UGLE

GRAND LODGE OF SASKATCHEWAN MW Bro John Leyshon ......................................................................................... Grand Master

GRAND LODGE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC MW Bro Jacques Huyghebaert ............................................................................. Grand Master

REGULAR GRAND LODGE OF BELGIUM VW Bro Michel Huyghebaert ...............................................................................Grand Orator

GRAND LODGE OF RUSSIA RW Bro Nikit Zykov ........................................................................................Grand Chaplain

Grand Lodge was opened in ample form and with solemn prayer at 12 noon.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTESThe Minutes of the Quarterly Communication of 10 December 2014 were

taken as read and confi rmed.

ELECTION OF GRAND MASTER

W BRO GRAHAM FLIGHT: Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master and Brethren, many of you will recognise the nervous apprehension when the Director of Ceremonies or Lodge Secretary puts his hand on your shoulder and says “would you mind just doing something for me”.

You can, therefore, imagine, Brethren, my own feelings when the question was put to me to make the formal proposition for the re-election of His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent as Grand Master. My fi rst thoughts were that a wrong word here, a misemphasis there, might see a potentially promising Masonic career prematurely cut short by a lack of care and attention.

A tentative exploration of the Internet revealed a wealth of detail about our Grand Master’s background, his education, his military career, and his public role.

Much of this detail has been amply reported in previous meetings, and it seemed inappropriate to me merely to revisit the same ground again. The date of this Quarterly Communication getting ever nearer and the paper still blank, it occurred

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to me that the answer was actually quite straightforward: not so much a history of dates and titles, but more a refl ection of the man himself and what he has brought and brings to the Craft.

Any organisation wants leadership, direction and guidance and the members’ need the comfort, security and the confi dence that the Organisation has at its head a man who brings with him these qualities.

His Royal Highness has now been our Most Worshipful Grand Master for almost fi fty years and during that time his infl uence and leadership have allowed the rest of us to get on with making our own contribution at our own level; enjoying our Freemasonry in the comforting knowledge that all is well.

Brethren, we could not have asked for more dedicated service and leadership on behalf of us all. Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master and Brethren it is, therefore, my privilege and my honour to propose that Most Worshipful Brother, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent be re-elected as Grand Master for the ensuing year.

W BRO STEPHEN BRIDGE: MW Pro Grand Master and Brethren, it is a distinct honour and privilege to second the proposition, so eloquently placed before you by Brother Flight; however, Brethren, I’m sure you will understand when I say that the feeling of honour is tempered to some degree by apprehension.

Having accepted the kind invitation of the Grand Secretary, my thoughts quickly turned to what had been said before and indeed who had said it. My research very quickly showed that I was in a line of very distinguished Masonic and professional Brothers who had stood here. I can only apologise, Brethren, if any of you have travelled here today expecting something of the same calibre; I’m afraid you have me.

Brethren, it is axiomatic, but it is worth reminding ourselves, that no organisation that relies on voluntary membership and individual effort can approach its Tercentenary on luck and coincidence. To thrive and grow over such a period requires exceptional leadership and very sound governance; Freemasonry is no exception to this.

There are many examples as to how the Craft has benefi ted from the exceptional leadership of our Grand Master, but if I may, Brethren, I will draw your attention to just three most notable areas:

our move to become a more open and accessible organisation has been pivotal in helping to dispel many of the myths surrounding Freemasonry;

under his guidance we have embraced a culture of measured and worthwhile change, a major component of a secure future;

and our Grand Master continues to communicate our shared vision of the Craft far beyond the confi nes of the membership – also vital if we are to attract high calibre candidates.

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We can, Brethren, be rightly proud of the excellent example the Grand Master sets for us all and I have absolutely no hesitation in seconding the propositionthat His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent be re-elected as Grand Master for the ensuing year.

MW PRO GRAND MASTER: Brethren, you have heard the re-election of the Grand Master most ably proposed and seconded and I now ask for your approval.

The Motion was accepted with loud acclaim.

The Brethren stood while the Grand Director of Ceremonies(RW Bro O.A.W. LODGE, TD, PJGW) proclaimed MW Bro HRH The Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC, as Grand Master by his several styles and titles.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES

On the Motion of the PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES

(RW Bro A.C. WILSON, PSGW), seconded by the DEPUTY PRESIDENT (RW Bro R. REED, PProvGM, Buckinghamshire), the following report of the Board of General Purposes was taken as read.

To the United Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of England

GRAND LODGE REGISTER 2005–20141. The tables below show the number of Lodges on the Register and of Certifi cates issued during the past ten years.

