Group News

February 2010

I find it quite frightening as I write this to realise that it is now nearly four years since I was appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master in charge of the Gladstone and Sandon Groups and there have certainly been quite a few changes to those groups in that period. A number of Lodges have, of course, handed in their warrants but I am pleased to see that most of those lodges which are left have risen to the challenge of falling numbers, have actively pursued the quest for new members and are much more healthy than for many years.

I was quite startled visiting Adelphi Lodge for their installation to see that, apart from about three Grand Officers and say half a dozen Provincial Grand Officers, the remainder of the thirty five or so brethren present were in light blue.

The University of Liverpool Lodge has, of course, joined the AGM’s Universities’ Scheme with great success and has been initiating, passing and raising candidates in twos and threes - to the extent that it will, I think, soon have to consider farming out the work.

Only today, I have received a summons from Anfield Lodge, with an accompanying note that, in addition to the two brethren just initiated, there were a further five to be initiated in 2010, as well as a number of others who had shown interest. My own Lodge was three brethren to raise and one to be passed as well as other candidates in the wings; Temple Lodge has three candidates waiting to be passed as well as another waiting to be raised and so it goes on. I think I can say that almost every lodge in the two groups has at least one candidate and several have many more. This trend is exciting but we must continue to look for every opportunity to encourage those we know of good character to think about joining freemasonry. The appointment of a Provincial Membership Officer was, of course, announced a few months ago. Group Membership Officers have since been appointed and, once a structure has been established, I am hopeful that renaissance of freemasonry in Liverpool and, indeed the whole Province will continue.

This year, of course, sees the culmination of the 2010 Festival and the Province’s efforts to raise funds for the Masonic Samaritan Fund. The final total will be announced at Provincial Grand Lodge in Preston in May and the meeting will contain many innovations, at least for West Lancashire. Tickets for the event will be in short supply but I do hope that as many as possible will be able to come and that the final total will be a worthy amount for a Province of this size. The Festival and the new venue for the Masonic Ball signify an interesting time for us all in the next few months.

W.Bro. Michael H. Hill
Assistant Provincial Grand Master