The daffodils were out and a bright sunny day echoed the signs of growth which the Metropolitan Grand Master would refer to in his address to those gathered in the Grand Temple of Freemasons’ Hall, as members and their families arrived in Great Queen Street for the Senior London Grand Rank investiture and Annual Meeting of Metropolitan Grand Lodge.
The daffodils were out and a bright sunny day echoed the signs of growth which the Metropolitan Grand Master would refer to in his address to those gathered in the Grand Temple of Freemasons’ Hall, as members and their families arrived in Great Queen Street for the Senior London Grand Rank investiture and Annual Meeting of Metropolitan Grand Lodge.
The Brethren stood to order as the Metropolitan Grand Master, RW Bro Warren Duke, entered accompanied by his officers to rapturous applause. Having taken his place, he welcomed all those gathered and looked forward to welcoming family members and friends of those to be invested as well as Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts once the formal business of Metropolitan Grand Lodge had been conducted.
Having concluded the administrative proceedings, the Metropolitan Grand Master reappointed his deputies, Assistant Metropolitan Grand Masters and Inspectors. Metropolitan Grand Lodge was then called off and we were joined by non-Masonic guests and the Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts. Bro Duke then appointed the rest of the Metropolitan Grand Officers after a break, during which the annual meeting of the London Freemasons Charity took place (reported separately here in Arena).
The Metropolitan Grand Master then proceeded to perhaps the highlight of the afternoon: the investiture of those he had appointed to Senior London Grand Rank. The Grand Temple often echoed to robust applause and cheers as the Metropolitan Grand Secretary read out names and Lodges of individuals, with what seemed to be a competition between supporters to champion their friends. This was followed by the investiture of former Metropolitan Officers with collarettes and finally the presentation to Lodges who had made significant contributions to the London Air Ambulance appeal.
The Metropolitan Grand Master then addressed those present. He began by reiterating his welcome to the honoured guests and expressed his delight in welcoming not only the Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts but also the family and friends of the investees who had gathered to witness the afternoon’s proceedings. He said he was extremely keen that they should be able to join with us and share in the hobby which we love, but which can be a bit of a mystery to those nearest and dearest to us. He explained that the primary reason we were here today was to acknowledge the contributions of investees and for their continued commitment to Freemasonry in London. They not only contributed significantly to their Lodges but also to the wider communities in which we live. Bro Duke said that Senior London Grand Rank was the highest rank he could bestow; and it was not given for tenure but for the sterling contribution already made by Members and which he hoped would continue to be made, to their Lodges, Members and communities. He said that less than one in ten will achieve this significant milestone and “I hope that you are enjoying this significant day and I look forward to your continued support and leadership.”
The Metropolitan Grand Master then addressed those whom he had appointed to active office. He said that we must continue to serve our members faithfully and with humility.
Bro Duke then turned to the membership challenge. He reported with great pleasure that in 2024 we had 1,279 initiations, which was a material increase on both 2022 and 2023, with an average age of 41. He said that it is also reassuring to note that we had a decrease in resignations. There is still work to be done here, but we are on the cusp of growth and he expressed his gratitude to the individuals, Lodges and the hard working volunteers in the Metropolitan teams who have driven our strategy forward. In 2025, we can develop from a Membership Challenge to a Membership Opportunity. He said that we must maintain this work and seize this opportunity for growth in Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Chapter, saying: “It’s time to grow!”
Bro Duke then spoke of the Mental Health initiative being undertaken by the Metropolitan Almoner’s team under Darrel Palmer; and the cornerstone performance of the ‘Wellbeing Team’. Wellbeing issues are something we all face in life; and being able to talk about it, particularly when not feeling at our best, is good. To foster this, every London Mason now has access to foundation training, which will enable us to recognise when a Brother, family member or friend is struggling. This training will equip everyone in having the right sort of conversation which may encourage them to seek support. We are training 80-100 Mental Health First Aiders, commencing in March 2025, which will provide them with the professional and recognised qualifications for that role, along with 500 new Wellbeing Ambassadors to the existing cohort of over 700.
Bro Duke said, “I understand that this initiative is the first of its scale and size within Freemasonry, and, since the presentation of the Launch Webinar in January, the response from our members has been exceptional.”
The Metropolitan Grand Master then spoke about the four strong foundations of Freemasonry: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. As part of Service, Charity is a key element. “You will all know that we reached our target of £3 million in a mere 20 months – thanks to your generosity – for two brand new helicopters for London’s Air Ambulance”, he said. “In fact, £3.14 million was raised!”. He mentioned the sterling work done by Stratton Richey and his team and the exciting initiatives to replenish their funds, which he hoped would continue to be supported.
The Metropolitan Grand Master the mentioned some retirements: three Metropolitan Grand Inspectors retired today, as did another during 2024, and he thanked Oliver Crispin, Robert Lakic, John Shulman and Rusell Sollof for all their hard work. He said that he was sure other Masonic responsibilities lie ahead for them all and thanked them for their significant contribution to London Freemasonry.
He also thanked Navtej Jasal for his service as Treasurer and welcomed his successor, Derek Lane. Bro Duke then spoke of his gratitude to the Metropolitan Grand Director of Ceremonies and his Deputies. W Bro Guy Foster is retiring after four distinguished years as MetGDC and Bro Duke said: “I am so grateful to him, knowing what a challenging office it is. I have appreciated his enduring patience and wisdom, and all his good advice. Guy: thank you!”
