Freemasons at the Beaconsfield Remembrance Sunday Service
It’s no secret that Freemasons engage in community events and charitable efforts. Following The National Lottery, this fraternity, which embodies brotherly love, relief, and truth, stands as the largest contributor to charitable organisations.
Over the years, my brother, W.Bro. Ranj and I have had the opportunity to visit numerous charities, including Moorfields Eye Hospital, Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance, and Chiltern’s Dial-a-Ride, where we presented representatives with donation cheques on behalf of our Lodge, the Chalfont St. Peter Lodge, No. 9656, which convenes in Beaconsfield.
On the morning of Sunday, November 9, Ranj, myself, and members from other lodges, including Bowen Lodge, No. 2816, joined Tim Anders, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire, to take part in the Remembrance Service procession alongside various representatives, including The Thames Valley Police, Army Cadets, Scouts, and the families of fallen heroes.
We donned our Masonic regalia in public, which was a first for many of us present. We certainly noticed the curiosity of onlookers, though, this is welcomed! We encourage people to approach us and ask questions about who we really are and what we do.
The service, which was attended by hundreds, was moving and beautifully conducted, as many solemnly and proudly honoured those who fought and sacrificed their lives in various conflicts to defend our freedoms, including the freedom to practice Freemasonry, which was notably suppressed by the Nazi regime.
Many Masons are former armed forces members and/or have family members who have served.
We, as Freemasons, express our gratitude to the heroes of the armed forces, both past and present, those who are living and those who have passed.