Forest of Arden Lodge No. 3826

Wednesday 17th October saw our regular meeting, held at the Knowle Masonic Centre.  As the meeting, a Second Degree Ceremony loomed, and no Tyler or Senior Deacon yet on the premises, the Worshipful Master was seen prowling the Lodge Rooms and muttering something about his determination to open at 6:15pm.

In fine Forest of Arden Tradition, the Lodge opened at 6:23pm.

The WM read moving tributes to both our departed Brethren, and the meeting continued.  Our Junior Deacon stepped up to Senior Deacon, and led the Candidate around his ceremony with skill and sensitivity, to the acclaim of the Brethren.  

One of our visitors presented the Extended Apron address and the Charge after Passing, while the WM presented the Extended Working Tools.

Following the meeting, a most convivial Festive Board ensued with much merriment and song.  Thereafter, a number of Brethren repaired forth to the Ale Rooms.  At this point, the Author's memory fails.......

During the summer recess, we have suffered the loss of two Brethren - W.Bro Terry Powell, and W.Bro Bob Winfield.

Both Brethren were well known for their truly Masonic attributes, good humour, generosity, compassion.  Both were superb ritualists.

Bob should, by rights, have been Worshipful Master this year. 

The Brethren of our Lodge will miss both sorely.  Our condolences to their families.

As we approach the new Masonic Season, I thought I'd pen a few words.

Since I was Installed in the Chair of this wonderful Lodge of a second term last February, we have had a great start to the year.  Firstly, we welcomed a new Brother at an Initiation ceremony in March.  We then held a special meeting in April, to celebrate the Lodge Centenary.  This was a fantastic meeting, supported by the Provincial Grand Master and a numerous retinue. A Centenary Warrant was presented by being paraded around the Lodge by the Provincial Grand Secretary, escorted by our new Initiate on his first full meeting!  This surely is a first.

The centenary celebration was closed in unusual fashion - our sponsoring Lodge is St. Paul's Lodge No 43, and one of our daughter Lodges is Shenstonian Lodge No 5544.  As I am a Past Master of all three, I asked their respective Masters to occupy the Warden's Chairs for the closing!

This October, we start with the first of a number of ceremonies.  I'm confident that we will carry out all three degrees during the remainder of the year, starting with the Passing of our new Brother.

I hope to see many visitors coming along to witness our version of Emulation Ritual, and enjoy our hospitality at the Festive Board!

Fraternal Regards

Stuart Jenkins