There are some meetings in Freemasonry that remain with you long after the Lodge has closed and last night was undoubtedly one of them.
Brethren gathered to witness a rare and historic occasion as St Andrew’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 34 and Salford Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 994 formally came together to begin a new chapter as Salford St Andrew’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 34.
An amalgamation is something many Brethren may never witness during their entire Masonic journey, and from the very beginning there was a genuine sense that this was no ordinary meeting.
The evening commenced in impressive fashion with Provincial Grand Lodge parading into the Lodge, setting the scene for the important ceremony that was to follow.
The amalgamation ceremony itself was conducted by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, who presided over proceedings with great dignity and warmth as two proud Masonic histories were brought together.
One of the undoubted highlights of the ceremony came from the Provincial Grand Chaplain, W.Bro. Roger Fielding, whose words during the proceedings perfectly captured the significance and emotion of the occasion. His contribution provided a particularly memorable moment in a ceremony already filled with meaning and will undoubtedly remain with many of those who were fortunate enough to be present.
For the members of both Lodges, the evening represented both an ending and a beginning.
It was an opportunity to reflect upon and honour the history, traditions and memories of two Lodges, while at the same time looking forward with optimism to their shared future as Salford St Andrew’s Lodge No. 34.
With the amalgamation complete, the historic evening continued with the Installation of the Lodge’s new Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Michael Clare.
W.Bro. Clare was duly installed into the Chair and subsequently invested his new team of Officers, providing another important milestone as the newly amalgamated Lodge began the next chapter of its story.
There was, however, still one surprise to come.
Unknown to them beforehand, the Provincial Grand Master and Deputy Provincial Grand Master were proposed as Honorary Members of Salford St Andrew’s Lodge – a wonderful gesture from the Lodge and a fitting way to recognise their support and their part in such a significant evening.
It brought an additional sense of warmth and friendship to proceedings and demonstrated perfectly the spirit in which the two Lodges have come together.
Amalgamation meetings are exceptionally rare. For many of the Brethren present, this may well have been the first they had witnessed and perhaps the only one they will ever have the opportunity to see.
That made the evening all the more special.
Those present did not simply attend another Mark meeting. They witnessed a small piece of Masonic history being made.
Two Lodges entered the evening with their own names, histories and memories. They left united under one banner, ready to preserve the very best of their respective pasts while creating a new history together.
We congratulate W.Bro. Michael Clare, his Officers and every member of Salford St Andrew’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 34, and wish them every happiness and success as they embark upon this exciting new chapter.
Two proud histories. One Lodge. And now, one future.