Gloucestershire Freemasonry’s Family Service
It was a truly beautiful autumn day for the Gloucestershire Freemasons’ annual family service when they were accompanied by their families. The tradition of holding a parade in full Masonic regalia in local churches is one which goes back many generations. The high altar in the quire is a good example of their support for the cathedral as not only was it paid for by Gloucestershire Freemasons and consecrated in 1873 but the main work was executed by a sculptor named James Redfern who was a member of the Royal Gloucestershire Lodge. A qualification for membership of Freemasonry is faith; as that faith is not limited to Christianity many of the great religions are represented in over eighty Lodges and over two and a half thousand members in Gloucestershire.
The sense of history radiates from the building which has been the centre of faith in Gloucestershire for almost a thousand years. In this role, Gloucester Cathedral welcomes many different groups and communities that represent the diversity of the county. During the service, the head of Freemasonry in Gloucestershire, the Provincial Grand Master Tim Henderson-Ross, and his Deputy, David Rhodri Mason both gave readings. The address was given by the Grand Chaplain of the United Grand Lodge of England Reverend Dr Simon Alexander Thorn and the prayers by the Chaplain for the Gloucestershire Freemasons Reverend Richard John Westacott. The words of the hymn “Jerusalem” were sung with particular gusto as the final lines “till we have built Jerusalem in England’s green and pleasant land” affirmed our commitment to making our communities a better place for one and all.
We thank Gilbert Turner of Perseverance Lodge for our photographs and Geoff Warburton, Provincial Secretary, for setting up the gallery.
Click here to view the gallery of photographs of the Family Service 2022
