The years of sustained grit and determination that have gone in to creating Louth Freemasons’ new premises have been rewarded with a well-attended ceremony of dedication performed by Provincial Grand Master Dave Wheeler.
At the festive board, following the dedication ceremony, and after thanking the Louth Lodges for their hospitality and welcome, the Provincial Grand Master gave special thanks to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Noel Fisher, and the Provincial Grand Chaplain Brian Roberts, for their contributions to the planning of and involvement in the dedication ceremony. He also made a special mention of Graham Ives, Past Provincial Grand Master, who had been Provincial Grand Master when the project to construct the new centre had begun. Graham, who was present, said that this was the fourth new centre dedicated in Lincolnshire in the last ten years, which he felt must be ‘some sort of record’!
The Provincial Grand Master went on to present Ian Castledine, the secretary of the Louth Lodge Benevolent Fund, with a framed, signed and dated copy of the proclamation celebrating the dedication of the new building that will be displayed in the Lodge room for the benefit of future brethren and as a memento of such a historic occasion for Louth Freemasons and a significant milestone for the Province.
Finally, on behalf of the dedication team, the Provincial Grand Master donated £500 to purchase a commemorative Founders Brick as part of the fundraising efforts for the new building. This project has already raised £38,000 for the building fund, and anyone who wishes to be involved can still contribute. Details are at the foot of this post.
The building, on the Fairfield Way Industrial Estate, offers a fine backdrop for ceremonies of three craft lodges – Lindsey 712, Hermes 6861, Daylight 9748, and St James Royal Arch Chapter.
The Freemasons moved from our previous home in Louth’s Queen Street after 65 years because it was a relatively old structure in need of constant maintenance and repair. Members were unable to generate enough money to carry on the building, which had limited commercial use.
The new building has about 600 square metres of internal space including a lodge room, a dining/function room, kitchen and bar area and changing rooms, as well as ample car parking.
There’s still time to have the memory of someone special recorded for ever on the wall at the Louth Masonic Centre. Read the the Founders Brick letter to find out more.
Picture: Ken Rose
