Provincial Grand Master’s / Grand Superintendent’s Christmas Message

Dear Brethren and Companions,

It is with great thanks and appreciation that I look back over 2022 and my first six months as the head of the Freemasons of Durham, a role I carry out with immense pride.

Many thanks to you all for the support you have given to me and our team as we start to implement those changes which will take our Province forward.

Some of our Lodges and Chapters have felt the need to return their warrants this year with much sadness but also with great dignity. A task forced by many reasons including the recent pandemic, and the economic challenges we all now face.

Freemasonry I feel will persevere and will be stronger going forward. The Pro Grand Master has recently launched the strategy for the next 7 years of our organisation as we head towards 2030. A strategy I hope we all can endorse next year.

I’m proud of the Lodges and Chapters who have supported Durham Benevolence over the past year with donations increasing at a very generous rate. Your support is needed now more than ever as we try to help those in most need within our Province.

It is vital that we support our communities, our food banks, and our elderly. Durham Freemasons when called upon always step forward and it gives me a deep sense of pride when I see individuals volunteering, and Lodges and Chapters going ‘above and beyond’ to support the charities in our Province.

As 2023 approaches I’m very optimistic that we will tackle our challenges together, we will continue to support each other. Our charitable support I’m sure will still be needed more than ever as the economic uncertainty continues and working together will make us stronger together.

Andrea and I wish all Durham Freemasons and your families a very Merry Christmas and healthy and Happy New Year.

Best regards to you all,

John Thompson

Provincial Grand Master / Grand Superintendent