Brethren, we are now in those final few days before the arrival of Christmas, and preparations are well underway for the Big Day. Tonight the Six Mile Valley District Masonic Charity Committee held their Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in Saint Bride’s Church in the Parish of Kilbride. This beautiful old church with its Christmas Tree lit up in the grounds was an excellent venue and just about held all the Brethren, their families, and friends, who attended this service. The Rector Reverend John McClure led the Service, and the church organist Timothy Wilson provided the music. We were particularly luck to have the Doagh Primary School Choir present, who sang a couple of hymns on their own and gave voice to us all in the congregational hymn’s.
There was a good turn out of current Provincial Grand Lodge Officers present including our Provincial Assistant Grand Masters including Rt Wor Bros Sam Brennan, George Graham, Paul Harvey, and Allen Mercer Also present were past officers including John Edens and David Lyness. And as you can see from the photographs many other Brethren from the Six Mile Valley were present to support the occasion.
We should record our Brethren who gave the readings on the night. I refer to Wor Bro Jordan Reid, Rt Wor Bro Allen Mercer, Very Wor Bro Russell Millar, Wor Bro Alan Moore, Ex Companion William Esler, Ex Companion Leonard Barr, Ex Sir Knight Andy Lowe and Eminent Sir Knight Jacob Hanna. And, of course, we had a feast of Christmas carols including Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World, Away in a Manger, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem and Once in Royal David City.
As usual, at this time of year, many researchers look back at the origins of Carol Singing, and it will probably surprise many to learn that some believe that the first carols were written to be danced to and would have been a rather jolly affair. Thankfully, to the best of my knowledge, there was no dancing last night.
Brethren it was a relaxing, enjoyable, and fulfilling night. Afterwards, we all adjourned to the Church Hall for a cup of tea and biscuit, an enjoyable social hour, with friends old and new.
Robert Bashford