Today in the beautiful sunshine The Seven Towers and Massereene Masonic Charity Committee held their 65th annual divine service in Craigs Parish Church, Cullybackey. On this occasion the two Randalstown Masonic Lodges – Clotworthy Lodge No 593 and Randalstown Masonic Lodge No 598 were our hosts for the day, as part of the Centenary Celebrations in both Lodges to mark their 100th anniversaries. The service was conducted by Very Wor Bro the Rev John McClure, one of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim Chaplin’s and the organ music, as usual was provided by Bobby McQuillan.
There was a good turnout of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers present, led by Rt Wor Bro John S McLernon Provincial Grand Master, supported by all four of his assistants – Rt Wor Bro Sam Brennan, George M Graham, Paul Harvey, and Allen Mercer. Also present was the Provincial Grand Master Designate Rt Wor Bro John Edens and The Provincial Secretary Very Wor Bro David R. Martin. Equally well represented was The District Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Antrim led by the Most Excellent District Grand King Jon McA Pollock with his Deputy Rt Ex Companion Jim Lynch and the District Grand Registrar James H. McClurg. Also present was Very Ex Companion J Michael Alexander Grand Captain of the Host in Supreme Grand Chapter. And of course a very good turn out of local Council, Royal Arch Chapter and Lodge members from the Seven Towers & Massereene district.
The first biblical reading from the Old Testament was carried out by Wor Bro Nigel Herbert, Lodge Chaplin in Clotworthy Lodge No 593 and the New Testament reading was carried out by Wor Bro Eddie Cotter, the current Worshipful Master of Randalstown Lodge No 598. Very Wor Bro, the Reverend John McClure conducted the service and gave us all a very thought provoking sermon, encouraging us to actively support the Charities, particularly those assisting people in serious need. Clearly his thoughts were well received by all present, and our collection on the day came to a total sum of £ 1,001.00. However those in charge of the District Charity Committee expect this amount to increase, as further donations are received from those that were unable to be with us today.
The Ladies had prepared tea and coffee, buns, and biscuits, which were well received by all who stayed for the brief social hour after the service.
Robert Bashford