After a personally highly challenging year during which incumbent Worshipful Master, W Bro. David Jackson performed brilliantly, he topped off his year in The Chair with an excellent Installation ceremony.
Passing the baton (and gavel) onto his successor, Castle Grove was filled with over 65 brethren including 24 guests from 11 different lodges witnessing the ceremony.
Sadly, the evening commenced on a sad note with a eulogy to Bro. Melvyn Sumroy who passed away recently. He was the Lodge of Dawn’s Almoner for many years, delivering support to brethren in need, and to the lodge widows. He will be sadly missed by all.
During the ceremony W Bro. Jackson was presented with his Past Master’s jewel by W Bro. Raymond Diamond on behalf of the Brethren of the Lodge.
Worshipful Bro. Graham Shiers PPJGW, attending as the Personal Representative of the RW Provincial Grand Master said “It was truly a memorable occasion and I am sure W Bro. David Jackson’s successor will have a wonderful year as Worshipful Master.”
Outgoing Master, W Bro. Jackson said, “It’s been an incredible year and has helped me personally to overcome some serious health issues by giving me a focus. The suppport I’ve received from the lodge has meant a lot and I will be forever grateful to each and every member who has taken part in the various ceremonies I genuinely couldn’t have done it without every single one of them.”
The Festive Board was very lively and included a raffle which raised funds for the Festival and featured, as tradition dictates, The Masters Song and a number of excellent toasts.
During his toast to the Installing Worshipful Master, Bro. Sam Fryer, Senior Warden, paid tribute to W Bro. David’s year in The Chair. “He has steered the Lodge through a superb year, but has done so with calmness and humour, and has truly been an inspiration and role model for many of us on the ladder” started Bro. Sam.
He then went on to run through the highlights of the year; the initiation of the WM’s own son, Nick, along with two other initiates, delivering two 50‑year certificates, a December Festive Board featuring Chanukah candles, latkes, and a magician, an entertaining Partners’ Night, a fantastic lodge trip to Bristol, a Junior Masters’ Night with the Festive Board at Sandmoor Golf Club and finally a Scroll Night where the Lodge hosted the Yorkshire Rose Light Blues Royal Arch launch.
In responding to the toast to him, the incoming Worshipful Master gave us a taste of what’s to come during his year in The Chair.
* A visit to Garforth Lodge probably in December
* A Ladies Night- venue and date TBC
* A range of social activities, particularly in conjunction with our Mother Lodge, Loyalty Lodge
* A go-karting trip
* A trip to the Grand Lodge of Israel, along with a Masonic tour of the temple site and visit to a ceremony in either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem
The new Worshipful Master said “Being installed as the Master of one of the largest and most active lodges in the Province is both exciting and a little daunting. W Bro. David Jackson has set an extremely high bar. I am looking forward to an excellent year of ceremonies, visiting and social events”
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