Full Team Visit to Gyrwy Lodge

A wonderful Masonic evening took place on Thursday 12th March, which saw the Full Team Provincial Deputation visiting Gyrwy Lodge No 6462 in Jarrow

The evening began with the Worshipful Master, Brian Willis, welcoming John Arthur the Provincial Grand Master in to the architecturally stunning Temple, along with over 30 members of the Provincial Team. In a packed Lodge room, John then took the opportunity to take to the floor to speak to the Brethren directly about the experiences of newer Freemasons. He reiterated the importance of experienced Freemasons in supporting those who were relatively new to the Craft and highlighted the wonderful fraternal opportunities that exist in modern Freemasonry.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Michael Graham, then introduced those in attendance to various members of the Provincial Team who gave very informative talks regarding their wider roles and responsibilities at a Provincial level.

Andrew Moule, Second Provincial Grand Principal, stressed the benefits of extending personal Masonic experiences by taking advantage of the opportunities that membership of the Chapter can bring. This was followed by the Provincial Grand Treasurer, Keith Bibby, explaining his role in the legal, accounting and advice based services that he provides.

Michael then introduced Andrew Dixon the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies who went on to give an insight in to his wide range of responsibilities. These included the formal support of the PGM, working with a team of DC’s across the Province and ensuring that all Provincial based ceremonies follow the correct protocol and are conducted in a pleasing and efficient manner.

Martin Jameson, Provincial Junior Grand Warden, explained to those assembled the range of duties that he is responsible for during his active year in office. At all times Martin stressed that it was a responsibility that is to be taken very seriously and one that he feels very privileged to support.

Finally, Paul O’Doherty, Provincial Coms Officer, rose to give an insight in to rapid modernisation of Provincial communications be it through the restyled Provincial Gazette or the new Team App for Durham Freemasons. Once, again Paul stressed that over 40 individual volunteers work together to ensure that the latest events from across the Province are covered across a range of media.

Michael then rose to reiterate that the vast majority of Masonic activity related to the Province of Durham is wholly voluntary and based upon the commitment and passion for Freemasonry that individuals bring to it.

At the Festive Board, John was then given the opportunity to personally thank the Lodge for a £500 cheque for the Durham 2021 Festival, before moving on to more serious matters.

In troubling times relating to the Coronavirus, John stressed that the good health of members is the Province’s central concern at this time and he advised those present to act upon any guidance received from Province in the following days.

John then thanked the members of Gyrwy Lodge for their hospitality on behalf of all those present. Upon the closure of the Festive Board many of those in attendance remained to enjoy the company and fellowship of old and new friends, after lovely evening at Gyrwy Lodge.