Brethren all,
You must be aware by now that the Most Worshipful the Grand Master has suspended all Masonic-related activity for a period of four months. The suspension came in with immediate effect at 12 noon on 17 March 2020 and encompasses all Masonic meetings, including Royal Arch and all Masonic-related social activity and Lodges of Instruction, until we receive further advice from the appropriate authorities.
Our Masonic centres will incur continuing costs throughout this period and we remind all Lodge Secretaries and Treasurers to fulfil their obligations with respect to any per capita charges relating to the regular meetings of each Lodge that would have been held in accordance with their bylaws.
It is doubtful that the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting will be held as scheduled on 23 September 2020 due to this suspension. However, as far as we are aware, all new Provincial Honours will be effective from that date.
The hard copy of Provincial News will not be circulated as previously planned in May, but a version will be available online in due course.
With the prevailing circumstances and being mindful of the health of the staff at Fleet House, the office will now only be open from Tuesdays to Thursday until further notice.
The positions of Master, Wardens and Master Elect of each Lodge is unclear at this stage, but it is likely that whatever situation the Lodge is in at the date of this suspension will prevail when the suspension is lifted.
It is of paramount importance that we all recognise our duty of care to protect our families and friends, Masonic and otherwise, during these unprecedented circumstances.
Brethren these are difficult times, we will do our utmost to keep you fully informed.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Paul Gower
Provincial Grand Master
