John shares this latest news on behalf of Isle of Wight Freemasons. Ed
Michael Wilks, Provincial Grand Master for the Masonic Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight will lead the Island’s Freemasons on the Isle of Wight Day Parade on 24th September. He will be accompanied by the Island’s Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Perkis.
On this special occasion, permission has been given for the Island’s Freemasons to parade wearing full Masonic regalia.
Marking a point in history
The parade will mark a point in history for Island Freemasons as it will be the first time for 103 years that members will wear full Masonic regalia in a public procession.
On 10th September 1913, East Medina Lodge celebrated its Centenary. Lodge members proceeded, in full regalia, from Ryde Town Hall to All Saints Church.
The Provincial Grand Master, at the time, Sir Augustus Webster Bt, officiated. The Master of East Medina Lodge was Col. Edward W. Craddock.
300th Anniversary in 2017
The first major milestone of Freemasonry occurred on 24 June 1717 when four London Lodges came together at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s Churchyard and declared themselves the world’s first Grand Lodge (subsequently to become the United Grand Lodge of England).
Thus, on 24th June 2017, the United Grand Lodge of England will mark its 300th Anniversary with events and celebrations taking place across the world.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons
There are over 9,000 Freemasons in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and over 250 Lodges.
Although Freemasons have been an open and transparent organisation for some time, there are still many misconceptions.
Essentially Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. It is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations.