Grand Lodge Certifi cates Issued

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Issued atFreemasons’ Hall 8,092 7,336 7,490 7,539 7,538 7,078 7,391 7,025 6,901 6,504

Issued by DistrictGrand Masters 770 763 613 695 753 478 698 755 711 700

Total 8,862 8,099 8,103 8,234 8,291 7,556 8,089 7,780 7,612 7,204

Lodges on the Grand Lodge Register

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

London 1,552 1,532 1,489 1,458 1,433 1,397 1,374 1,351 1,339 1,303

Provincial 6,130 6,075 5,996 5,900 5,840 5,774 5,694 5,626 5,543 5,483

District and Abroad 784 782 768 736 731 722 724 719 710 718

Total 8,466 8,389 8,253 8,094 8,004 7,893 7,792 7,696 7,592 7,504

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CHARGES FOR WARRANTS

2. In accordance with the provisions of Rule 270A, Book of Constitutions, the Board has considered the costs of preparing the actual documents specifi ed in this Rule and recommends that for the year commencing 1 April 2015 the charges (exclusive of VAT) shall be as follows: £

(a) Warrant for a new Lodge ............................................................. £360.00(b) Warrant of Confi rmation .............................................................. £935.00(c) Warrant for a Centenary Jewel ..................................................... £550.00(d) Warrant of Confi rmation for a Centenary Jewel .......................... £800.00(e) Warrant for a Bi-Centenary Bar ................................................... £850.00(f) Warrant of Confi rmation for a Bi-Centenary Bar ........................ £850.00(g) Certifi cate of Amalgamation .......................................................... £95.00(h) Enfacement (Alterations) Fee ...................................................... £130.00

AMALGAMATION

3. The Board has received a report that New Southgate Lodge, No. 5187 has resolved to surrender its Warrant in order to amalgamate with New Cross Lodge, No. 1559 (London).4. The Board accordingly recommends that the Lodge be removed from the register in order to effect the amalgamation. A Resolution to this effect appears at item 4 of the Paper of Business.

MASONIC STANDARDS AND VALUES

5. The Board is concerned at the apparent increase in the number of disciplinary cases coming before those Masonic authorities charged with the duty of dealing with such matters. Freemasonry is above all a moral organisation, founded on the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth – or, as it could more familiarly be put in the language of today, kindness; charity and generosity; and integrity and honesty. Those principles – if they are to mean anything – clearly require the maintenance of the highest standards of behaviour by Freemasons in both public and private life. Whilst it is doubtless the case that the standard of conduct among Freemasons remains generally very high, the Board considers it appropriate to reiterate this obvious truth.6. Not only is the conduct required of all Freemasons implicit in all that we do, but it has been set out expressly in writing on several occasions. For example, in June 1987 the Grand Lodge adopted the paragraph reprinted annually in Information for the Guidance of Members of the Craft under the heading “Freemasonry and Society”, which concludes with the words, “The principles of the Craft make it clear to [the new Initiate] that his duty as a Freemason does not confl ict with his duty as a citizen, but reinforces it.” In September 1989, Rule 179 of the Book of Constitutions

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was amended to make explicit what had always been implicit: “As a citizen every Freemason has a duty not to engage in conduct which is contrary to the law of the land. As a Freemason he also has a duty not to engage in activity which may bring Freemasonry into disrepute.” It cannot be too clearly stated that such duty does not extend only to matters regulated by the criminal courts but also covers enactments dealing, inter alia, with discrimination and health and safety, as well as those codes of conduct which cover matters such as disclosure of interests.7. The principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth also carry with them the notion of tolerance. Whilst this, of course, principally speaks to relations with and respect for others, regrettably there are from time to time instances of one Brother pursuing a grievance against another Brother or group of Brethren in so single-minded a manner that, however well-founded some aspect of his grievance may originally have been, all sense of proportion has been lost and his actions have crossed the line between what is reasonable and what is not, so that they have become vexatious and wholly unreasonable. We are urged in our ritual to drop a tear of sympathy over the failings of a Brother. Those words emphatically do not require Freemasons to condone lapses in standards by their fellow Freemasons, but they do require them to be proportionate in their response to such lapses, so that a Brother who signally fails to exercise a due sense of proportion, in the absence of circumstances which might justify such conduct, may himself be guilty of a signifi cant lapse from Masonic standards of behaviour.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION OF FORMAL DOCUMENTS

8. The Board last made recommendations to the Grand Lodge on this subject in June 2009. Since then, as reported in June of last year, the Board has set up a Committee to consider how electronic systems and methods can be used to streamline systems and produce economies. The fi rst result has been the electronic distribution of the Paper of Business and the printed Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, which is already showing a considerable saving in costs. The Board now recommends the introduction of a new Rule into the Book of Constitutions which will specify certain documents as being of such importance that they must be transmitted only in physical form and bear original signatures. It is not intended that the new Rule should supersede the existing guidance, which will, for the time being, remain in force, but it is intended thereby to establish clearly the irreducible minimum beyond which electronic communication will not be permitted whatever relaxation may in future be permitted from the guidance given in 2009. Notice of Motion to amend the Book of Constitutions accordingly appears at item 7 of the Paper of Business.

