Lodge of Honour Installation Meeting: Celebrating Tradition & Looking Ahead to Our Bicentenary – Dec 2024

The Lodge of Honour celebrated its highly anticipated Installation Meeting on 9 December 2024, a gathering marked by strong attendance from our members and visiting brethren. Guests included representatives from sister lodges in Bath and beyond, making it a truly memorable evening of ritual, fellowship, and anticipation for the year ahead.

Installation Meeting in December 2024

The Lodge of Honour’s Installation Meeting on 9 December 2024 was a remarkable occasion that showcased the strength of our traditions, the camaraderie of our members, and the enduring bonds of Freemasonry. The meeting was well-attended by brethren from our Lodge and distinguished visitors, including representatives from sister lodges in Bath and beyond. The evening combined the solemnity of Masonic ritual with the warmth of fellowship, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead, including the celebration of our Bicentenary.

The highlight of the evening was the installation of Bro G. Ifill as Worshipful Master for the fourth time, a testament to his leadership and dedication to the Craft. The ceremony included the investment of officers and an inspiring series of addresses, all carried out with precision and dignity. The festive board that followed was filled with laughter, toasts, and fellowship, as members and guests enjoyed a three-course dinner, a thrilling raffle, and lively conversations that reflected the unity and spirit of the evening.

Opening and Reception of Provincial Representatives

The Lodge opened promptly, with the presiding officer, W. Bro B. McCormack, PSGD, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and his attending Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro T. Brookes, AsstPGDC, received with due ceremonial honours. W. Bro McCormack represented the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Raymond Guthrie, adding prestige to the evening’s proceedings.

Installation of the Worshipful Master

For the second consecutive year, Bro G. Ifill was declared Worshipful Master, marking his fourth tenure in the Chair of King Solomon—a testament to his dedication and leadership. The ceremony began with the prompt investment of the Immediate Past Master, followed by the symbolic presentation of the Lodge’s Warrant to the Worshipful Master, signifying the trust and responsibilities entrusted to him.

Bro Ifill then invested his officers for the ensuing year, carefully selecting a team to help guide the Lodge through what promises to be a historic term. The ceremony was further enriched by the Address to the Wardens and the Address to the Brethren, which provided inspiration and a reminder of the duties and values that underpin the Craft. The installation set the tone for a year of collaboration and progress as the Lodge prepares for its momentous Bicentenary celebrations.

Presentation of Grand Lodge Certificates

As part of the evening’s proceedings, the Presiding Officer presented Grand Lodge Certificates to two of our newly raised Master Masons. He explained the symbolism and significance of these certificates, emphasising their importance to mark of the recipients’ progress and commitment within the Craft.

Acknowledgments and Vision for 2024/25

The Worshipful Master took a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the Lodge’s success over the past year. He acknowledged the officers who worked diligently to uphold the standards and traditions of the Lodge, ensuring its smooth operation. He also extended his appreciation to the members who accepted new offices for the coming year, recognising their willingness to step into roles of responsibility.

Additionally, he thanked the brethren who hold vital positions outside the installation ceremony, including the Membership Officer, Holy Royal Arch Representative, Lodge Information Officer, Personal Mentors, and Lodge Mentors, whose efforts often go unseen but are essential to the Lodge’s continued growth and vibrancy.

Looking ahead, he highlighted the 2024/25 term’s significance, with the upcoming Bicentenary Meeting on 8 March 2025 and the Bicentenary Gala Dinner and Dance as major milestones for the Lodge.

Visiting Brethren

The evening was made even more special by the presence of members from our sister lodges, whose support and camaraderie added to the occasion. We were delighted to welcome brethren from Royal Cumberland Lodge No. 41, Royal Sussex Lodge No. 53, Royal Albert Edward Lodge No. 906, and Elizabethan Lodge No. 8296, all of whom share a close fraternal bond with our Lodge.

In addition to our local guests, we were pleased to receive brethren from further afield. Their presence, including members of Corinthian Pillar Lodge No. 7552 and Lodge of Virtue and Industry No. 4701, highlighted the enduring connections and fellowship that extend beyond our immediate Masonic community. Such participation reflects the unity and shared values that underpin the Craft, enriching the evening for everyone in attendance.

Brethren from Sister Lodges:

• Royal Cumberland Lodge No. 41
• Royal Sussex Lodge No. 53
• Royal Albert Edward Lodge No. 906
• Elizabethan Lodge No. 8296

We also welcomed brethren from further afield, including:

• Corinthian Pillar Lodge No. 7552
• Lodge of Virtue and Industry No. 4701

Their presence underscored the strength of our fraternal bonds and contributed to the evening’s vibrant atmosphere.

The Festive Board

The festive board was as delightful as the ceremony itself, featuring a three-course dinner:

• Breaded Brie Wedges
• Chicken and Leek Pie
• Lemon Tart with Raspberry Sorbet

Raffles

A bumper raffle added excitement to the evening, with a wide array of prizes and a special draw for a coveted 21-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The whisky, donated by W. Bro Alan, came from a private cask at Lochranza Distillery, Isle of Arran, Scotland. After all rectangles on the numbered sheet were purchased, a young steward won the prized bottle—a contrast to the last draw, which had been won by our Treasurer.

Another bottle of Scotch Whisky was donated by Worshipful Brother Alan. A private bottle from a single cask produced at Lochranza Distillery, Isle of Arran, Scotland. The cast number 770 was filled on 3rd of December 2001 and bottled in February 2022.

You may remember this from our October Meeting.

Toasts and Fellowship

The toasts were another highlight of the evening, providing moments of reflection and celebration. The 2020 Worshipful Master proposed a thoughtful toast to the Provincial Grand Officers, which was met with a gracious and eloquent response from the Presiding Officer. This exchange underscored the mutual respect and appreciation between the Lodge and the Provincial representatives.

A special moment during the toasts came when the Worshipful Master, in his response to a toast to him, mentioned the Lodge’s Immediate Past Master (IPM). The IPM, a valued and experienced member who recently rejoined the Lodge, expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to assisting the brethren in reviving some of the Lodge of Honour’s cherished traditions and history. This sentiment was met with appreciation and support, as the brethren look forward to incorporating these historical elements into the Lodge’s operations and celebrations during the upcoming Bicentenary year.

Adding to the convivial atmosphere, the newly appointed Junior Warden delivered a heartfelt toast to the guests, which was warmly answered by a junior guest from Royal Sussex Lodge. The exchange highlighted the bonds of friendship and unity shared among the brethren and visitors.

Throughout the evening, the room resonated with laughter, lively banter, and the sharing of stories, creating a vibrant atmosphere of fellowship. The toasts were not merely formalities but heartfelt expressions of gratitude and unity, highlighting the strong fraternal ties among the members and guests. The festive board truly captured the essence of Masonic brotherhood and the enduring spirit of the Lodge of Honour.

 

A Year of Achievements and Looking Ahead

The newly installed Worshipful Master and his officers are poised to lead the Lodge into its Bicentenary Year, marking 200 years of continuous existence. Reflecting on 2024’s accomplishments, the Lodge completed:

• A double initiation ceremony
• A double passing ceremony
• Two raising ceremonies with one held at an Emergency Meeting with Dispensation from Province.
• One double raising ceremony

The Lodge led by its Worshipful Master has ensured all members are now Master Masons, with each playing a role in the Lodge’s operations, from Steward to Warden. This collective effort reflects the strength and unity of our Lodge, which continues to thrive as we prepare for the historic celebrations of 2025.

Here’s to another year of success, fellowship, and service to the Craft!