The highlight of the Masonic calendar took place at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, as the Brethren of Hertfordshire gathered for the Provincial Grand Lodge Annual Meeting, presided over by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Neil Connolly. This truly impressive occasion showcased the strength and spirit of Freemasonry within the Province, with Amwell Lodge members once again taking centre stage.
The Brethren were expertly guided into the Temple by the Provincial Grand Stewards, including Amwell’s own W. Bro. Adam Hardham, who concluded his distinguished two- year term as an active Provincial Grand Steward with great credit.
Following a warm welcome from the Provincial Grand Master, the Lodge was delighted to witness Amwell’s W. Bro. Keith Dunnett reappointed to the prestigious office of Assistant Provincial Grand Master, a role he has carried out with immense dedication.
In an extraordinary moment for Amwell Lodge, this was immediately followed by the appointment of W. Bro. Mark Purtow to the same high office of Assistant Provincial Grand Master, having been promoted from his role as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. W. Bro. Mark also holds the eminent active office of Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies for the United Grand Lodge of England. To have two active Assistant Provincial Grand Masters from a single Lodge is unprecedented in Hertfordshire – and possibly unique across the whole of England.
W. Bros. Chris Collier and Wes Pierce had the honour of processing behind W. Bro. Mark Purtow, attending upon him during the solemn ceremony of his Installation as Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
Amwell’s representation did not end there. Demonstrating the commitment and calibre of its Brethren, no fewer than five members of Amwell now serve as active officers in the Province. Among the notable re-appointments to Active Office were:
- W. Bro. Robin Crozier – Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works
- W. Bro. James Stutley – Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies
- W. Bro. Christian Meyer – Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
The ceremony concluded on a further high note with the very well-deserved promotion of W. Bro. Clive Vernon to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden, a dedicated member of Amwell Lodge for 48 years, his service and commitment were fittingly recognised with this honour.
The Annual Meeting was a truly memorable day for Hertfordshire Freemasonry and a moment of immense pride for Amwell Lodge. With such strong representation at Provincial level, Amwell continues to demonstrate the quality, energy, and commitment of its members. For anyone considering joining Freemasonry, there could be no finer example of the opportunities and friendships it offers than right here at Amwell.
Amwell Lodge No.6459 