On a day when temperatures were more akin to the Mediterranean in the middle of August, rather than the UK at the end of September, Warwickshire freemasons flocked to the Provincial Headquarters in Edgbaston for a very special occasion.

This was the Installation of RW Bro David Macey, Provincial Grand Master, as Master of the Warwickshire Installed Masters' Lodge 4538.

It was an action (and brethren) packed meeting which included a variety of delightful elements and surprises.

Following the preliminary routines the retiring Master, W Bro Roger Mac, gave a hearty welcome to eleven new members, after which he thanked his Officers for their support. He then installed the PGM as Master of the Lodge in a particularly sincere and dignified manner, for which he was thanked by VW Bro Alan Wellan, Deputy PGM

After the investiture of the new Lodge Officers, and the presentation of an IPM Jewel to retiring Master Roger, the new Master presented the brethren with an inspiring and thought provoking address titled Communicating our love of Freemasonry in which he stressed the importance of doing such with non-masons in a clear and concise manner. He referred to the initiatives and progress being made by Grand Lodge, hoping this will help us all become more articulate ambassadors for the Craft.

The WM also gave guidance outlining best practise as followed by the most successful Lodges in our Province, and strongly advised finding time for using the Masonic Lectures, which the Provincial Support team would be able to offer. He also referred to the initiative being led by the Duputy PGM to support small Lodges, and concluded by reminding us that our future is dependant upon attracting and retaining good quality candidates, our aim always being to make sure we enjoy our Freemasonry.

A transcript of the address can be seen here. Communicating our love of Freemasonry.pdf

The Deputy PGM thanked the WM for his passion, enthusiasm and encouragement.

W Bro Trevor Sturt, 2012 Festival Director, implored brethren to sponsor the transatlantic crossing being made by Bro Stuart Reed of Trinity Lodge 254 in November, proceeds going to the Festival, and to attend the 2012 Spring Harmony Concert being held next 25th March in the acoustically superb surroundings of Bedworth Civic Hall (where the CBSO make their recordings), again, all proceeds going to the Festival. He then proceeded to present sixteen mauls to Lodges having reached their Festival target, which with two further Lodges receiving theirs shortly brought the total number having so far done so to a splendid 101.

Before the meeting closed, the WM attended upon W Bro Harry Owen, thanked him for his greatly appreciated ongoing efforts in promoting and selling Provincial merhandise, which had recently enabled the purchase of two new organs, and presented him with the Brass Plaques which would be attached to the instruments recording this ahievement.

A magnificent portrait of RW Bro David Macey was then unveiled, and received with acclamation by the brethren of the Lodge, which had commisioned the work. The portrait will hang above the Warwick Suite.

Senior Warden W Bro David Butcher (l) and Junior Warden W Bro John Hayward with the portrait.