Enough is Enough
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has taken full-page ads in The Times, Daily Telegraph and Guardian calling for an end to discrimination of its 200,000 plus members.
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has taken full-page ads in The Times, Daily Telegraph and Guardian calling for an end to discrimination of its 200,000 plus members.
Headlined ‘Enough is Enough’, the ad is a personal letter from Dr David Staples, Chief Executive Officer, which reiterates the organisation’s values and highlights how throughout its 300-year history when people have suffered discrimination, Freemasonry has welcomed them into lodges as equals.
Such is the frustration amongst members about the level of prejudice, Dr Staples has also written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission to make its case.
Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of UGLE commenting says:
“This is a first for us, but necessary under the circumstances. For too long we have been unjustly singled out. We are an organisation whose whole tenet is about helping individuals become better people, with values of honesty, integrity and service to others. Membership of Freemasonry is not only positive for them as individuals, but also for society at large.
“Sadly, too many Freemasons have to exercise caution in response to prejudice and discrimination they fear they will face. We want the day when every Freemason can proudly declare themselves a member of our great and historical organisation without fear of retribution, suspicion or damage.
“We’re open and happy to talk about anything and today we are announcing a series of sessions up and down the country too and to answer any questions people may have. I am also welcoming any queries from individuals myself.”
#enoughisenough
NYMCC 2017
Saturday 13th of October saw the New and Young Mason’s Club conference landing in Birmingham, in the beautiful Severn Street Masonic Lodge Rooms. Along with 100 attendees, from 35 Provinces, we were honoured to receive speeches from Provincial Grand Masters, RW Bro David Macey and RW Bro Gareth Jones and exceptionally privileged by the attendance of Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Jonathan Spence both attending and giving the keynote address.
Saturday 13th of October saw the New and Young Mason’s Club conference landing in Birmingham, in the beautiful Severn Street Masonic Lodge Rooms
Along with 100 attendees, from 35 Provinces, we were honoured to receive speeches from Provincial Grand Masters, RW Bro David Macey and RW Bro Gareth Jones and exceptionally privileged by the attendance of Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Jonathan Spence both attending and giving the keynote address.
"There was an obvious buzz and excitement from the presence of our esteemed guests".
The day was a fantastic opportunity to meet other young Freemasons, network and socialise, however, there was a serious theme to the event.
New and young Freemasons will constantly consider how to engage with new members, our families and communities while learning and growing as Freemasons. This is exceptionally pertinent in our Tercentenary year and as we look towards the future.
The theme of the day was “Building and maintaining the foundations” and was split into three presentations and focus group activities to take advantage of the experience and creative ability present.
Wbro Dan Thomas, Chairman of the Five of Nine Club, did an excellent job in hosting the day and introducing our first speaker.
RW Bro David Macey thanked the organising Five of Nine Club Committee and introduced the first topics of the day. The attendees split into groups to discuss and generate ideas on 4 key areas: Sustainability, Governance, Marketing and Events.
Following lunch each group feedback their key discussion points, providing learning for all. It was excellent to see a number of “ah-ha” moments of assistance to Clubs looking to generate ideas, get support and benefit their members.
Conference partners Toye Kenning and Square Events gave fantastic presentations on their businesses that support Masonry. Our gratitude to both Nick and Guy for their input and support.
RW Bro Gareth Jones then set a challenge in the second presentation – how we maintain the quality of engagement, community, expectations and introduction to the Craft.
This led to some passionate group discussion as to how to involve and improve membership and the key aspects of Freemasonry – family, community and charity. Again, this was feedback to the Conference to benefit all attendees and respond to the Provincial Grand Master’s challenge.
We were exceptionally privileged to have RW Bro Jonathan Spence, Deputy Grand Master give the keynote address. It was inspiring to have one of the most senior Freemasons in the World recognise the challenges to today’s New and Young Masons and provide a thoroughly entertaining and articulate synopsis of the day, seemingly delivered off the cuff!
"I have no doubt everyone present will agree it was a fun, vibrant and stimulating day".
Finally, we found out that the 2018 New and Young Masons Clubs Conference was to be hosted by the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Wales NYMC The Colonnade Club, we wish them well with their preparations and look forward to renewing friendships in a years’ time.
The Conference closed with a well-earned social event in Pennyblacks in Birmingham’s trendy Mailbox, with many of the visiting Brethren staying for a beer and to further discuss the opportunities discovered during the day.
By Dan Norman
The Consecration of a new Lodge, Collegiate No. 9943
Bright and early on Saturday (6 am) morning a small team of brethren arrived at the University of Warwick’s Slate conference centre to change it in a little over two hours from a meeting room to a Masonic lodge room.
Bright and early on Saturday (6 am) morning a small team of brethren arrived at the University of Warwick’s Slate conference centre to change it in a little over two hours from a meeting room to a Masonic lodge room.
Final rehearsals for the founders led by Dr David Staples DepGDC then took place with all the brethren quickly put at ease by the team from UGLE. Shortly after the provincial team rehearsed and then it was time to start.
With over 200 brethren from across the Warwickshire Province, The United Grand Lodge of England and beyond assembled for the consecration. The Assistant Grand Master Sir David Hugh Wootton processed in and conducted the consecration ceremony with perfection. The ceremony itself is very special and unique within Freemasonry, it really was magnificent to see, and with the assistance of RWBro Robert Vaughan Worcestershire PGM and RWBro Peter Taylor Shropshire PGM, it really brought the regions Freemasons together.
R.W Bro David Macey, Warwickshire Provincial Grand Master then took the chair and installed W.Bro Greenburgh PAGReg and Chairman Designate of United Grand Lodge of England's Universities Scheme as founding master of the Lodge.
Although this was not a Five of Nine event the Club are very pleased to have been able to attend this wonderful event in the history of the Province of Warwickshire and Coventry in particular.
The Five of Nine Club are also delighted that two brethren Bro. W Watson and Bro. S Phillips (Club Secretary) are founders and are fortunate enough to be founding treasurer and steward respectively.
We look forward to supporting this newly consecrated Lodge and encouraging students from both the Universities of Warwick and Coventry in taking their first steps on the Masonic Journey and likewise welcoming the new initiates of Collegiate Lodge into our Club.