Saturday 10th December started out a dull and dreary day but it wasn’t destined to remain that way.
It was by far the coldest day so far this winter, Cathedral Green in Exeter was overflowing with the largest Christmas Fair seen in many years and all the local population seemed to be there, all wrapped up against the cold but just happy to be able to purchase the huge variety of items on offer, many not available online or in the shops, the atmosphere was fantastic.
Leaving this joyous if chilly sight, we entered the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Exeter to behold the wonderous sight of a congregation of nearly 600 Freemasons and their families, the welcome was as warm as it was cold outside.
The service
The Masonic Christmas Carol Service was opened by a fantastic parade of lodge banners carried by members of their respective lodges, this stretched almost the whole length of the main isle and was a sight to behold, then the fabulous voices of members of the Cathedral Choir sang the opening hymn to the delight of those present, where those heavenly voices come from is a mystery.
Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter gave the opening address, making strong reference to the long and friendly association held between the Cathedral and Devonshire Freemasons hoping that it would continue long into the future. Jonathan also promised to help Ian Kingsbury our Provincial Grand Master when it came time to distribute the gifts to the forty plus children in attendance.
This simple but important gesture to the children has become an integral part of the service as have the seven readings given by the Wardens and Executive of the Province who together with heads of other orders dispersed between the singing of Christmas Carols.
The Carols
The Birth of Jesus is Foretold, read by Kevin Jones
The Birth of Jesus, read by Robert Syme
The Shepherds and The Angels, read by David Purdie. Provincial Grand Master
BC:AD, read by Andrew Vodden. Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Visit of the Wise Men, read by Craig Cox. Assistant Provincial Grand Master
The Lamb, read by Charles Yelland. Assistant Provincial Grand Master
The Boy Jesus Grows in Wisdom, read by Peter Keaty. Assistant Provincial Grand Master
The Journey of the Magi Continued, read by Nicholas Ball. Deputy Provincial Grand Master
St. John the Great Mystery of the Incarnation, read by Ian Kingsbury. Provincial Grand Master
The Presents
Having received their Christmas gifts the children returned to their seats with their parents, shortly after which the collection was taken and it was noted with some amusement that one little two-year-old girl donated her Smartie, a generous gesture and a memory which will be remembered for many years by her family.
The Head Verger, Dean and our Provincial Grand Master, followed by the banners then led the parade and the congregation out of the Cathedral after what had been a very rewarding and enjoyable afternoon and back into the chill of what by then was the early evening air and the hoards still enjoying the fair.
