GRAND FESTIVAL MEETING

27th June 2004

The Order had a tremendous uplift at the Festival meeting, the first of its kind, an Open Meeting, not an Open Day. After opening the Grand Lodge Festival Meeting, to which Entered Apprentices, Fellowcraft and Master Masons were specially invited, the Grand Master suspended the Grand Lodge labours and invited non masons to enter the Temple.

We received this glowing uplift as a result of the large number of non Masonic visitors who entered our Temple by invitation. Six travelled from Nottingham and Birmingham showing their firm interest in petitioning to set up a Lodge at the Nottingham Theosophical Society Centre, where already ten petitioners have expressed interest in this idea. However the number of prospective candidates did not stop there, Lodge Golden Spiral has three new candidates and Lodge Annie Besant had sent three candidates to the meeting. We were also pleased to receive two joining Brothers from the LDH British Federation. Also we welcomed W Bro.s Vallely's daughter Melissa and partner (later with their twin babies at the Lewis ceremony). These seeds sown now can become mighty oaks later on.

Efforts for recruiting are concentrated on the official website which is bringing notice to people far and wide. It is noticable that we have had enquiries from Norwich and the Greater London Area. Main choices seem to lean towards Saturday or Sunday meetings for preference. The Open Day at Letchworth attracted much interest and visitors. We receive a great deal of assistance from the website of the American Federation of Human Rights; who are in fraternal relations with us.

Our emphasis on the deep spiritual symbolism of the masonic qualities and the teaching this offers us individually was uppermost in our thoughts at the Lewis Ceremony of the twin infants. Even the most experienced of us felt anew the uplifting of the spirit at the beautiful ceremony. All the members of the family attending were met at the Temple door by a procession of the G.M., Grand DC, Sword Bearer and Deacons. The 15 month old twins were borne around the Lodge and given offerings of white roses, oak leaves and a tiny lamp as light bingers, symbolising beauty, strength and wisdom. A  collection was taken on behalf of the Charity for the London Haven for supporting people suffering with breast cancer.

After the Grand Lodge was closed, an English high tea was enjoyed by the 52 present and a ceremonial cake was was cut by the infants with the assistance of their parents.