At their 102nd regular meeting at the Masonic Hall, Ellindon on Wednesday 3 February, Thomas Deacon Lodge No 9126 was honoured by a surprise visit from the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Barrie Hall. He was accompanied by his Director of Ceremonies, WBro Neil Young.
The Provincial Grand Master explained they “were just passing, and decided to drop in.” They then enjoyed the Passing of Bro Michael Marjoram. After an excellent extended explanation of the Second Degree tracing board by WBro John Hitchin, the entered apprentices were re-admitted.
The Worshipful Master announced an additional item to the agenda. The true reason for the Provincial Grand Master’s attendance became clear when he awarded WBro John Ward the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Merit.
Bro John had been Director of Ceremonies at Thomas Deacon Lodge for ten years, and Assistant Director of Ceremonies for a further five years prior to that. The PGM praised Bro John’s work in Freemasonry and in particular his hard work in Thomas Deacon Lodge.
A Founder member and Past Master of Thomas Deacon Lodge, WBro Wilf Rodwell, received his Certificate of Merit in 2009.