Personal message from Sir Michael Snyder

Metropolitan Grand Master / Metropolitan Grand Superintendent

Brethren / Companions

As some semblance of normality returns to our daily lives, or whatever the new normal looks like, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your personal contribution over what has been a particularly challenging period.

Many of you have been full-time, part-time, or voluntary care workers on the front-line, while others have been working in support services such as keeping the transport network going or shops stocked.  Many have volunteered through charities, food banks or in vaccination centres, and the personal efforts of so many of you have been quite humbling to witness.

I have been especially impressed by Lodges and Chapters that have worked so hard to keep in touch with their members, especially the more vulnerable ones, during the various lockdowns by telephone or utilising Social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter) as well as conferencing software such as Zoom, Teams etc.  This has evidently had the added bonus of engaging not only with potential members but also members who may not have physically attended meetings for some time due to distance or perhaps infirmity.

Meetings have resumed and, as we commence a new masonic season, there is a significant backlog of work that many are keen to catch up on.  In so doing, I am particularly keen to acknowledge that the pandemic is far from over, and no one, whatever their rank or office, should feel pressured or coerced into attending meetings or other events until they are entirely comfortable in doing so.

This has been a difficult time for all of us, and while the pandemic has had a devastating impact on some, I have been hugely encouraged that the basic tenets of freemasonry have shone through. This autumn will see the launch of a National Digital Marketing Campaign, and there are encouraging signs already that the positive impact of our collective actions during the pandemic is going to generate renewed interest in joining our order.  We must be ready to welcome them.

Finally, please extend my heartfelt thanks to all members of your family who provide us with so much support throughout the year, it is very much appreciated.

Sincerely & fraternally

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 46 October 2021 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons - Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 46.