On Tuesday, 18th November 2025, the brethren of East Lancashire gathered in fine form for one of the most significant events in our Masonic calendar—the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge. This year’s meeting was especially poignant, taking place in our Bi-Centenary year, celebrating 200 years of Freemasonry in East Lancashire. With distinguished guests, key appointments, heartfelt tributes, and an inspirational address from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, the afternoon was a true reflection of our Province’s heritage, unity, and forward-thinking purpose.
A Ceremonial Opening Rich in Tradition
The meeting opened in spectacular ceremonial fashion. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by senior officers, past and present chain bearers, Provincial Grand Stewards and Acting Officers of the Year, processed into Provincial Grand Lodge.
Once the Lodge was opened in due form, the brethren were welcomed with warm words and a reminder of our shared purpose and fraternity.
The traditional exchange between the RW Provincial Grand Master and the Wardens—affirming their symbolic roles on Mount Tabor and Mount Sinai—was delivered with dignity and precision. A moment of solemn prayer from the Provincial Grand Chaplain set a reverent tone for the remainder of the meeting.
Welcoming Master Masons & Celebrating the ELLC
A heartfelt welcome was extended to a delegation of Master Masons, many of whom were attending for the first time. The Provincial Grand Master reflected on the success of the East Lancashire Level Club (ELLC) since its launch the previous year, praising its contribution to supporting and engaging newer members.
In keeping with his good humour, he added a nod to the now-infamous ELLC cocktail—while reminding everyone that he was driving home this time!
Honouring Departed Merit
The Lodge paused to remember distinguished Grand Officers who had passed to the Grand Lodge above since the previous meeting:
- Roger W. Flitcroft
- H. Alan J. Garnett
- Warwick Davenport
The Brethren rose for a moving moment of silent tribute—an enduring reminder of the light these men brought to their Lodges, their families, and the province.
Distinguished Guests & Heads of Orders
A hallmark of East Lancashire’s Annual Meeting is the attendance of dignitaries from across the English Constitution. Representatives from Herefordshire, the Isle of Man, the West Riding of Yorkshire, Cheshire, West Lancashire, Cumberland & Westmorland, and North Wales were welcomed with warm applause.
Recognition was given to:
- VWBro Dr Richard A. Berman, noted Masonic historian and triple Prestonian Lecturer
- WBro Robin Fellerman, UGLE Secretariat and member of the Book of Constitutions Review Committee
- Leaders of the Mark, A&AR, Red Cross of Constantine, Secret Monitor, Allied Degrees, and other Masonic Orders
Their presence emphasised East Lancashire’s longstanding influence and reputation across the Constitution.
Confirming Minutes & Re-Appointments
The minutes from the 2024 Annual Meeting were confirmed unanimously, after which several significant re-appointments were made:
Deputy Provincial Grand Master
- VWBro John Anthony Griffin was warmly re-appointed, receiving the acclaim of the assembled Brethren.
Assistant Provincial Grand Masters
Re-appointed APGMs:
- Bro David McGurty
- Bro Dr Simon Kenneth Archer
- Bro John Curry
- Bro Paul O’Carroll
- Bro Wesley Marchant
Their work—supporting Lodges, guiding Areas, and strengthening the province—was acknowledged with sincere gratitude.
A Fond Farewell & A New Appointment
One of the most touching moments of the day came with the retirement of Bro Peter Hegarty as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. His years of service—across District, Area, and Provincial roles—were warmly recognised by the Provincial Grand Master.
To succeed him, the province welcomed:
New Assistant Provincial Grand Master
- WBro Dr Mohamad Afsa
After the reading of his impressive Masonic career, Wbro Afsa affirmed his willingness to serve, took his Obligation, received his investiture, and was saluted by the brethren of East Lancashire.
Accounts, Auditors & Financial Stability
The Provincial Grand Treasurer, Bro David Cowen, presented a positive financial report for the year ending 31 December 2024. Key highlights included:
- Stable income despite a dip in membership
- Decreased administrative expenditure
- A surplus for the third consecutive year
- Healthy General Funds of £225,952
Notably, the Treasurer confirmed there will be no increase in Dues for the coming year—a decision warmly received.
Auditors Bros Connor, Hollinshead, and Hunter were re-elected unopposed.
Reports from Senior Provincial Officers
Reports from key Provincial officers—including Works, Almoner, Charity Steward, Membership Officer, Mentor, and Communications—were formally adopted.
The Brethren acknowledged their tireless work to advance the aims of Freemasonry across the Province.
A special word of thanks was given to Bro. Robert Ashton, who is stepping down as Provincial Grand Mentor after dedicated service.
MCF Representatives Re-Elected
Bros Tony Stephenson and John Taylor were re-elected as East Lancashire’s voting representatives to the Masonic Charitable Foundation, ensuring continued support for national charitable endeavours.
