Oh what a night! It wasn’t late December in 1963 it was early November in 2022.
Supported by The Provincial Grand Master, Ian Kingsbury, JP and his team the brethren of The Saint Andrew Lodge were able to celebrate their Centenary in real style.
20 years ago, they looked to the future and started saving for this event so that brethren both present and sadly passed, but well remembered, had contributed to this truly Masonic evening.
Never afraid of a challenge they decamped from their usual haunt at Manadon Masonic Hall and transferred all Temple Tools and associated paraphernalia to the Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Citadel Street near the Barbican in Plymouth. Why? Well in part because the Temple there could comfortably accommodate the 100 brethren but also because 100 years ago their founders met for the Consecration event at the original Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall. Sadly, a wayward bomb during the second world war demolished the Hall situated in George Place Plymouth but being within its successor served to add a certain sentimentality to the event. The square on the VSL survived Mr Hitler’s attention and was present for the Centenary Ceremony as was the I.Gs sword.
The Ceremony, resulting from close Masonic teamwork, and much to the DC’s relief and enhanced blood pressure on the day, was, dare it be said, an absolute classic. Provincial Sword and both Banners being paraded and was conducted by The Provincial Grand Master, Ian Kingsbury, JP after accepting the Gavel from Immediate Past Master, Trevor Dyer (Sadly the Worshipful Master was in hospital awaiting a triple Heart Bypass and much to his regret and indeed the members of the lodge was not able to attend on the night. All those present wished him a speedy recovery) conducted the Ceremony with his usual easy and experienced style and all those present extend their respect and thanks for the work undertaken.
The Lodge Founders dined at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth from an extensive menu, and as luck would have it the lodge still retained an original copy from a century ago. Adding to the ambiance and not a little sentimentality all those present welcomed the Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Immediate Past Master together Provincial Officers, Brethren and guests totalling 97 into the same room where the founders held their first Festive Board all those years ago. It was very pleasing, and planned, to have Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts well represented. Everybody celebrating both the past and future of freemasonry.
On the menu, the same menu as in 1963, was Thick Tomato soup, Baked Cod Loin with fresh Samphire, Tender Lamb cutlets, Diplomate Pudding and Cheese platters accompanied by a robust Port, a fantastic meal enjoyed by all present. Is it making your mouth water?
The travelling antique Stilton Spoon which is embossed with masonic symbols was returned to the custody of St. Andrews by the Worshipful Master of the Elder St. Andrew lodge Rodney Rew, in fine style and the Spooners toasted the Immediate Past Master and the Provincial Grand Master wishing them good health.
Dean Brinham was presented with his Saint Andrew masonic embossed footstool upon which he had knelt for his three obligations.
The Forker’s, members of the visiting Fork Club, similarly took wine with the Immediate Past Master and Provincial Grand Master.
The Provincial Grand Master received a jar of Figs Steeped in Grappa to take away and enjoy.
The team at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel did an excellent job and the Provincial Grand Master was more than happy to have a photograph with them after the event. Joyfully the Hotel had sourced a most excellent selection of Single Malt and it is rumoured that the brethren may have partaken in a measure or two of this.
Ceremonially and socially this proved to be a masonic event that will sit in the memories of those present with great fondness.
