Grand Master orders four-month suspension

You will all have received the announcement from the Most Worshipful Grand Master suspending Masonic meetings for a period of four months.

This applies to ALL Masonic meetings.

In these fast-moving times, I appreciate that you have been bombarded with information. This announcement gives absolute clarity to our situation. I hope it will be helpful to everyone in our Province, and, in view of the preparatory work we have done, that the announcement did not come as a complete surprise.

The country is facing a national emergency. Freemasonry, whilst being extremely important to us all, is a sociable and fraternal pastime that, in itself, is not essential. We all have to appreciate the work behind the scenes that is being done on our behalf, and this will continue.

What is essential in the meantime is that we continue to look after our families, friends and Brother Freemasons alike during these difficult times. Please keep in touch with each other by telephone and help where you can. Consider formal arrangements within your Lodges and Chapters to share the work of Almoners and Chaplains to support brethren and Lodge widows, particularly those who are alone or in any way vulnerable.

I hope the suspension of all Masonic activity, coming towards the end our of Masonic ‘season’, will not be too disruptive in Lincolnshire. However, I recognise that you will have many questions about the impact of this cessation of our activities; how to manage around, for example, missed installation ceremonies, and what to record in your minute books. Please understand that at the moment we don’t have the answers to give you, but these will be forthcoming in due course. There will be busy times ahead when we resume ‘business as usual’, whenever this may be. As always, rest assured that I will share further updates as soon as information is available.

No-one knows what the future holds, but I am confident that, once this crisis is over, we will return stronger and more focused than ever before.

Thank you for your continued support and offers of help which have meant a great deal to me and to the executive members of the Province of Lincolnshire.

Stay safe and well and I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Yours sincerely and fraternally,

Dave Wheeler

Provincial Grand Master
Most Excellent Grand Superintendent