United Grand Lodge
of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons
of England


 
Province of
South Wales Eastern Division

News
Report

Freemasonry in the Community
Llandaff Cathedral filled to capacity for the first ever Provincial Service Cardiff's Llandaff Cathedral saw a gathering of hundreds of Freemasons accompanied by their families and friends on Saturday 25th May 2002. The service was part of the Province's Freemasonry in the Community series of events. Freemasonry in the Community is an initiative of the United Grand Lodge of England aimed at restoring Freemasonry (in the perception of the general public) to its rightful position as a part of the community rather than apart from the community.
Members had travelled from all parts of the Province, from Swansea in the West to Llandrindod Wells in the North. The blustery showers held off whilst the congregation were arriving - and the unsettled weather was equally kind at the end of the service. W.Bro. Rev. Norman Lea, Assistant Provincial Grand Master - who has recently completed a year as the Deputy Grand Chaplain of the United Grand Lodge of England - welcomed the Brethren and the congregation to the magnificent Cathedral. He thanked the Dean of Llandaff for allowing the use of the Cathedral and the Verger for help with the logistics of the occasion. Rev. Lea then led the congregation in prayer. After the hymn "Immortal Invisible", the First Lesson - a reading from the Old Testament (part of Kings I, Ch 6) - was given by V.W.Bro. Peter Frost, P.G.Swd.B., Deputy Provincial Grand Master. The hymn "All my hope on God is founded" was then sung with the accompaniment of the magnificent Cathedral Organ. The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Hywel Davies then gave the Second Lesson entirely in the Welsh Language. The passage, from the New Testament, was The First Letter of St. Peter (Ch 2, vv4-10). This was followed by the hymn "Christ is made the sure foundation". The Provincial Grand Chaplain, W.Bro. Rev. Canon Huw Mossford, who was  accompanied by the Provincial Assistant Grand Chaplain, W.Bro. Rev. Canon John C. Buttimore, then led the congregation in prayers: Of thanks to Almighty God For Peace For those in need For Members of the Craft The Lord's Prayer was followed by the Welsh Language hymn "Glan Gerwbiaid a Seraffiaid" Rev. Canon Mossford then gave a thought-provoking and stimulating address encompassing among other things the nature of Freemasonry, Love and life today.	A message from the RW Provincial Grand Master I wish to express my gratitude to the following people for making our first Provincial Church Service such a great success The Dean of Llandaff for permitting the Service. V.W.Bro. Capt. Norman Lloyd Edwards, G.C.St.J., R.D., R.N.R., and W.Bro. Brian Tansley, PGStdB., for their representation to the Cathedral Authorities on our behalf. W.Bro. Andrew Gretton, PSGD; W.Bro. Geoffrey Thomas, PAGDC; and their many supporting Brethren, for organising the whole occasion. W.Bros. Rev. Norman Lea, PDGChap; Rev Canon Huw Mosford, Prov.G.Chap.; and Rev Canon John Buttimore, Prov.A.G.Chap. and the Cathedral Organist, for their roles in the Service Last but not least, those hundreds of Brethren and family members who attended. I am most appreciative of their endeavours for the Province and Free-masonry, and it was a lovely meeting for all the religions represented.
The hymn "Guide me O thou great Redeemer", to the tune Cwm Rhondda, was sung with much relish during the collection, which was to be applied entirely to the work and witness of the Cathedral. The Blessing was followed by the the National Anthems of Wales, "Mae hen wlad fy nhadau"; and the United Kingdom; "God Save the Queen" Despite the fact that Freemasonry accepts men of all faiths, this was an unashamedly Christian service. Members of other faiths were welcome, and indeed, many attended. There is also to be a multi-denominational Service at Barry on 30th June. This event was so well supported - and so well received by those present - that consideration must surely be given to making this an annual event.