The final Craft Charity service run by the Cary & Dunluce Masonic Charity Committee, under the auspices of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim. Our guest of honour today was Rt Wor Bro John S. McLernon, Provincial Grand Master of Antrim, accompanied by Rt Wor Bro Sam Brennan and Alan Mercer, two of the current Assistant Grand Masters of Antrim. Also present were Very Wor Bro J. Russell Millar and James R. Roundtree, Grand Steward, and Grand Inner Guard respectively in the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Our District Grand King Rt Ex Comp J. Mac Pollock was present with his Deputy Rt Ex Comp Jim Lynch and Rt Ex Comp James H. McClurg District Grand Registrar. On this occasion, we were joined by the Most Excellent Assistant Grand King, from The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland. Most Excellent Companion George Graham was particularly pleased to join with us all this afternoon in his role, representing Supreme Grand Chapter in North Antrim.
Our annual service, on this occasion was held in Ramoan Presbyterian Church and was conducted by Rev Philip McKelvey, the Minister of Toberkeigh and Ramoan Presbyterian churches.
Our organist was Ms Irene McKay. The sponsoring Lodges this afternoon were Ballintoy Lodge No 38 and True Blue Lodge No 89 Ballycastle. The Lodge Secretary of 89 and the Master of Lodge No 38 carried out the old and new testament readings and the Rev McKelvey used quotations from both reading in his interesting and thought provoking sermon.
As you will see from the attached photographs there was a good attendance of Brethren and their families present, which all helped us to lift a charity collection of £ 1,018.00 at this stage, and our charity committee members remain confident that more funds will follow from those who were unable to be with us earlier. The chairman of The Cary & Dunluce gave special thanks to the Ladies from the Church who made the tea and set out the biscuits and snacks for us all.
Robert Bashford