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The Board of General Purposes regrets to record the death of the following Present and Past Grand Offi cers reported up to 10 February 2015:

RW Bro R.A. Palmer, OBE, TD, DL, PProvGM, Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire RW Bro R.S.E. Sandbach, OSM, PProvGM, Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire RW Bro J.G. Baines, PDistGM, South Island, New Zealand VW Bro the Rev Dr M. Morgan, PGChap VW Bro A.J. Day, PGSwdB VW Bro D. Roberts, PGSwdB W Bro R.J. McGarel-Groves, OBE, PDepGSwdB W Bro B.A. Mauladad, PSGD W Bro F. McCormick, OSM, PSGD W Bro W.E. Pemu, PSGD W Bro J.B. Toler, PSGD W Bro K.G. Churchill-Coleman, OBE, QPM, PSGD W Bro J.H. Parkin, PSGD W Bro R.A. Proles, PSGD W Bro C.L. Rashbrook, PSGD W Bro C.H. Thompson, PSGD W Bro C. Stewart, PJGD W Bro G.N. Fletcher, TD, PJGD W Bro F.H. Saunders, PJGD W Bro L.R. Harborne, PJGD W Bro J.H. Britton, PJGD W Bro R.P Rosswick, PJGD W Bro J.S. Smith, PJGD W Bro W.E.G. Woods, PJGD W Bro G. Lee, PJGD W Bro D.W.R. Gibbins, PJGD W Bro Maj C.F. Lepper, PJGD W Bro J.W. Tinsley, PJGD W Bro D.F. McFarlane, PJGD W Bro E.G. Sampson, PJGD W Bro A.B. Griffi ths, PJGD W Bro A.V. Holton, PJGD W Bro Dr D.A. Lewis, PJGD W Bro H. Kaye, PAGReg W Bro D.M. Garside, PAGReg W Bro R.S. Biggins, PAGDC

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W Bro A.A.J. Guy, PAGDC W Bro S.A. West, PAGDC W Bro E.A. Gibb, PAGDC W Bro J. Hernandez, PAGDC W Bro D.S. Hetherington, PAGDC W Bro S. Blain, PAGDC W Bro T.B. Clegg, PAGDC W Bro E.D. Dawes, PAGDC W Bro G.J. Maskrey, PAGDC W Bro Dr C.J.H. Thesiger, PAGDC W Bro M.D. Chatterton, PAGDC W Bro J.W. Watson, PAGDC W Bro J.C. Blackledge, PAGDC W Bro J. Gould, PAGDC W Bro K.H. Parish, PAGDC W Bro N.D. Cooper, PAGDC W Bro A.V.B. Lo, PAGDC W Bro R. Kirkham, PAGDC W Bro G.E. Mattocks, PAGDC W Bro C.E. Mogg, PAGDC W Bro J.I. Benrimoj, PAGDC W Bro P.W. Brown, PAGDC W Bro F.J. Carrington, PAGDC W Bro P.R. Covell, PAGDC W Bro Dr F.E. Nichol, PAGDC W Bro Prof T.S. Jewitt, PAGSwdB W Bro M.J. Cookson, PAGSwdB W Bro K. Kingham, PGStB W Bro M.R. Lawrence, PGStB W Bro J.R.M. Hall, PGStB W Bro E. Kyprianou, PGStB W Bro R.T. Cook, PGStB W Bro R.A. Drury, PGStB W Bro K.F. Crake, PGStB W Bro P.J.A. Heyden, PGStB W Bro B.C. Ingham, PGStB W Bro I.P. Wilson, PAGStB W Bro G.A. Page, PAGStB

Death of Grand Offi cers (continued)

723 [March 11, 2015

ERASURE OF LODGES

9. The Board has received a report that twenty-eight Lodges have closed and have surrendered their Warrants. The Lodges are:

Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar Lodge, No. 1903 (Hampshire & Isle of Wight)Sanctuary Lodge, No. 3051 (London)St Aidan Lodge, No. 3460 (Northumberland)Leoride Lodge, No. 3585 (Surrey)Whiston Lodge, No. 3614 (Cheshire)Hendon Aero Lodge, No. 3895 (London)Sanderstead Lodge, No. 4133 (Surrey)Abbeygate Lodge, No. 4219 (Essex)Cambridge Heath Lodge, No. 4506 (London)Winlaton Lodge, No. 4546 (Durham)Priory Lodge, No. 4671 (Yorkshire West Riding)London Nottinghamshire Lodge, No. 5133 (London)Beaux Arts Lodge, No. 5707 (Surrey)Windmill Hill Lodge, No. 5843 (Middlesex)Edgbaston Lodge, No. 5980 (Warwickshire)Observer Lodge, No. 6015 (South Wales)Vallum Lodge, No. 6208 (Northumberland)Heworth Lodge, No. 6331 (Durham)Burstow Link Lodge, No. 6601 (Surrey)Lodge of Good Endeavour, No. 6628 (Cheshire)Lodge of Fidelity, No. 7237 (Durham)Blackpool Lodge of Loyalty, No. 7332 (West Lancashire)London River Lodge, No. 7595 (Surrey)Withy Lodge, No. 7733 (West Lancashire)Lodge of Solidarity, No. 8018 (London)Walcountian Lodge, No. 8417 (Surrey)Lodge of Perception, No. 8492 (Warwickshire)Cudlow Lodge, No. 8738 (Sussex)

10. Over recent years, the Lodges have found themselves no longer viable. The Board is satisfi ed that further efforts to save them would be to no avail and therefore has no alternative but to recommend that they be erased. A Resolution to this effect appears at item 5 of the Paper of Business.

