The Province has been honoured by the appointment of WBro Tim Russ as a Grand Steward and member of The Grand Stewards' Lodge.
WBro Tim is a Past Master of St Mary's Lodge No. 707 (which meets at Bridport in Dorset) and Burghley Lodge No. 9364 (which meets at Stamford in Lincolnshire).
Tim, a lawyer by profession, relocated from Dorset to Stamford in 2014 for work.
Having moved to an area where he knew few people, Tim found joining Burghley Lodge a great source of support. He became Master of the Lodge in 2018/19 and is currently its Secretary.
Tim is currently Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Emulation No. 21, which will celebrate its Tercentenary in 2023 and is one of 19 London lodges that have the ancient right to propose a Grand Steward every year, the final appointment being made at the discretion of the Grand Master.
Grand Stewards assist in the organisation of the Grand Festival held annually in April. They are Grand Officers for the length of their appointment only following which they hold the rank of Past Grand Steward, which is still senior to London and Provincial Grand Rank
Tim's Grand Steward appointment took effect in April 2020 at a time when the usual activities of Grand Lodge and Freemasonry in general had to be curtailed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Sadly, as a result of this, the Grand Officer Investiture ceremony was unable to take place.
We are, however, delighted to show Tim wearing his new regalia for the first time at the Masonic Centre in Stamford.
We send our sincere congratulations to Tim on his preferrment and wish him all the very best for the future.