delegation bega 2018

Saturday 15th September was the date, 4pm was the time and the place was the Bega Masonic Centre, Canning Street Bega where installations of new Masters have been held for well over 100 years. This year it was the re-installation of W Bro David Richmond Porter, a Tathra lad who has been residing in the Philippines for a number of years and decided to move back to his home to care for his ageing parents. He enjoyed Freemasonry in the Philippines so it was natural for him to affiliate with Lodge Bega Remembrance on his return. He was installed in the chair of King Solomon last year for the first time. MW Bro Robson was also present at that meeting but as a Past Grand Master. The Representative on that occasion was RW Bro Bill Beattie on his final appointment as Regional Grand Counsellor.

This year's reinstallation was quite different in that it was carried out in the presence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Derek J Robson, AM, and accompanying him was a delegation of Grand Oficers totalling 27. Brethren came from Canberra, Sydney, Bombala, Cooma, Moruya, Pambula, Camden area and Taralga to support the Grand Master and the Lodge. 

The installation ceremony was carried out flawlessly by the Immediate Past Master, W Bro Russell Cochrane. The Grand Master and the delegation entered the Lodge in the first degree in defernce to the presence of Bro Joshua Shoobridge, the Lodge's Entered Apprentice, who was also given the task of being the official photographer. He was invited to be included in the photograph of the Grand Delegation above.

In response to his toast the Grand Master expressed his pleasure at being able to attend this great Lodge and witness the excellent work of the evening. He also paid tribute to his partner Gael who supports him in all of his Masonic activities. He informed Brethren that it is his intention to restore some of the past attributes of the Craft which seem to have become lost in the electronic age such as dignity and decorum in the Lodgeroom, the memorising of ritual, proper behaviour in the South and so on. In other words the past is to become the new future.

 cert presentation

The Grand Master presents W Bro Porter with his certificate of re-installation.

The Festive Board was well attended and everyone enjoyed the wwonderful meal that was prepared by and outside professional caterer.

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The Grand Master responding to the toast to himself.

presentation

Prior to retiring from the lodgeroom, the Grand Master presented RW Bro Kevin Mulcahy with the Grand Master's Distinguished Service Award which is in the form of a collarette jewel. The award was announced at the September Communication some 3 days earlier. The award is quite rare and even rarer for it to be presented by the Grand Master himself.