The main event this time was the “Raising” (i.e. taking the third degree) of Bro. David Dadswell by our Worshipful Master Paul Constable.

However before that, the Lodge witnessed a sad moment when WBro. David Kershaw rose to pay a fulsome tribute to our late Brother Richard Hinge,  who died recently at the age of 83.

Initiated in 1969, Richard was the last member of the Hinge “Dynasty” who had been staunch supporters of Agricola Lodge since it was founded in 1922.  Both his Father and Grandfather had been members;  and Richard had served the Lodge for many years including a stint as Secretary in the early 1990’s.

David recalled how he, Richard and the late Ted Whiting had progressed through the Lodge Offices together, providing mutual support, encouragement and friendship over many years.  He was, said David…

“An example to us all, who will be sadly missed.“

A Service of Thanksgiving for Richard’s Life will be held on Wednesday 16th May.  Details can be obtained from the Lodge Secretary.

The meeting then proceeded with Organist John Fry restored to his place at the keyboard after his recent hospital treatment.  The Ceremony of Raising, featured an hilarious moment when The Worshipful Master, (who is 5ft 3 inches tall) raised David (almost 6ft 5 inches tall).

The Master Masons among our readership will appreciate the problem :-)))

Happily all was concluded satisfactorily,  when David was invested with the Rank of a Master Mason with much acclaim.

The Festive Board was our usual happy affair featuring Hot Sussex Smokie, Roast Beef and Apple Pie.  The Bottle Raffle in aid of the Lodge Centenary Fund featured a particularly fine bottle of Jura Single Malt.  It raised £56.00 and was won by David Kershaw.

The main Raffle raised a further £175.00 for which Charity Steward
Jim de Save thanked the Brethren.

In his toast to the Worshipful Master, acting IPM Richard Carney congratulated him on another battling and determined performance and thanked him for the funniest moment (see above) “… Since Herbie Watson’s trousers fell down”.  A famous moment of high comedy, featuring a wardrobe malfunction,  which occurred back in the year 2000.

This meeting was the last of the current “season”.   Our next will be on Friday 26th October 2018.  However there are a couple of social events over the summer.  Full details are in the Events section.

This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

And Finally…

People sometimes ask
“What is Freemasonry for?“

Here are a few answers…

If you have enjoyed this festive look at what Freemasonry is really all about and would like to get involved, we at Agricola Lodge No 4501 would love to hear from you.

 Click here to get the ball rolling.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

SEE YOU IN 2018!

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]]> 997 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-11-tony/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-11-tony Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:56:01 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=995 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #11 Tony"

This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

 Taking on the important role of Almoner or Visiting Volunteer can be a challenge. The MCF produces guides, factsheets and videos help people like Tony to support the members of their Masonic community.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

The MCF’s medical research grants are helping to improve diagnosis, advance treatment and enhance the quality of life for thousands of people across the county. Our £65,000 grant to INSPIRE Foundation is funding Sean Doherty’s research into restoring bladder and bowel function for other people with spinal cord injuries.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

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]]> 988 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-9-jess/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-9-jess Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:24:11 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=984 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #9 Jess"

This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

When Jess’s dad was made redundant, he couldn’t afford to support his children through a university education. The MCF’s support for Masonic families facing financial distress means that young people like Jess can focus on their studies rather than worrying about the cost.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 984 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-8-lifeworks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-8-lifeworks Sat, 16 Dec 2017 10:54:44 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=977 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #8 Lifeworks"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

The MCF also supports smaller charities like Lifeworks in Devonshire. They used their £1,000 grant to create a new sensory room which is helping young people with learning disabilities learn how to communicate with the world around them.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 977 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-7-keith/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-7-keith Sat, 16 Dec 2017 10:42:15 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=971 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #7 Keith"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

Keith was in a great deal of pain and facing a seven month wait just to see a specialist on the NHS. The MCF funded Keith’s operation, helping him to get back on his feet, and get on with his life.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 971 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-6-music/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-6-music Wed, 13 Dec 2017 08:40:05 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=965 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #6 Music"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

Live music can have a powerful effect on people who are isolated by illness or disability. Our £60,000 grant to Music in Hospitals & Care is helping to bring the joy of music to over 200 care homes across the country.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 965 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-5-joan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-5-joan Tue, 12 Dec 2017 10:11:14 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=952 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #5 Joan"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

Our Masonic Care Homes are commited to delivering the best possible care to meet the needs of older Freemasons and their families. Members of the Masonic community who choose a Masonic Care Home have the security of knowing that they have a home for life, even if their financial circumstances change.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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