Recent and Forthcoming Events

RECENT EVENTS INVESTITURE & INSTALLATION of Rt W Bro R H GRAY as PGM of DOWN - Sat 29 March 2008 A large number of masons from his mother lodge attended the Especial Communication of PGL of Down at the King’s Hall, Belfast, on Saturday 29th March 2008 to see Rt W Bro Richard Gray installed as Provincial Grand Master. It was a very proud day for the members of ‘746. Even greater is the honor to be a member of a Lodge that has been so distinguished as to have another Provincial Grand Master chosen from within its ranks within 17 years. And that previous Provincial Grand Master was Richard’s father, Rt W Bro Reg Gray 33°, so he has a job to fill the place of that trusty craftsman! In his address to the meeting, the new PGM announced that the theme of his period in office would be ‘Communication’, and he urged everyone to meet and greet as many new Masonic friends as they could – including reaching out to lapsed masons. In his own defence he admitted to a very poor memory for names and faces, so he asked for tolerance, and requested people should approach him and make themselves known to him. It is also his intention to visit all Masonic Halls in the Province, and as many of the Lodges in Down as possible. He will be starting at his mother lodge on Wed 9th April - so watch out, he could be heading your way! PGM's VISIT TO LODGE 746 - Wed 9 April 2008 The first official function of the newly invested Provincial Grand Master, Rt W Bro Richard Gray, was a visit to his mother Lodge. Taking the chair for 'a short while' he took enormous pleasure in conducting the business of confirming and signing the minutes of the last Stated Communication. He then addressed the assembled brethren and several visitors, thanking everyone for their support at his Installation and making in known how proud and moved he was by being chosen for this appointment, following in his father's footsteps. At the festive board afterwards he expressed his appreciation to everyone who had helped to make it a special night, and reiterated his intention to encourage communication and welcome throughout his period in office. RH FINLAY CUP The RH Finlay Cup golf competition was held on Thursday 15th May 2008. Once again it was well attended with 23 competitors of whom 13 were non-masons. There were many prizes on offer and the overall winner was a non-mason, Roy Elliot. The RH Finlay cup, for which only Freemasons are eligible was won by WBro David Whiting. The event raised £100 in donations and a book written by a former Lodge member, golfer David Feherty, was balloted for a further £68. In addition the participants raised a further £105 sponsorship for Bro William Johnston, who is taking part in a cycle ride around the province in aid of the Northern Ireland Kidney Patients Association. Altogether this was another successful fund raiser, and also was a great fun day for all that participated.