FREEMASONS’ HALL, LONDON (Signed) A.C. WILSON

10 February 2015 President

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PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES: MW Pro Grand Master and Brethren, I believe that the Board’s Report largely speaks for itself, but I do wish to say a few words about the section in it headed “Masonic Standards and Values”. Every new Mason is told in the Charge after Initiation of the ancient and honourable nature of the Craft and his attention is drawn to his duty to God, his neighbour and himself, as well as to his duties as a citizen and a private individual. Every one of us, on hearing that Charge again should be reminded of those lessons; yet it may be that the familiar words have, at least for some, ceased to have the impact that they once made – and should continue to make. I therefore make no apology for the Board’s having included this section in its Report. The maintenance of the standards expected of a Freemason is important and it is not too much to hope that, even if at times individual Brethren fall short of the ideal, every Freemason should aspire to be a model citizen not just in areas directly regulated by the criminal law, but in other areas where the legal rights of others are involved.

MW Pro Grand Master and Brethren, I move that the Report of the Board of General Purposes be adopted and entered in the Minutes.

The Motion was seconded by the DEPUTY PRESIDENT and was agreed to.MW PRO GRAND MASTER: Brethren, the Board’s Report lists the names of

those Grand Offi cers whose deaths were reported up to 10 February. I now call onyou to stand in memory of those departed Grand Offi cers and other members of Grand Lodge.

The Brethren stood in silence.

RESOLUTION FOR THE GRAND LODGE

AMALAGAMATION

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES moved the removal from the register of the Grand Lodge of New Southgate Lodge, No. 5187 (London).

The Motion was seconded by the DEPUTY PRESIDENT and was agreed to.

RESOLUTION FOR THE GRAND LODGE

ERASURE OF LODGES

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES moved the erasure from the register of the Grand Lodge of the following Lodges:

Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar Lodge, No. 1903 (Hampshire & Isle of Wight); Sanctuary Lodge, No. 3051 (London); St Aidan Lodge, No. 3460 (Northumberland); Leoride Lodge, No. 3585 (Surrey); Whiston Lodge, No. 3614 (Cheshire);

725 [March 11, 2015

Hendon Aero Lodge, No. 3895 (London); Sanderstead Lodge, No. 4133 (Surrey); Abbeygate Lodge, No. 4219 (Essex); Cambridge Heath Lodge, No. 4506 (London); Winlaton Lodge, No. 4546 (Durham); Priory Lodge, No. 4671 (Yorkshire West Riding); London Nottinghamshire Lodge, No. 5133 (London); Beaux Arts Lodge, No. 5707 (Surrey); Windmill Hill Lodge, No. 5843 (Middlesex); Edgbaston Lodge, No. 5980 (Warwickshire); Observer Lodge, No. 6015 (South Wales); Vallum Lodge, No. 6208 (Northumberland); Heworth Lodge, No. 6331 (Durham); Burstow Link Lodge, No. 6601 (Surrey); Lodge of Good Endeavour, No. 6628 (Cheshire); Lodge of Fidelity, No. 7237 (Durham); Blackpool Lodge of Loyalty, No. 7332(West Lancashire); London River Lodge, No. 7595 (Surrey); Withy Lodge, No. 7733 (West Lancashire); Lodge of Solidarity, No. 8018 (London); Walcountian Lodge, No. 8417 (Surrey); Lodge of Perception, No. 8492 (Warwickshire); and Cudlow Lodge, No. 8738 (Sussex).

The Motion was seconded by the DEPUTY PRESIDENT and was agreed to.

MOTION PURSUANT TO NOTICE

AMENDMENTS TO THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES: MW Pro Grand Master and Brethren, before I move the amendments to the Book of Constitutions, I wish to say a few words about the proposed amendment to Rule 183. In these days when considerable effort is devoted to retaining members, London and many Provinces operate a system of “exit interviews”. The present period of twenty-one days which a Brother may be given by his Lodge in order to reconsider his resignation allows little time for Metropolitan or Provincial authorities to ascertain the reason for his resignation and perhaps fi nd a more convenient or congenial Lodge for him. It is, of course, not incumbent on a Lodge to allow a Brother time to reconsider his resignation, but the Board believes that, if a Lodge is so willing, the proposed period of sixty days will afford a far greater opportunity than is at present the case for his successful retention in the Craft.

MW Pro Grand Master and Brethren I move the amendments to Rules 5, 18 and 183 standing in my name at item 6 of the Paper of Business.

On the motion of the PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES, seconded by the DEPUTY PRESIDENT, the following amendments to the Book of Constitutions were approved:

(a) Rule 5 amended by deleting “67a. Assistant Grand Chancellor.”and substituting therefor “67a. Assistant Grand Chancellors.”

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(b) Rule 18 amended by deleting “He may also appoint a Deputy Grand Secretary, a Deputy Grand Chancellor, a Grand Orator, not more than two Assistant Grand Secretaries and an Assistant Grand Chancellor.” and substituting therefor “He may also appoint a Deputy Grand Secretary, a Deputy Grand Chancellor, a Grand Orator, not more than two Assistant Grand Secretaries and not more than two Assistant Grand Chancellors.”

(c) Rule 183 amended by substituting “sixty days” for “twenty-one days” in the fourth line of the fi rst proviso to the Rule.

