|
Lodge Niederrhein Meeting September 1st, 2008
Twenty- two residents and one non resident (the candidate Brother Marcus) attended the meeting on September 1st, 2008. Here at last we were able to pass Brother Marcus to the degree of a Fellow of Craft after what appears to be an inordinate period. Marcus is now working and living in Mallorca and as he has a dislike of flying his journey time by both sea and rail was somewhat lengthy. Good to see you Marcus and I trust that you enjoyed the evening.
Unusually for the Lodge we were not honoured by any visitors. Perhaps our ritual was not up to the normal high standards of Niederrhein but in the words of the writer it can only get better. Both W.Brother Jim who presented the Charge and Brother Tassos who presented the working tools carried out their duties very well.
Seven resident brethren had submitted their apologies- Paul on a last minute opportunity to ironically go to Mallorca, Ian and Wolfram away on business, Chris on family matters , Herbert S on health grounds, Ulrich Z because of work and Chandra who was in Mexico. We have to take into consideration that a further 4 brethren are what we might term distance brethren and are justified in being absent ( Paul D, Kevin , Steve T and David P As for the other 6 missing brethren albeit three are dual members maybe they should read the Antient Charge. If any of them submitted their apologies to the Secretary then I take back my comment.
We were advised of the current state of health of our brethren and the Almoners are to be congratulated for their endeavours. We were informed that flowers had been sent to Molly who recently celebrated her 80th birthday. Both Mike and Molly have not been in the best of health lately.
Greetings were received from various non residents details will be included by Jim in the minutes.
Four brethren were voted on with success to become members. Three are non residents. Worshipful Brother Jim C who has transferred from honorary status to non resident and three new joining members Mike B from Viatores Lodge, Russell B from Doric, and Mike B from DeMaulay. We welcome them all with great pleasure.
The JW confirmed to us all that the next BBQ will be held at the Paul Moor School on September 21st. The more that attend this wonderful day out for the family the better it will be for our Charity.
The brethren were reminded that there are various installations coming up notably September 6th Bridge of Fellowship in Hannover,( the WM is attending); Thistle and Saltire on the 13th September ( the WM, DC and the writer will be attending) Britannia Bielefeld on the 20th September- I am aware that WBro Ralph B is attending and September 27th Star of Saxony in Mönchengladbach and Bond of Friendship in Bonn on October 11th.which being our local Sister Lodges will no doubt attract a large number of us.
The Grand Lodge Half Annual Communication will be on the 1st November in Münster. The WM would be pleased if a large number attended and is certain to have good support in keeping with Niederrhein tradition
And so to the festive board
Thirteen of us sat down to a really harmonious festive board only marred by sadly the dessert which appeared to have “deteriorated” I hope this is not déja vu as we remember with trepidation June 2004.
Brother Ulrich W
I am leaving the best to last.
This brings me to Brother Ulrich W who as last minute substitute Inner Guard had carried out his duties competently and word perfect. At the festive board the DC (Glyn) invited him to give the Tyler’s toast. This he did again word perfect and with panache.
Brother Ulrich is the epitome of what good freemasonry can do for a man. Here is a brother who has dedicated himself in a very short time to learning the ritual- and more importantly the meaning of the ritual and has embarked on a journey which is leading him to no less than self knowledge. He appreciates that the journey is continuous. His approach to charity is in accordance with our Masonic ideals –“a disposition to judge hopefully of mankind and to make allowances for their short-comings”
We wish you well Brother Ulrich in Mannheim and we look forward to the times when you can be with us. Haste ye back my Brother.
Fraternal Regards to you all be you in UK, Germany or anywhere else in this great Masonic Circle.
David
|
|
