Province of Middlesex
A SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
at
Cathedral and Abbey of St. Albans
on Sunday 4th November 2007 at 3.00pm

The Province of Middlesex continues to look to new horizons in bringing our values, aspirations and achievements to new levels in an ever changing world. Our 270 lodges continue to serve and be served by nearly 7000 brethren who strive to maintain the standards of brotherly love, relief and truth which have stood the Craft in good stead for over 300 years. Our Provincial Appeal for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution has raised nearly £2.75m in three and a half years, a testament to the generosity and caring heart of our members.

We are delighted to be here today in this historic Cathedral and Abbey Church which itself has stood the test of time. We welcome The Revd Canon Stephen Lake, the Sub Dean, and we thank the Dean and Chapter for permission to use this beautiful building for our special service.

We parade the banners of eight Lodges and four Chapters, all of whom are celebrating a significant milestone in their respective histories. Northolt Lodge banner was dedicated this year whilst Carnarvon Lodge celebrates its 150th birthday followed by Villiers Lodge at 140 years of age. Other banners are from St Clair, Royal Hampton Court, Bush Hill Park, Mayo and Sub-Urban Lodges, and Richmond, Unity and Friendship, Round Table of Middlesex and Twickenham Chapters.

We also parade the banner of the Royal Arch Province of Middlesex.

We are especially pleased to be joined by RW Bro Colin Harris, Provincial Grand Master of Hertfordshire, who has made us so welcome in his area.

Our Preacher this afternoon is an old friend of Middlesex, our former Provincial Grand Chaplain, the Revd Canon Michael St-John Channell. In welcoming him we express our congratulations on his new appointment as Canon Precentor and Sacrist at Winchester Cathedral.

As we gather today as a Province at prayer we ask that we may be guided in all truth, directed in the paths of happiness and, through the eternal wisdom of the Great Architect of the Universe, come to understand the whole duty of man. May we continue to act as a beacon and example of dignity, decency and care for those less fortunate than ourselves.