NOTICE OF MOTION

AMENDMENT TO THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES: MW Pro Grand Master and Brethren, I give notice that at the next Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge, I will move the amendments to the Book of Constitutions standing in my name at item 7 of the Paper of Business:

That a new Rule 191D be inserted into the Book of Constitutions as follows:“191D. (a) Every petition or memorial to the Grand Master for a Warrant of

Constitution, a Warrant of Confi rmation, a Warrant (or Warrant of Confi rmation) for a Centenary Jewel, a Warrant (or Warrant of Confi rmation) for a Bi-Centenary Bar or a Certifi cate of Amalgamation shall be submitted in written form, using in every case in which it is applicable the printed form from time to time supplied by the Grand Secretary, and shall not be entertained unless the actual petition or memorial received by the Grand Secretary has been signed by every person subscribing to the same.

(b) Whenever it shall be necessary in accordance with any Rule: (i) to summon any Lodge or Brother to appear before (A) the Grand Lodge; (B) the Grand Master or his Deputy or Assistant; (C) the Board of General Purposes; (D) any Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Master

(or any Brother nominated by him); or (E) any Grand Inspector; or (ii) to send any notice or document to a Lodge or an individual Brother in

connection with (A) any summons under Rules 74 or 234; (B) any motion under Rule 105(b) that the Master Elect be

not installed;

727 [March 11, 2015

(C) the removal of any Offi cer of a Lodge under Rule 120; (D) the permanent exclusion of a Brother under Rule 181; (E) any disciplinary proceedings or any dispute falling

within the provisions of Rule 184; (F) any appeal under Rule 185; or (G) any plea for clemency

such notice, summons or document shall be sent in written form and shall not be valid unless the actual notice or summons or, in the case of any document, the letter covering the same, received by the Grand Secretary or the Lodge or Brother has been signed by the person issuing the same.

(c) Whenever in this or any Rule it shall be a requirement that any document be signed, the signature shall be an original signature personally affi xed in his own handwriting by the individual concerned and in no case shall it be permissible to use a facsimile signature or to transmit the document by electronic means.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Rule, if the Grand Secretary or any Lodge or Brother shall receive any such notice or summons or document by electronic means and shall proceed to act upon it as though it had been issued in compliance with the provisions of such paragraphs, he or the Lodge as the case may be shall not thereafter be entitled to treat it as invalid in reliance only upon the fact that it was not issued in written form and duly signed.”

MASONIC HOUSING ASSOCIATION

MW PRO GRAND MASTER: Brethren, we are to receive a presentation on the Masonic Housing Association by W Bro Martin Clarke, Chairman of the Association.

W BRO MARTIN CLARKE, PSGD: MW Pro Grand Master and Brethren, I am here today to give a brief presentation on one of the Masonic success stories of the last 40 years. It gives practical assistance to both those with Masonic connections and those without, and therefore combines our undertaking to help Freemasons in need and to make a contribution to the good of Freemasonry in general, demonstrating again that Freemasons’ generosity extends outside immediate self-interest. I refer to the work of the Masonic Housing Association where tangible results can be seen in the happy faces of those living in its properties.

Its beginnings were charitable in nature. When the 1974 Housing Act provided grants towards the construction of social housing schemes the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution saw an opportunity to extend its provision of services to encompass what became known as sheltered housing. However the rules prevented RMBI from participation in grants because of its charitable status and, therefore,

728March 11, 2015]

it was necessary to create a separate entity. This was done in 1975, alongside the RMBI, but as an independent body and was then called the Masonic Charitable Housing. Technically it is not a charity but is registered under the Industrial and Provident Society legislation. However it is also an exempt charity and able to receive and dispense charitable donations. So in one sense it is our fi fth – or soon to become our second – charity, but it is fi nancially self-supporting and apart from initial donations, has had no call on central charitable funds.

Masonic donations were made – some in cash and some in land – and grants were raised to build fi ve properties. Under the Chairmanship of Lord Burnham the fi rst property was built in 1980 in Aylesbury, in the Province of Buckinghamshire, and thereafter four more were built between then and 1992 in South Woodham Ferrers in the Province of Essex, Wellingborough in Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire, and Rugeley in Staffordshire, being located in those Provinces which had agreed to be party to the initial objectives. Last year we enlarged the property in Wellingborough with additional accommodation, spending £1 million from accumulated reserves.

I have stressed the Provinces in which the properties are located because the involvement of the Provinces is perhaps the most important aspect in this whole initiative, as I shall describe later.

In round fi gures the investment in the fi ve schemes amounted to £6m in land and buildings fi nanced by Masonic donations of £600k, £4m in grants and £900,000 in loans from the Housing Corporation, which has since been repaid. Although we have no formal valuation of the estate, to give a sense of proportion of the investment in today’s money, the properties are worth between £20 and £25 million. We have only £300,000 of borrowings.

What is sheltered housing?You must forgive me if you already know a lot about Housing Associations and

Sheltered Housing, but some may be less familiar.A Housing Association is a non profi t making organisation which provides

and manages homes for people who cannot afford to buy a suitable home on the open market. Any surplus is ploughed back into the organisation to maintain existing homes and build new ones. Renting from a housing association remains a cheaper option than renting an equivalent standard of accommodation in the private sector – at least 20% less – and tenants can still receive housing and other benefi ts if they qualify.

Sheltered housing provides independent living in a smaller and easier to manage home with the opportunity to call on a warden or a call service if there is an emergency, and the provision of facilities for social interaction.

Rents are regulated by Government and are set according to a valuation of each

729 [March 11, 2015

property increased annually by a formula of RPI plus one half of one percent. The weekly rent including a service charge for management of the property, heating and lighting, and the warden, currently ranges from £129 to £164.

