Centurion Lodge of M.M.M. No. 1804
Saturday 12 July 2025
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Yet another early start for the members and friends of Centurion Lodge No.1804 as they travelled to the North of Essex to hold their Installation meeting in the port of Brightlingsea.
The meeting was honoured by an unofficial visit from the Provincial grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Finlay, accompanied by his Asst.Prov.G.M’s, W.Bro’s John Stannard and Geoff Newman.
The Prov.G.M’s visit was twofold, firstly to witness the Installation of Brother Alex Thake as Master.
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Since the Lodge was close to handing it’s warrant in, and a rescue package put together and saved, it was necessary to use Past Masters to resurrect the Lodge.
Alex is the first lay Brother to be Installed as Master.
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The Prov.G.M also had another motive for attending, and that was to present a Roman hunting dagger that he had been presented with at Aurelius Lodges Centenary meeting.
He explained that it would be put to better use by Centurion Lodge and that he felt that it should be used by the Tyler to see off all Intruders and Cowans to Freemasonry.
The Tyler was then summoned and the Prov.G.M then presented the dagger along with a fine leather scabbard and belt for him to wear whilst outside the door of the Lodge.
Peter Nason was then dressed accordingly by the Prov.G.M, and then retired from the Lodge to continue his duty as Tyler.
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The Ceremony of Installation for Alex was then carried out by W.Bro. Barry Coombes in a fine fashion, assisted by his Officers. The working tools were presented faultlessly by Bro. James Drury.
It is tradition that the Prov.G.M present the “Address to the Brethren” at meetings, this time however he “volunteered” his Asst.Prov.G.M, Geoff Newman, which was also presented in a superb manner.
After the Ceremony was completed the newly Installed W.Bro. Alex Thake thanked the Prov.G.M and all those that had been part of the ceremony and especially thanked all the visitors.
Alex went onto explain to the visitors that all of the progressive offices are now filled by lay brethren and that the future of the Lodge is now secured thanks to the efforts of all the members and supporters of Centurion Lodge.
The Brethren of the Lodge also bestowed honorary membership on W.Bro. John Stannard for his support for the Lodge during its re-purposing and his services to the Province. This was met by great applause by all present.
Once the meeting was closed, and the obligatory photos taken, of which the secretary managed to avoid, it was time for the customary full English breakfast festive board, with the Prov.G.M winning his usual boiled sweets in the raffle.
35 brethren parted company looking forward to the next meeting.
Posted on 18/07/25
