“The First Fifty Years” – the early history of the lodge.
A copy of the publication can be viewed here.
We are now working on another booklet bringing our history up to date.
The White Table meeting
on the 12th March 2011 was a great success with nearly 100 people, including the brethren, their wives and guests attending the event. Many kind comments were received from those who had enjoyed the meeting during the afternoon and the evening's festive board. The brethren and guests were entertained by a trio (Soprano, tenor and pianist) from the Charles Court Opera while coffee was served and a raffle was held for six splendid cakes, baked by the brethren and their wives, which raised £470 for charity.
An emergency meeting
took place on the 21st May 2011, to initiate a new candidate, the necessary dispensation having been obtained from the Provincial Grand Master. The meeting was conducted and the ceremony performed in a most proficient and enjoyable manner by the Worshipful Master who complimented his Officers for their support and fine work in the Temple, which was indeed praisewothy.
A group from St Laurence
enjoyed a visit to Freemasons' Hall, Great Queens Street, London on Saturday the 19th November 2011. After coffee in the drawing room, they visited the library, the museum and the Grand Temple, including the memorial shrine. They were also able to visit one of the working temples, Temple No 2, known informally as the Indian because of its decorative style. The St Laurence party included the Master-elect and his lady, W. Bro. David West and his lady Jenny, Bro. Kevin Hall (an American Mason and a frequent visitor to St Laurence whose Lodge is the Potomac Lodge No 5 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia) together with his lady Lois, and three candidates soon to be initiated into Freemasonry in St Laurence, one a church minister, another an estate agent and the third a police officer.
The Installation meeting
of the Lodge on the 14th January 2012 was attended by 71 Brethren and visitors. The Master Elect, Bro. Matt was installed with great sincerity and eloquence by his father in what was an emotional and moving ceremony. The address to the master was delivered by W. Bro. Ken Cownden in his normal engaging manner, while W. Bro. Kevin gave a confident address to the wardens and the address to the brethren was kindly given by W. Bro. Ken Birnie, our current APGM. The total amount raised for charity at the meeting and festive board amounted to £717.