Provincial News
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
Formally recvorded Freemasonry has been a part of the fabric of our society for well over 300 years but it has existed for much longer. With masonic connections, the village of Fotheringhay has played a significant part in the local history of Northamptonshire and is of national importance. It was the birthplace in 1452 of Richard III. It features the remains of a castle that was built around 1100 by Simon de St Lis and survived until the 17th century. There are few remains of the castle but it is well known as the site of the execution in 1587 of Mary, Queen of Scots. Edward III began the construction of the parish church of St Mary and All Saints.
The original 1434 manuscript contract for the construction of they Church was copied by Sir William Dugdale in 1669 from the original document then in the hands of the Right Honourable William Pierpont of Holme Pierrepont Hall, Thorsby, Nottinghamshire, and was written in early English. It was published in the Masonic Monthly 1882 for the Quatuor Coronati Lodge No 2076 where William Harry Rylands FSA (1847-1922), very much liked by his fellow masons, explains some of the mysterious words. After much searching it is feared that the original document is lost. It is the only known contract for the building of a church in the medieval period and has the earliest use of the word ‘free-mason.’ William Horwood, dwelling at Fotheringhay, is referred to as a ‘free-mason’ and is charged with the work in return for a payment of £300. It also stipulates that the work is to be done “by oversight of masters of the same craft.”
Interestingly, the contract bequeathed a bonus to William Horwood should he complete the construction work on time. However, it also contained a penalty clause in the event of the work not being completed on time - that “he shall yield his body to prison at my lords will and all his moveable goods and heritages at my said Lord’s disposition and ordenance.”
Recently, there have been structural problems with the church including serious roof decay. A registered charity, The Friends of Fotheringhay Church has been formed with the aim of preserving and restoring this magnificent building and thereby preserving this important part of our national heritage for future generations.
On hearing of this fund raising effort and its links with Freemasonry of yesteryear, the Provincial Grand Master of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire, RW Bro Max Bayes, decided this would be a most suitable community impact project and sought the support of Masons in the Province. The response was magnificent. Lodges, as well as individual Masons, made generous donations.
As a result, at the 2016 annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge, the Provincial Grand Master was able to present the resulting £150,000 cheque to the charity. This will be used in essential restoration and maintenance work. In return, Simon Leatham, the Honorary Treasurer of the charity, gave the Provincial Grand Master a copy of the original contract thus establishing a link between William Horwood, our ‘free-mason’ of 1434, and Freemasonry in the Province today.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
WBro Maurice Rye, PPSGW, C of M, an Honorary Member of Risdene Lodge No 6532, recently celebrated two important milestones, his 90th birthday and 50 years as a Freemason.
He lives with his wife, Evelyn, at Dukes’ Court, Wellingborough, a residential care home, and his recent birthday party with family and friends, included RWBro Barrie Hall, WM of Risdene Lodge, and WBro Steve Squires, Secretary, and their wives. RWBro Hall presented WBro Rye with his 50th Certificate, explaining the reasons for the award of his certificate of merit in 2000.
WBro Maurice thanked all present and explained how much he had enjoyed his life and his many years in Masonry and missed the lodge meetings due to his poor health.
- Written by: Rob Taylor
The Masonic Trout & Salmon Fishing Charity held their latest event at Rookery Waters on the 7th July 2016. RWBro Barry Hall, WBro David Burton and their wives attended as Official guests.
There were over 20 participants and overall catered for over 50 people on the day which was a great success.
The final event of the year will be held at Ringstead Island Fishery on the 22nd September 2016 & volunteers are always welcome.
- Written by: Gerry Crawford
It is with great sadness that the death of WBro Richard Herbert Turpin OBE PAGDC is announced. He lost his brave fight against cancer and passed to the Grand lodge Above on Tuesday 26 July 2016.
He was a Group Officer for the Huntingdon Group of Lodges and, since 2006, the Provincial Information Officer. Before that he had for many years been the Editor of the Provincial newsletter, Password, being its inaugural Editor. He was also the current MEZ of Socrates Chapter No 373.
He was 80 years old and born on 17 April 1936. After attending Archbishop Tenison's Grammar School in London he joined the Royal Air Force and rose to the rank of Wing Commander. When he retired he was working at the Ministry of Defence in London.
In 1992 his public service was recognised when he was award the OBE.
He was initiated into Craft Masonry in 1979 and exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in 1981. Becoming Provincial Senior Grand Warden in this Province in 2006, he achieved Senior London Grand Rank in 2007 and was promoted to Grand Rank (PAGDC) in 2009.
In this Province he was a member of Meridian Lodge No 9542, Wilavestone Lodge No 9829, Three Counties Lodge No 9278 and the Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Lodge of Installed Masters No 3422. He was also a member of the Royal Air Force No 7335 in London. He has performed great service in these Lodges in the progressive offices and as Secretary.
In the Holy Royal Arch he was a member (and current MEZ) of Socrates Chapter No 373 and a member of Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire Chapter of First Principals No 3422.
He was also a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master of this Mark Province and a member of other orders.
Richard had many interests and gave voluntary service in many walks of public life. He was a Churchwarden in his local Parish Church in Great Stukeley, a Trustee of Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust and a Lay Member of the Huntingdon and Wisbech Archdeaconry Mission and Pastoral Committee. He was also past Chairman of his local Conservative Association and Huntingdonshire District Council.
Richard was a dedicated Freemason and a committed public servant who will be sadly missed by all.