Around eighty members and guests gathered at the Southgate Masonic Centre in May to mark the 100th anniversary of Gothic Lodge No 4517. The Guests of honour were R W Bro Peter Baker and W Bro Robert Rough, respectively Pro Provincial Grand Master and Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Middlesex, who were accompanied by a large delegation from the Province. Having “demanded admission”, the Pro Provincial Grand Master accepted the Gavel from the Master for the Centenary meeting, W Bro Peter Bell, and gave a short talk on the very different world into which Gothic Lodge had been born a hundred years previously. RW Bro Peter Baker expressed his pleasure at being present for the centenary meeting and said he was delighted to see W. Bro Paul Huggins, a member of Gothic Lodge, back playing the organ after his accident and hospitalisation.
A PATRIARCHAL BENEDICTION
RW Bro Peter called upon the Provincial Grand Secretary to read the Centenary Warrant and, once this had been done, he presented it to the WM. He also presented a letter of congratulation from the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO. At this point the Provincial Grand Chaplain delivered an oration about the origins of the Lodge and the brethren stood to order for the Patriarchal Benediction.
RW Bro Peter Baker then called upon the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to escort W Bro Michael Shurety to the East and, after relating his many achievements in the Craft and the Royal Arch, appointed him, on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, to the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden with immediate effect. The investiture was met with spontaneous and prolonged applause. R W Bro Peter Baker then invited the W Bro Bell to resume the Master’s Chair and other Lodge Officers returned to their places.
W Bro Mark Pinnick presented the WM with a Centenary Nautical Cable Tow, giving an interesting and detailed explanation of the masonic significance of its various knots and features.
The Brethren were then entertained with a well-researched and amusing talk, given by W Bro David Walsh, about the background of some of the founders and some notable characters who had made their mark whilst members of the lodge. He related a number of entertaining anecdotes about their various antics much to the delight of those present. The talk attracted generous applause.
Before the Lodge was closed, W. Bro Peter Gledhill, a trustee of the Middlesex Charitable Foundation, presented the Charity Steward, Bro Andrew Cooper, with two cheques of £500 each to award to the 12th Enfield Scouts and the Enfield Sea Cadets. The cheques and accompanying plaque were warmly received by Bro Cooper.
Following the meeting those present enjoyed an excellent five-course banquet, courtesy of the staff of Southgate Masonic Centre.