This is what Masonic Housing Association is – a housing association providing sheltered accommodation for over 240 people at a modest cost.

What do we provide by way of accommodation?All accommodation is in self-contained one- or two-person fl ats under one

roof, with a protected main entrance for security. Each tenant has their own front door to their fl at. All units have a bedroom, a living room, bathroom and kitchen.

Personal safety and security is of paramount importance to elderly people. It is our policy to provide a warden, in contrast to many sheltered housing schemes that only provide an emergency call system. We provide both.

There is a residents’ lounge and adjoining kitchen, used extensively by the tenants and the local house committees for social functions, well equipped laundries, and guest rooms where friends or relatives can stay for a nominal charge.

We are emphatically not a care home. Care, when needed, is provided by various agencies within each home. We have an understanding with the next of kin that where care cannot be provided satisfactorily in the home, for example with Alzheimer’s, then the tenant needs to go to a care home. In many cases we can use our good connections with RMBI to make a practical transfer but it depends on the geographical location of the next of kin and their ability to visit.

Where do our tenants come from?Grants came with certain obligations which require a proportion of the lettings

to nominees of the local housing authority, so we are prevented from letting solely to those with Masonic connections. Broadly speaking the nominations are split 50/50, half from the local authority and half from an open waiting list from direct applications. Those with Masonic connections form a large part of this waiting list.

Local authorities cannot impose nominations as selection of tenants includes an interview to ensure, as far as possible, compatibility what is quite a close community, with the fi nal decision remaining with local committee. The local authorities understand this and so more often than not we can fi ll the vacancy from our waiting list.

Currently our tenants range in age from 53 to 103. Their average age on entry is 77 and their average length of tenure is about seven years.

How it is managed?As you would expect, MHA has a Board with a range of useful skills drawn

from Masons and includes the widow of a Mason. The Board selects new members

730March 11, 2015]

itself, but the Chief Executive of the Grand Charity keeps an occasional eye onus as an Observer. Members tend to be senior Masons and in recent times wehave had two Right Worshipful and two Very Worshipful Brethren, a number of Grand Offi cers from both Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Lodge and four Past Grand Stewards.

There are two parts to our business model which makes MHA unique.First, at the local level, apart from one employed warden at each property, the

schemes are managed by voluntary house committees of local Freemasons assisted by their wives. The Provincial Grand Master appoints the local chairman, usually a Grand Offi cer or Provincial Grand Offi cer, who then appoints other committee members with the approval of the Provincial Grand Master. The Chairmen become ex offi cio members of the MHA Board.

Each scheme has a surveyor or architect on the committee, usually a Mason, who is responsible for refurbishment, maintenance and long term repairs. We take every opportunity when tenants move out or on to redecorate accommodation. We keep abreast of technological developments in energy, insulation or television, and we build up reserves for long term replacement expired assests like windows, roofs and boilers.

Secondly, we manage the overall organisation centrally. We have outsourced routine administration to another Housing Association, based in Croydon, which runs its own schemes and performs administrative work for other housing associations. This means we do not have to reinvent the wheel when dealing with regulation, can gain the benefi t of scale from common systems, and have up-to-date expertise. The cost is less than half what it was when we had our own administration here in Great Queen Street and gives the Board peace of mind that is required when confronted with regulations, particularly for the elderly like those on disability, health and safety, legionnaires disease, fi re risk and evaluation and so on.

The result is a very lean operation fi nancially. As I said earlier, rents are regulated, but they are set for housing associations that have to employ a number of people. We get huge fi nancial benefi t from the local Masonic volunteers who carry out functions that would otherwise require paid hands.

We have a healthy free cash fl ow of £450,000 per annum out of which we can replace time expired assets and keep the properties to a high standard. Additionally, close contact with local Lodges produces donations which are used to enhance the lifestyle of the residents, ranging from social functions to the provision of additional amenities and services.

But of course it is not just fi nancial. The Provinces in which our schemes are based regard them as a jewel in their crown and I know how much enjoyment and satisfaction is derived by the volunteers. And, of course, this transfers itself to the community they serve.

731 [March 11, 2015

What are our risks and priorities?1. We need to keep the properties fullGenerally we have been very successful in achieving 95% occupancy, the 5%

in voids being the time required to refurbish vacated properties for new tenants. There are a number of factors to which we are now paying attention. Applicants are coming to us later in life. There is an increasing demand from married couples. Increased longevity, better facilities for care in the home, depressed house prices causing a delay in downsizing – they all contribute to this shift in demand. However much we are all likely to live longer, anno domini does have its effect on health, particularly in disease like Alzheimer’s, so as we cannot provide care in such cases, the average length of a tenancy is also likely to be shorter.

Competition is apparent. There are many newer properties built to the higher standard of accommodation now required. We are also looking to see where we can make alterations to the properties to accommodate more couples.

On the plus side the elderly population is growing and the accommodation for them is not growing that fast. Secondly, because of our business model, there is a useful cushion between what we can earn and what we need to earn to keep the properties paying their way.

