Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons’ gather in their hundreds at Leicester Cathedral for the Annual
On a mild winters' afternoon on the 9th December 2018, over 350 Freemasons, family, and friends gathered at Leicester Cathedral for the annual Christmas carol service. As the visitors arrived, they were greeted by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder, and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Andrew Green, along with the Dean of Leicester, The Very Reverend David Monteith, before being escorted to their seats by a delegation of Provincial Grand Stewards.
It was a very festive occasion, as the Cathedral was filled with song, expertly led by the Senior Girls and Songmen of the Cathedral Choir.
The first lesson was given by W.Bro. Jonathan Varley, Provincial Senior Grand Warden “Wisdom of Solomon 7.1-7”, followed by W.Bro. Kelvin Johnson, Provincial Grand Secretary, with “Exodus 3.1-6”.
After renditions of favourite seasonal hymns, the third lesson “Isaiah 11.1-9” was given by the Provincial Grand Treasurer, W.Bro. Adrian Pearse, and the fourth lesson “Isiah 9.2,6-7" by the Assistant Grand Master W.Bro. Andrew Green.
After the congregation delighted with a superb rendition of “O little town of Bethlehem”, the lessons continued with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Peter Kinder delivering “Luke 1.26-38”, and the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. David Hagger with “Luke 2.1-16” where St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
All were treated to an enthralling and enlightening Sermon, given by W.Bro. The Reverend Clive Watts, Provincial Grand Senior Deacon, before the closing lesson given by V.W.Bro. The Reverend Canon Michael Wilson, Provincial Grand Chaplain “John 1.1-14” and the prayers and blessing led by The Very Reverend David Monteith, Dean of Leicester.
The Provincial Grand Master said: “Whereas last year the deep snow prevented many from attending, it is such a delight to see the Cathedral full for this service of celebration”
The afternoon was concluded with mince pies and a glass of wine in the Great South Aisle of the Cathedral.