A Landmark Day For Durham Freemasons

Today, Saturday 25^th June, saw Gateshead bathed in sunshine, as over 400 Durham Freemasons and Brethren from many other Provinces gathered to witness the installation Ceremonies of WBro John Paul Thompson as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent.

Some 4 years have passed since the Freemasons of the Province of Durham witnessed an event of such high importance, emphasised by a packed FED Banqueting Suite who enjoyed a wonderful day with all the pomp and pageantry you would associate with such a momentous occasion.

Both Provincial Grand Chapter and Provincial Grand Lodge were reciprocally opened in due form by the Presiding Officer, Bro Stephen William Walker, before he graciously handed over to the Pro Grand Master, Peter Geoffrey Lowndes, to preside over one of his last such investitures in the provinces, having recently announced his retirement year, having been appointed as Pro Grand Master on 11 March 2009.

Peter went on to preside impeccably over both ceremonies, supported by Charles Hopkinson-Woolley, Grand Director of Ceremonies of UGLE.

The day also saw Michael Graham appointed as Deputy Provincial Grand Master having served as Assistant Provincial Grand Master since 2018.

Other appointments included the reappointments of Clinton Eliot Leeks, Andrew Moule and the returning John David Watts as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, and the appointment of Andrew Peter Fall Foster as Assistant Provincial Grand Master to complete the quartet.

It was a fitting day for Stephen William Walker, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and Gordon Brewis, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, to stand down from their respective positions having both served the province with distinction.

Likewise, in the Royal Arch Michael Stuart Shaw was reappointed as Deputy Grand Superintendent, David Nigel Hanson was appointed Second Provincial Grand Principal, and Rakesh Bhalla was reappointed as Third Provincial Grand Principal, with Paul Anthony Lee Hopper standing down as Second Provincial Grand Principal, also having served with distinction.

Following his investiture as our Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent, John  gave his addresses, each inspiring and both rapturously applauded by the brethren.  We congratulate him and look forward to a bright future under his leadership.

To read the Grand Superintendent’s Address in full  Click Here.

To read the Provincial Grand Master’s Address in full  Click Here.

At the conclusion of the formal proceedings, the room was hastily transformed into a banqueting suite to allow over 300 members to enjoy a fabulous luncheon and continue the celebrations into the early evening.

Together we are stronger.

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