But this is, of course, where you can all help through your communications offi cers and Lodge Almoners becoming familiar with what we offer. The Board feels that we have been “under the radar”, except in the Provinces where the properties are located; hence my gratitude for being given the opportunity to speak to you today. Details of all our properties are on the websites of the Provinces concerned and on Porchway. Shortly we shall be launching our own website. It would be very useful if you could link us to your own Provincial website; this way all Masons can be kept up to date with any developments.

2. Keeping our properties fi t for purposeAll of our properties were built to standards applicable at the time. In the older

ones the space is smaller than the current standard; not that that in itself has deterred applicants, but those fl ats are not suitable for people with disabilities requiring, for example, the use of a wheelchair. Wherever possible we are refurbishing the fl ats to make better use of the space we have, but there are limitations. Currently we are half way through a complete refurbishment of the Wellingborough property.

We are considering building a new property to replace our oldest which is now becoming less suitable for the older tenant and cannot be modifi ed. This would be a very complex transaction possibly requiring us effectively to swap ourexisting property to avoid the repayment of grant and to secure new grants and loans for the new build to the latest standards. We are in early discussions with the appropriate authorities.

732March 11, 2015]

3. DonationsWe always welcome donations from Lodges. Lodges have supported their

local property and we have received donations from unconnected Lodges in the past, particularly Grand Stewards’ Lodge, which were put to good use and for which we are grateful.

4. Volunteers for the BoardWe need to refresh the Board from time to time. So if you would like to help

please get in touch. The address is in the Year Book.These are the matters presently occupying the Board. For the future:5. New developments in the ProvincesWe are always interested in discussing the possibility of building additional

properties in other Masonic Provinces, but this is dependent on local interest. Provincial support is essential as our model requires substantial cooperation and enthusiasm from local Masons. The fi nancing would have to be by grant, donations and loans as rents in themselves will not provide adequate fi nance for the project. At present, as Iʼm sure you know, the supply of government fi nance is limited but our cover for loans is excellent.

6. Merger with another Housing Association;Rather than develop afresh there may be possibilities for merger at minimal

cost. Again we would look for Provincial support. But above all, we wish to retain our independence.

In its forty years of life Masonic Housing Association has operated successfully and has sheltered housing of which we can all be very proud. That is a good thing in its own right. It has also shown in practical terms how Freemasons are involved in their local communities providing security, comfort and independence for the elderly. It is a splendid way also in which the Craft reaches out to provide benefi ts to non-Masons. We face the future with confi dence and I am grateful for the opportunity to present to you.

MW PRO GRAND MASTER: Brethren, personally I think that was fascinating. I knew a bit about the Masonic Housing Association, but I am confi dent that there are an awful lot of people here today who knew absolutely nothing about it. I think itʼs important that some of our smaller charities do get airtime. So, I am particularly grateful to you Brother Clarke for coming and talking to us. Thank you (Applause)

ORDER OF SERVICE TO MASONRY

MW PRO GRAND MASTER: Brethren, I now have a very pleasant duty to perform. It is to invest a Brother with the Grand Master’s Order of Service to Masonry, and I call on the Grand Secretary to read the citation.

733 [March 11, 2015

THE GRAND SECRETARY: MW Pro Grand Master and Brethren, Brother Charles Grace was made a Mason in October, 1966, at the age of 27, in his old school Lodge, Old Marlburian Lodge, No. 3533, in London and became its Master in 1983. In the meantime he had joined, and in 1981 served in the Chair of, St. George’s Lodge of Harmony, No. 32 in Liverpool, where he was at the time working in shipping. He is a member and Past Master of three other Lodges in London. He was exalted into the Royal Arch in Jerusalem Chapter, No. 32 in 1978, and ten years later joined Old Union Chapter, No. 46 in London, becoming its First Principal in 1997. He is a member of two other London Chapters.

Brother Grace was appointed to the offi ce of Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Craft in 1997 and that of Grand Standard Bearer in the Royal Arch in 2000. With the evolving reorganisation of London Masonry he was promoted, as one of over twenty Group Chairmen under “London Management”, to Junior Grand Deacon in 2000. On the formation of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge (and Chapter) of London in October 2003, he became the Metropolitan Group Chairman for the Ripon Group, and following a further reorganisation of London he was appointed as one of the fi rst batch of Assistant Metropolitan Grand Masters and Assistant Metropolitan Grand Superintendents in 2007 until his appointment as Deputy Metropolitan Grand Superintendent from 2009 to 2011. He currently holds the rank of Past Grand Sword Bearer in the Craft and Past Grand Scribe Nehemiah in the Royal Arch.

Brother Grace’s service to Freemasonry, however, has by no means been confi ned to London. He served from 1995 to 2003 as Deputy Chairman of the Public School Lodges’ Council and for a further year as its Chairman. He has also been a member of the Committee of General Purposes of Grand Chapter since 2005, and in that capacity has been a strong contributor to the Committee’s deliberations, including those in relation to the arrangements for the Royal Arch “Bi-Centenary”, which took place in October 2013. Most notably, however, he has acted as the unpaid project manager for the refurbishment and extension of the Henry Willis Organ in the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall, which has been in progress since the beginning of 2014 and is due to be fi nished later in the spring. Although the Organ cannot be heard in all its glory today, much – but not yet all – of its glistening pipework is already enhancing the visual impact of the Grand Temple.

It is gratifying to know that, at the age of seventy-fi ve, he is active enough to continue to be able to give us the benefi t of his counsel and experience for many years to come.