The Metropolitan Grand Master then spoke about W Bro Ray Ride, who “retires today as Metropolitan Grand Membership Officer. After having served as a Metropolitan Grand Inspector from 2012 to 2017, he then immediately took on leading our entire Membership function of well over 100 volunteers. By way of example, most recently he and his busy team have been championing the delivery of the Members’ Pathway and training over 750 Lodge Membership Officers. Ray is also selfless, delivering a number of different seminars on membership, and sharing our best practices to many Provinces at the request of UGLE.”
“Ray, it is impossible for me to overstate your contribution to London Masonry; we all owe you a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to repay. This membership opportunity I have mentioned is possible in no small part thanks to you and your team.
I know that you will remain a source of good counsel and someone I will continue to turn to for advice, but for now, to you, Ray – our profound thanks.”
He then went on to thank the staff in the Metropolitan office, the volunteers and the former Metropolitan Stewards of Lodge No 9812 and the many others whose contributions make an event like this meeting happen.
After the National Anthem, the Metropolitan Grand Master and his officers, together with distinguished guests, retired in procession to acclaim. Many of those who had been present then enjoyed a drinks reception followed by dinner.
The Annual Meeting of the London Freemasons Charity: Announcement of a fundraising Lottery
The Annual Meeting of the London Freemasons Charity (LFC) was held as part of the proceedings of the Annual Meeting of Metropolitan Grand Lodge. As such, it was opened by its Chair – W Bro Stratton Richey – at the invitation of the Metropolitan Grand Master, RW Bro Warren Duke.
Bro Richey began by dealing with administrative matters, then went on to address the Members. He informed the meeting that there was over £3 million sitting in Lodge and Chapter Relief Chests and that this money needed to be moved to address the reason it was raised – for charity. He urged Charity Stewards and those appointed to Senior London Grand Rank to look at their chests and get them active and working.
He said that the LFC had continued to make grants to small and medium sized charities and had given over £1 million to worthy charities since COVID. Prostate Cancer PSA testing, a particularly important and successful campaign among Masons, will continue to be funded for the next five years. Each year without fail, men have been identified who had no idea they had cancer, and through this programme they have started treatment sooner that they otherwise would. Lives have been saved. The advice is to get checked.
We have also worked closely with London Search and Rescue (LS&R), a team of volunteers who are on call to support the emergency services in the search for missing high-risk vulnerable people. Every year, over 42,000 people are reported missing in the capital, with over 5,000 of those being considered the most vulnerable in our communities. Those helped by LS&R are often children; people who are living with dementia, those facing mental health challenges or those who have reached the point of making plans to take their own lives.
Indeed our new Metropolitan Senior Grand Warden is one of the team and is often out on searches.
Bro Richey continued “The Mental Health initiative mentioned by the Metropolitan Grand Master in his address is being funded by the LFC. Self-reliance is one of the biggest barriers to people accessing mental health support in Freemasonry. Nearly 40% of a recent poll within our membership said our members don’t access support because we wish to solve problems on our own; this of course isn’t unique to Freemasonry. Do ask for help sooner rather than later: everyone here has endured some sort of mental strain.
“Last year I announced the continuation of Matched Funding, and I am delighted to tell you that I have allocated £50,000 for matched funding this year. If we are oversubscribed, the money will be allocated pro rata. Rosetta pages on matched funding are now live again.
“Brethren you probably know about Movember, the charity which raises funds for dealing with Prostate cancer, testicular cancer and the Mental health issues around those subjects. This ties in with our Mental health campaign and of course PSA testing. This November, all those London Masons who take the challenge and grow a furry top lip and get sponsorship can apply to LFC for matched funding for their efforts. I have allocated £50,000 for this. The challenge is before you. Details of this matched funding will become available later in the year on Rosetta.”
Bro Richey went onto say that the question he is asked most is ‘What’s next?’
“Brethren, we need to replace funds into LFC and put in place a robust source of funds for the future. Today I announce an appeal for the London Freemasons Charity. Please look to your Relief Chest and help us to help communities in London. Please make donations to E2058/ LFC relief chest: we need your support.
“But this is an appeal with a difference. It’s gentle and ongoing. There are no award levels for Lodges and Chapters, no targets to be nagged about. Today we launch a new, two-pronged approach.
“We are launching our own lottery. This is for members and their families and friends to make a monthly donation in multiples of £5. Each £5 will have its own unique number allocated. Each month the draw will take place and each month there will be winners, with initially one first prize of £1000, two of £750, 3 of £500 and 7 of £250. The lottery is run independently of LFC or Met Grand Lodge. We have no influence over the number drawn, so every one of us can enter without any conflict of interest.
“The draw will be held monthly. We are in final stages of proving the system and webpage access; and details will be sent out on the Metropolitan Grand Lodge Risings and on Rosetta when we are certain that it is robust.”
Each quarter, these prize levels will be reviewed and as the income increases, so the prize amounts may also be increased. Those who win will have the funds paid straight into their accounts. If they wish to donate some back, they can, but it will not be possible for that return donation to be increased by Gift Aid.
QR codes will be sent out to make signing up as simple as possible. Bro Richey concluded, “Brethren, lotteries are very popular with many Charites, we are no different.”
Turning to another theme, Bro Richey continued, “The second fundraising arm is a bit of fun. Limited edition tokens or coins are being designed. This will be the start of our interest in commemorative coins, with others perhaps coming along in the future representing our achievements. This first depicts the Air Ambulance. A limited edition will be made. Again, a different QR code will be made available, and the manufacturer will send the collectors’ coin direct to your home address. It will be possible for a Lodge to purchase a number for their Members: its entirely up to you. Brethren, I ask for your help and participation in this fund-raising venture.”
He then concluded the address by thanking the Metropolitan Grand Master for allowing annual meeting of LFC to take place during the Metropolitan meeting.
This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 57 Spring 2025 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 57 here.