Provincial Grand Master congratulates Mike Kendall for 50 years’ Service
Priory Lodge celebrate a remarkable milestone of their Grand Officer’s service to Freemasonry
The Provincial Grand Master (PGM), Paul Tarrant, accompanied by the Assistant Provincial Grand Officer (APGM), Philip Lovelock, visited the Southend Masonic Centre, on 15th February 2024 and presented a Certificate for 50 years Meritorious Service to Mike Kendall together with a commemorative lapel pin at what was to be a special ‘nostalgic’ Priory Lodge meeting.
Mike was initiated into Priory Lodge No. 1000 in 1974 and became the Worshipful Master in 1983 with his first appointed as a Provincial Officer in 1985. He became a Grand Officer in 1995 and was appointed the Provincial Junior Grand Warden for 1999 and promoted to Past Junior Grand Deacon in 2009.
The Lodge also honoured Mike with a presentation of a commemorative glass plaque thanking him for 50 years of committed loyal and dedicated service to the Lodge.
John Heron read two short pieces entitled ‘The Way We Were’ highlighting the events of the year Mike was initiated and ‘The Old Masters Wages’ a poem expressing a mason’s contentment when growing old. He then went on to personally present Mike with small oak maul with cradle, which he had made.
A very interesting talk by Gary Myers on the various historical facts, artifacts and notable characters and events that have been discovered whilst researching Priory’s past, was appreciated by all.
Part of the Lodge history is that of being a ‘Red socks lodge.’ A tradition started by Dennis Mitchell, a past member who wore red socks and when he died left a legacy to facilitate all initiates and joining members to receive a pair of red socks: a custom still operating today.
With around 30 members Priory Lodge has a remarkable history from when it was formed in 1865 at the Ship Hotel in Southend. To show their esteem all of the members were present with some past members also attending and taking Offices to make it a truly memorable and emotional evening for Mike.
Photos
Top: Mike Kendle and those present to celebrate his wonderful milestone
Left (L-R): Philip Lovelock (APGM), Paul Tarrant (PGM), Mike Kendall, Keith Hunter (Worshipful Master)
