Grand Secretary's Column

You will know the expression, ‘the only thing certain is change’ and at the September Quarterly Communication the Pro Grand Master announced important ‘changes’. He has decided, having been installed in March 2001, that it is time to hand over. The current Deputy Grand Master, Peter Lowndes, will be the next Pro Grand Master and the current Grand Director of Ceremonies, Jonathan Spence, will be the new Deputy Grand Master. They will be installed in March 2009. The Assistant Grand Master, David Williamson, will continue in his role.
     We are most fortunate to have an outstanding team to lead us towards the three hundredth anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England in 2017. Oliver Lodge will be the next Grand Director of Ceremonies.
     The Pro Grand Master, Lord Northampton, has been the right person, in the right place, at the right time. History will relate his personal contribution to English Masonry and the resulting respect with which we are now increasingly held throughout the world. His personal commitment, energy and drive have been the catalyst to originate several key initiatives, not least the desire for open communications, both internal and external.
     In early July His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent opened the new Charities’ area. As Grand President of the four masonic charities, it proved a wonderful opportunity for all members of the charities, based at Freemasons’ Hall, to meet the Grand Master.
     It has been a very busy period for the Grand Lodge team. Since the beginning of May we have installed six Provincial Grand Masters, one District Grand Master and nine Grand Superintendents. As Grand Secretary I have attended a number of these, including travelling to Cape Town for the Installation of the new District Grand Master of South Africa, Western Division. I concurrently ran a business meeting at which all the District Grand Masters of Southern Africa attended.
     I have been in my post for eighteen months and it is clear that I need an adjutant to assist me with my vast quantity of masonic correspondence and with the several projects I have responsibility for. The successful applicant must be a past Master, well versed in running a Lodge and Chapter, most probably with experience of a wider masonic nature.
     This is not a masonic post and humility and loyalty will be absolute necessities. The adjutant will work directly with, and report to, the Grand Secretary. Would anyone genuinely interested and meeting the criteria please write to me in confidence at Great Queen Street by mid October.

Nigel Brown, Grand Secretary

Lord Northampton Announces His Retirement

I have had the great privilege of being Pro Grand Master since March 2001 and before that I was Assistant Grand Master for five years in charge of London. I have decided that the time has come for me to step down in March and give someone else the chance to steer the Craft for the next few years.
     These past eight years have continued a process of great change for English Freemasonry, helping it to come through one of the most difficult periods in its history.
     As the Grand Master pointed out recently, we are entering a period of consolidation, and if we continue to build on the foundations of openness we have laid for the 21st century, there is every chance that we will start to grow again.
     I welcome an increase in our numbers as long as we continue to maintain the highest standards and concentrate on the quality of our candidates.
     I am pleased to tell you that the Grand Master has appointed Peter Lowndes, Deputy Grand Master, to succeed me.
     He will be installed as Pro Grand Master at the March Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge.
     He will be succeeded as Deputy Grand Master by Jonathan Spence, Grand Director of Ceremonies, and he in turn by Oliver Lodge, Past Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
     The Assistant Grand Master, David Williamson, will continue in office. I shall be presiding at Grand Lodge for the last time in December.
     I wish Bro. Lowndes every success in his new important role, and have every confidence that the Craft will be in very capable hands. For my part, I shall continue to enjoy my masonry albeit at an easier pace and with less direct responsibility.
     I look forward to helping in any way I can to ensure the future good health and happiness of English Freemasonry.
     It has been an honour to serve the Craft.

Grand Master's Official Opening of Charities Floor

A fanfare of applause heralded the arrival of an exciting new era of closer co-operation when the Grand Master, the Duke of Kent, officially opened the new Charities’ Floor at Freemasons’ Hall, London.
     He unveiled a plaque marking the momentous and long-anticipated move of the four central Masonic Charities – The Freemasons’ Grand Charity, The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and The Masonic Samaritan Fund – to shared accommodation.
     Previously, employees of the Charities were located in separate buildings, creating tangible barriers to joint working. The close proximity realised by the new office space is intended to address this issue.
     Accompanied by the Pro Grand Master, Lord Northampton, the Grand Master made a special visit to unveil the plaque marking the official opening, raising a curtain on the positive changes the purpose-designed accommodation will help to deliver.
     Following the ceremony, the Duke, who is also the Grand President of the four Charities, and Lord Northampton spent time touring the facilities. The special visitors were introduced to every member of the hardworking staff, who were able to give personal insights into the positive impact and benefits of the co-location.
     Signs of improved and expanded working relationships have already appeared. In July, a jointly-hosted seminar was held for Provincial Grand Almoners to discuss thoughts, ideas and plans for a more integrated approach to delivering the work of the charities.
     Over the coming months it is intended that this closer working will continue to grow and evolve, supporting the aim of providing the best possible charitable assistance to Freemasons and their dependants, at all stages of their life, for many years to come.