Historic Presentation: 200 Years of East Lancashire
VWBro Dr Richard A. Berman delivered a captivating presentation marking the Province’s Bicentenary.
This was his third consecutive visit—each one enlightening, thought-provoking, and warmly received.
Supporting the 2026 Festival
A collection was taken for the East Lancashire 2026 Festival, accompanied by a stirring rendition of Jerusalem.
The Provincial Grand Master reminded Brethren that Gift Aid significantly increases contributions and emphasised the importance of the festival as we enter its final year.
Awards, Golf & Quizzes
EL Masonic Golfing Society – Derby Cup
This year’s winners:
- Derby Cup – Bro John M. Berry (Lodge of Friendship No. 44)
- PGM’s Trophy – Bro Harvey Basger (Lodge of Integrity No. 163)
Provincial Quiz Final
The Lodge of Harmony No. 298 retained the title for the second-year running—once again finishing as champions after months of Area-led quiz nights.
Provincial Grand Secretary’s Annual Report
Bro Andrew Holland detailed a busy and memorable year, including:
- Lodge anniversaries (200th, 150th, 100th)
- Numerous personal 50-, 60- and 70-year presentations
- Bi-Centenary events across the province
- Progress on HERMES, the new digital administrative platform
- Encouragement for all members to register on UGLE’s Portal, which will soon serve as the primary communications hub
The Provincial Grand Master’s Address: Vision, Growth & Legacy
The centrepiece of the meeting was a powerful address from the RW Provincial Grand Master.
Membership & Growth
He highlighted encouraging national trends while acknowledging that East Lancashire must work to close the gap with the strongest-performing Provinces.
The message was clear and uplifting: growth is within our grasp, and every member plays a role.
Building Together
He commended the new “Building Together” initiative—a unified development toolkit for Lodges and Chapters that replaces the Members’ Pathway and Archway.
One Journey, One Organisation
He articulated a clear and straightforward explanation of the Craft–Royal Arch relationship:
“When you join Freemasonry, you will go through four ceremonies—three in a Lodge, and your completion in a Royal Arch Chapter.”
This understanding, he said, is already strengthening recruitment and retention.
2026 Festival Success
With over £2 million already raised, he expressed confidence—but not complacency—that the province would achieve its £2.4 million target.
Heritage & Future
Reflecting on 200 years of East Lancashire’s history, he reminded Brethren:
“We are proud of those who preceded us… and we should be proud of ourselves too.
The contribution we make today paves the way for the generations who will follow.”
Investiture & Provincial Honours
The Provincial Grand Master then invested and promoted the brethren selected for Provincial Grand Rank for 2025, following the formal reading of the Honours List.
The Province recognised 190 Brethren with appointments, promotions, or re-appointments—each the result of thoughtful consideration and well-earned merit.
A Special Surprise from Bro John Smith, Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Master Masons Province of East Lancashire.
One of the most memorable moments of this year’s meeting came rather unexpectedly, courtesy of Bro. John Smith, Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Master Masons for the Province of East Lancashire Mark Masons.
After being warmly welcomed among the distinguished Heads of Orders, Bro Smith came to the stage to offer a surprise gesture of goodwill and fraternity on behalf of the East Lancashire Mark Masons.
In a heartfelt expression of unity between the Craft and the Mark Degree, he presented the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master with a cheque for £50,000 towards the 2026 Festival marking East Lancashire’s Bi-Centenary year, making donations from East Lancashire Mark Masons to the festival in total to £75,000.
His thoughtful contribution not only honoured the historic milestone but also served as a reminder of the close bonds shared between the Orders.
The Brethren responded with rapturous applause, acknowledging both the generosity and the spirit of friendship that Bro Smith continues to foster across the wider Masonic family.
This unexpected moment added warmth and delight to the afternoon and further highlighted the collaborative strength of Masonry within our region.
Closing Thanks & Final Business
Before closing the Lodge, the Provincial Grand Master expressed heartfelt thanks to:
- Provincial Officers, volunteers, and committee members
- Organisers of the 2026 Festival
- The Provincial secretariat and administrative teams
- The DC’s team, Organist, Stewards, Security, medical support, and sound crew
- And of course, the brethren, for their attendance and continued dedication
The Lodge was then closed in due form, concluding a memorable and historic afternoon.
A Province Proud of Its Past—and Confident in Its Future
The 2025 Annual Meeting reflected exactly what makes East Lancashire so special:
Tradition, unity, generosity, vision, and a profound sense of shared purpose.
As we continue our Bi-Centenary celebrations and enter the final year of the 2026 Festival, the message from the Provincial Grand Master resonated clearly:
Our best work lies not behind us, but ahead of us.
Together, we build the future.
Google link for the day’s gallery can be found here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wrv9v7A3nF6j4aQe7