Providing support when it's most needed

"There is no such thing as a Private Lodge, it is a Warranted Lodge, I therefore once again, direct your attention to, and expect compliance with, your Bylaws, the Book of Constitutions and the booklet Information for the Guidance of Members of the Craft.  Brethren let’s not forget we have all affirmed our unqualified assent to act and abide by the ancient usages and established customs of the order."

John Reid PrGM

Grand Superintendent's Address 

An edited version of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent's address

given to the Companions at the Annual Provincial Convocation 

9th May 2026

Congratulations to those Companions to whom I have had the immense pleasure of promoting and appointing.  Be in no doubt they are well deserved, being a recognition of your commitment to your Chapters and the Province, with the expectation that your future conduct and exertions will continue to benefit both the Craft and the Royal Arch.

These are challenging and changing times, which will require thoughtful adaptation.  We must remain mindful of how we engage with both our current and future members with relevance and retention being matters that deserve our careful attention, so let’s not be resistant to change, but embrace it, where and whenever necessary.

Companions, the harmonisation of the Craft and Royal Arch “One Journey, One Organisation” has now been achieved and acknowledged by Grand Lodge.  This  does not mean we can sit back and relax far from it as there is still an enormous amount of work to be done by us all if we are to succeed in delivering the 2022 Strategy and acheieving our aims with the Membership Challenge.

In my2025 address, I referred to working towards a milestone of 700 members over the next eighteen months.  I highlighted that this would only be achieved with your help and commitment. So, twelve months on while I am pleased that we have made a small net gain, we are still thirty members adrift of that number.  We must seriously ask if we are doing enoughto promote this wonderful Order in Wiltshire?   In order to achieve growth, we all must continue to engage not only with our Companions but also with the Brethren in our Craft Lodges, with the aim of recruiting, supporting, encouraging, and most importantly retaining members to ensure our Chapters are vibrant not only for today, but for the years ahead. We can only achieve this if we work collectively as a team, working in isolation is not an option.

Companions, my challenge to you is for every Chapter in the Province, to achieve a net gain of at least 2 members in the next 12 months.  I strongly encourage you to access “Building Together” the harmonisation of the Members Pathway and Archway;  now a single resource that will enable you to review and identify your Chapter's current status, assist in planning for the future, helping to identify and attract new members, how best to improve retention, as well as how to retrieve unattached Companions. We will be holding a series of “Building Together” workshops at various locations across the Province later in the year, but that is not an excuse to ignore engaging with it now. I certainly look forward to seeing your Chapters represented at one of these workshops.

During my many visits around the Province, Brethren and Companions alike have asked an array of questions.  This suggests that in their enquiring minds there is a thirst for Masonic knowledge.  I am aware of numerous Companions who have yet to log into Solomon, it’s intended to foster your curiosity while further developing your understanding in all aspects of your journey in Pure Antient Masonry.  Please do take the time to view this wonderful facility Solomon.ugle.org.uk In addition, a Training Group overseen by the Deputy Grand Superintendent, has been established, to develop a training programme for Companions and Royal Arch representatives, the training will be rolled out in the coming year. Education within our Province must be a priority for us all, as a well-informed member must surely be an engaged Freemason.  I encourage you all to invest in meaningful instruction, mentoring and discussion, so we can all deepen our understanding and appreciation of our ceremonies and their symbolism.  Simply put, it will be your daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.

Companions, I am pleased that our Royal Arch ceremonies on the whole are of a high standard; it is equally pleasing to see more Companions becoming involved.  This has brought its rewards, giving members a greater sense of belonging, pride, enjoyment and ownership and is to be encouraged.

Our meetings must be enjoyable as well as retaining a sense of humour, while keeping everything in perspective, but I am sure we would all agree that a Royal Arch ceremony performed well, is a memorable occasion, so let us all strive to perform to the best of our ability, committing the ceremonies to memory, ensuring candidates have the best experience during their Exaltation, as well as in the years that follow.  Only by setting high standards today will they be continued well into the future.  Be assured, should your Chapter need assistance the Provincial Team is here to help, guide, and if necessary to be involved - you only have to ask.

Companions, I thank those Chapters that have given generously over this year in support of our “Children at Christmas” initiative, “Teddies for Loving Care”, and especially, to those Chapters that have supported the Wiltshire 2028 Festival. Whether through your Chapters' efforts or by individual acts of kindness you are making a tangible difference to the lives of many, but let us always bear in mind that providing “Relief” is not only measured in monetary terms, but also in compassion acts expressed through time, care and understanding.  Giving our skills and time can often make more of an impact than donations, while active community engagement will enhance our Masonic reputation in the community.

So, Companions it will come as no surprise that the alms collection today, and I encourage you to use the gift aid envelopes, will go towards our Relief Chest, enabling us to continue to support and assist children, young adults, and the wider community in this Province.

Before I conclude, I take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Provincial Officers for their much valued support and commitment, not only to myself and to my Deputy but to the Chapters they have visited throughout the year. My thanks are also extended to the Grand Officers.  It would be remiss of me not to mention the outgoing 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, Excellent Companion Mark Lovell, who has given exceptional service to this Province over many years as an active Officer as well as a valued member of the Executive.

To the new Provincial Team, I look forward to your company and support in the year ahead. I can promise you a rewarding and fulfilling term of office, which will enrich your Masonic experience.

Companions, I am sure you will wish to join me in congratulating our two Companions who were recently appointed to Grand Rank, Excellent Companions Steven Darlington appointed to Past Grand Standard Bearer, and David Little to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

We all know that the success of a day such as our Annual Convocation is not the result of a contribution of a single individual but that of an army of willing helpers. I am so aware of the time, planning and commitment that has been expended by all involved.  To those Companions, I thank you most sincerely. Special thanks are extended to the Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra and his Assistant along with the Director of Ceremonies and his team. We must not forget those Companions who were up at the crack of dawn transporting the furniture in order to set up the hall as we see it now. and those Chapters under whose banners we are meeting today: Chapter of Friendship and Unity N°1271, Gooch Chapter N°1295 and Wiltshire Chapter of Agriculture N°9090.

YOU CAN STILL DONATE AND SUPPORT THESE TWO EVENTS

Derek's Trek

Make a donation to the

Wiltshire 2028 Festival

Trek to Mount Toubkal

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Cycle Ride 

Make a donation to the

Wiltshire 2028 Festival

Cycle Ride

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YOU ASKED THE QUESTION - WHAT TIE AND WHERE?

HERE'S THE ANSWER

To read the Mission Statement of the United Grand Lodge of England

follow this link: 

https://pglwilts.sketchanet.com/about-us/united-grand-lodge-of-england/ugle-mission-statement

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