Lodge History
In early 2017, the Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire tasked W. Bro Andrew Trueman to work alongside the Provincial Grand Secretary, on the formation of a new Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge with the overall rationale of helping and supporting the Province. As the first new Lodge in Oxfordshire since 2001, this was considered a fitting way to mark the Tercentenary in the Province.
In May 2017, the Oxfordshire Lodge of Installed Masters sponsored the creation of this new Lodge, and on 17 July 2017 the first 'Founders Meeting' was held at Weyland Hall, Bicester attended by 19 Provincial Grand Stewards. This meeting agreed the basic principles of the Lodge and elected W.Bro. Andrew Trueman as the Primus Master.
A subsequent 'Founders Meeting' was held on 8 August 2017 at the Witney Masonic Centre, following which a Petition was submitted the U.G.L.E signed by 26 Founders on 21 August 2017.
Following approval of the petition a group of prospective Founder Members attended The Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge on Wednesday 13 December when the Agenda showed the Lodge included in the List of New Lodges for which Warrants had been granted by the MW The Grand Master and that the Warrant became effective on 13 September 2017.
A New Lodge is Born
The Oxfordshire Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards No. 9957 was consecrated on Friday 6 April at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, with over 200 brethren in attendance! A cracking day was had by all, including the 80+ Provincial Grand Stewards that came from 20 different Stewards Lodges around the country in support. The PrGM's of Berkshire, Derbyshire, Northants & Hunts also came at the invitation of the Province, with all but one attending in their Past Provincial Grand Steward Regalia. Once a Steward, always a Steward!
The Consecration Team was led by the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. James Hilditch, ably assisted by his Deputy, V.W.Bro. Neal Spencer and Assistant, W.Bro. Graham Ellis, and supported by a number of the Provincial Team, including the W.Bro. Alan Baverstock PrGDC, W.Bro. Geoffrey Bourne-Taylor PrGChaplain and others.
Consecrating & Provincial Team
This was the first Consecration in the Province of Oxfordshire since 2001 (Exemplo Ducemus Lodge No. 9738), which meant very few of the Consecrating Team or Founders of the Lodge had ever seen one performed! Thanks to our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, all were well drilled and the Consecration went like clockwork, with 19 of the founders being present for the lodge's birth.
Founders
V.W.Bro. Neal Spencer DPrGM then went on to take the chair and install W.Bro. Andrew Trueman as the Lodge's Primus Master. The Lodge officers were invested and the meeting quickly wrapped up, but not before the Lodge made the principle Consecrating Team honorary members.
DPrGM, WM, PrGM, APrGM
A fantastic festive board followed with an excellent three course meal with wine. The meal was topped off by specially made chocolate cakes, presented to the Worshipful Master and provided by W.Bros. Ewan and Fin Gordon!
During his toast to the Worshipful Master and Lodge, the PrGM presented the Worshipful Master with a gift of an engraved tankard on behalf of the brethren for all the work he had done previously. The DPrGM sang the song to the Worshipful Master with aplomb, with the 185 others dining providing ample backing choir. It was a memorable and historic day for the Province.
PrGM and Worshipful Master Toasting all the brethren present
The Oxfordshire Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards is there to support to the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and the Province of Oxfordshire. The Lodge objectives are to set the highest standards in all of its work both at Lodge meetings and within the Province and to increase the Masonic education and broaden the Masonic experience of its members and of the Craft in general. Look out for the Stewards as they get around the Province. Check out their new website and check out twitter for the latest goings on!