(Brother Grace was invested)(Loud applause)

734March 11, 2015]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MW PRO GRAND MASTER: Brethren, I have to announce that the MW The Grand Master has made the following appointments:

VW Bro Stephen Charles Pearn, PGSwdB, as Provincial Grand Master for Cornwall, in succession to RW Bro Peter George, who retired on 7 January.Bro Pearn will be installed on 11 April; and

W Bro Arthur Steven Varley, PSGD, as Provincial Grand Master for Derbyshire, in succession to RW Bro Graham Rudd, who retired on 28 February. Bro Varley will be installed on 1 April.

WELCOME

MW PRO GRAND MASTER: Brethren, I would like on your behalf to welcome some distinguished Brethren from overseas who are with us today.

From the Grand Lodge of Greece, we have the Grand Master, MW Bro George Vassilogeorgis;

from the Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland, our Representative at that Grand Lodge, W Bro Colin Mills;

from the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan, the Grand Master, MW Bro John Leyshon;

from the Grand Lodge of the Czech Republic, the Grand Master, MW Bro Jacques Huyghebaert;

from the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium, the Grand Orator, VW Bro Michel Huyghebaert; and

from the Grand Lodge of Russia, the Grand Chaplain, RW Bro Nikit Zykov.From our own Constitution we have, from Nigeria, the District Grand Master,

RW Bro Chief Moses Taiga; he is accompanied by W Bro the Hon. Justice Peter Umeadi, PAGReg;

from Malta, the Grand Inspector, VW Bro Dr Lawrence Porter;from Cyprus, the Assistant District Grand Master, W Bro Andrew Theocharous,

PAGDC; he is accompanied by the Past Master of one of our Lodges in that District;from Eastern Archipelago, an Assistant District Grand Master, W Bro David

Thomas, PAGDC;from Trinidad and Tobago, the District Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies,

W Bro Stephen Cobham; andfrom our Star of the East Lodge in Zante, Greece, the Immediate Past Master,

W Bro Ioannis Kefallinos.

735 [March 11, 2015

I have had no notice of any other distinguished visitors from overseas. However, I extend on your behalf a very warm welcome to all Brethren who have travelled a long distance to be with us today.

PRO GRAND MASTER’S ADDRESS

Brethren, the March issue of Freemasonry Today covers the results of the latest Membership Focus Group survey seeking members’ views on many aspects of Freemasonry including friendship, Masonic ceremony and charity work.

5,265 members took part in the survey.I will let you read the full results, but I wanted to highlight the following four

areas that scored highly. Having respect for others came fi rst, closely followed by being with people who respected others, then meeting people with integrity followed by the ethical and moral ethos of Freemasonry. I have said often in the past that it is no surprise that Freemasonry is such a remarkable fund raiser for Charity, because of our code of conduct. I suggest, Brethren, that these responses simply endorse that view.

This and future surveys support the Group’s aim of ensuring that any decision about Freemasonry draws upon the views, talents and ideas of members at all levels – not least at Lodge level.

Talking of Lodge level leads me to remind you that the next annual Mentoring Conference is to be held next week and I take this opportunity to stress the continued importance of the Metropolitan, Provincial and District Grand Mentors’ role.

I know that the majority of Lodges have now appointed a Mentoring Coordinator, but I still remain concerned that, in many cases, no personal mentors have been selected. Here, there is a skill in matching the right personal mentor – that is to say, with the best personality characteristics and appropriate knowledge – with each candidate. This relationship will be ever changing as the candidate develops his understanding.

There can be no doubt that the early days of a candidate’s membership are the most impressionable and so it is important that the right personal mentor is assigned as early as possible after the interview stage and, at any rate, from initiation onwards. Pastoral care will always be a vital part of this relationship and it is at this early stage that the candidate should be told that it is perfectly acceptable to talk about Freemasonry and, indeed, be encouraged to do so, particularly as he becomes more experienced. In addition they should demonstrate pride in their membership to their family, friends and acquaintances.

The Metropolitan, Provincial and District Mentors have played a signifi cant role in the running the Mentoring Scheme and I look to the Lodges to support them in their important task of helping develop and retain membership at Lodge level.

736March 11, 2015]

The Grand Lodge was Closed in ample form and with solemn prayer. At the close of the proceedings, the fi rst verse of the National Anthem was sung.

The meeting closed at 12.58 p.m.

LIST OF NEW LODGES FOR WHICH WARRANTS HAVE BEEN GRANTED BY

THE MW THE GRAND MASTER SHOWING THE DATES FROM WHICH

THEIR WARRANTS BECAME EFFECTIVE

DATE OF WARRANT/ LOCATION AREA

NO. AND NAME OF LODGE

12 November 2014

9903 Lodge of Brevity Eastleigh Hants & IoW

10 December 2014

9904 Sir Louis Mbanefo Lodge Onitsha Nigeria

9905 Glaslyn Lodge of Installed Masters Porthmadog North Wales

RECORDED ATTENDANCE AT THE GRAND LODGEGrand Offi cers (including Present Grand Stewards) ........................................................... 572Masters, Wardens and Past Masters ..................................................................................... 641Visitors ..................................................................................................................................... 7Total .................................................................................................................................. 1,220