Every year, Freemasons from across Berkshire gather for one of the most significant events in our provincial calendar: the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge, held at the magnificent centre in Sindlesham. This year, however, was particularly special for the brethren of Sudlington Bridge 8762. We were bestowed the high honour of having our lodge banner displayed in the temple during the meeting – a proud and prominent recognition of our place within the Province.
The day began not with pomp and ceremony, but with a practical act of service. Myself and another brother from our Lodge were tasked with directing the incoming traffic. With this event being famously oversubscribed compared to the available parking, a bit of creative thinking was essential to ensure every brother found a space. It was a humble but vital role, and a great way to greet familiar faces and welcome visitors to our provincial home.
As the afternoon progressed, a palpable sense of occasion filled the air. The ceremony was due to begin at 3:30 PM, with the Provincial Grand Lodge being formally opened at 4:00 PM by our Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by his full retinue of Provincial Officers. For me, this was a day of firsts. As my first time attending the Annual Meeting, I truly didn't know what to expect. The temple was a sea of brethren, a testament to the expectation that every Lodge within the Province be represented. It was also a showcase of how special our Province is, with an array of distinguished guests including Provincial Grand Masters and their officers from other Provinces.
The ceremony itself was an entirely new experience. As this was a meeting conducted for Master Masons, the ritual was different from what I was accustomed to, and it was utterly fascinating to witness. As a first-time attendee, there were certainly moments where I took a beat, subtly watching the seasoned brethren around me to ensure I was following the correct etiquette and getting things right! Yet, like all Masonic ritual, there were familiar threads of similarity I could draw upon from past ceremonies.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Provincial Grand Master appointing, obligating, and investing his officers for the ensuing year. Watching this was nothing short of inspiring. It planted a seed of ambition, a thought that through hard work, dedication, and commitment, perhaps one day myself or my brothers could be called upon to hold such a position within our Province.
There are moments in Freemasonry that truly make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and this day had one of them. Hearing a room of that size, filled with men from all walks of life, join together in unison and harmony to sing the National Anthem was profoundly moving. You don't realise how powerful that sound is until you are in the middle of it, feeling the passion and pride resonate throughout the temple.
After the ceremony, we moved to the festive board, where the warmth of fellowship replaced the formality of the lodge room. This was a fantastic opportunity to mingle, to speak with senior officers of the Province, and even to meet some of the visiting Provincial Grand Masters. As with all Masonic meetings, it was a time to reflect, to meet new people, and to spend time with fascinating individuals you might otherwise never encounter.
I had the great privilege of sitting next to a brother who was a true veteran of the Craft, with decades of experience not just in Craft Masonry but also in other orders and chapters. Hearing his stories and gleaning a fraction of his wisdom was a highlight of the evening.
The meal was excellent, the company even better, and the toasts were delivered with sincerity and good humour. And, in my humble opinion, any festive board that concludes with a proper cheeseboard is a very good festive board indeed!
Leaving Sindlesham, I was filled with a profound sense of pride – pride in my Lodge for being recognised, pride in our Province, and a renewed sense of inspiration for the journey that lies ahead in Freemasonry.
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Wow Tom what a fantastic experience you have written about it made me feel I was there !
I hope the experience you enjoyed helps you and the attendees and anybody who reads it feel inspired to understand and look forward to a future in Freemasonry!