St Martins Lodge 2320 welcomed a special guest from New Zealand when members gathered at Rochdale Masonic Hall on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
The meeting was attended by members of the Eastern Area team, led by Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro John Curry, Eastern Area Team, together with other distinguished guests and members of Crompton Lodge 8879, who meet at Shaw in Oldham.
Among the distinguished visitors was WBro Warren Charles Robertson, a Past District Grand Director of Ceremonies and Past Master of The Waitohi Lodge 111, under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. WBro Robertson was visiting the UK to spend time with family and took the opportunity to attend the meeting.
The Lodge was opened in due form before WBro Robertson was formally introduced to the members.
Following the Lodge’s regular business, members were treated to an excellent presentation of the First Degree Tracing Board by WBro Peter Clegg PProvDepGReg, a member of Hope Lodge 54. The presentation was greatly appreciated and provided a fitting highlight to the evening’s proceedings.
Once the Lodge had been closed, WBro Robertson was given a tour of Rochdale Masonic Hall. He was clearly impressed by the building and commented that they had nothing comparable in New Zealand.
The formal proceedings were followed by an excellent meal at the Social Board, with members of St Martins Lodge 2320 joined by their ladies, who traditionally attend this particular meeting.
The visit was overseen by WBro Jon MacMillan PProvSuptWks, Eastern Area Secretary, following contact from the Provincial Office to arrange WBro Robertson’s attendance.
An enjoyable evening of Masonry, fellowship and friendship was had by all, with WBro Robertson leaving suitably impressed by the warm welcome he had received.
Following the visit, WBro MacMillan received an email from WBro Robertson expressing his sincere thanks for the evening. His message has since been passed on to everyone involved in making his visit such a memorable occasion.
The evening was a wonderful example of the friendships and connections that Freemasonry can create, extending well beyond local and national boundaries.
