MetGInsp E Comp JOHN BURNAPP PRESENTS 50 YEAR CERTIFICATE AT THE PRINCIPALS OF GOLIATH CHAPTER No 55

Parachute
Regiment
Lodge
9315

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals…

The lodge has held several social events such as witnessing the Tower of London Keys ceremony a lady’s festival at a hotel usually outside of London that provides opportunity for our families to enjoy the company that these types of events provide. Importantly we maintain links with the regiment and serving soldiers.

EVENTS

Delve into the rich traditions of Freemasonry as we gather to celebrate our shared values and principles

WHERE WE MEET

Our meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of March, June, September and December, at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. they usually start at 11am thus providing members ample time to travel to London to join the meetings. The June meeting is the installation meeting.

ABOUT

The Parachute Regiment Lodge was consecrated on 5th June 1989. Though named for our Regiment the decision was taken not to restrict membership to serving or former members, though the majority do fit that criteria. Our membership is drawn from a wide range of military, security and civilian backgrounds who all adopt our ethos, to be the best in all that we do…

ARENA

Engage in enlightening discussions, partake in meaningful rituals, and forge lasting connections with fellow brethren

E Comp Peter Jordan SLGCR reports

Just before Christmas, Metropolitan Grand Inspector E Comp John Burnapp PAGSoj presented two Fifty-Year Long Service Certificates to Companions at two different chapters and two separate centres for London Freemasonry, just seven days apart.

On the 12th December 2019, at the Harrow District Centre, Comp John and his escorting team were welcomed by the Principals of Goliath Chapter No 5595 to the 213th Convocation of the Chapter.

With 30 members and guests present, he presented the Long Service Certificate to 91-year-old Comp Ronald “Robbie” Rabson, on behalf of the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent.

During the presentation, E Comp John gave a pen-picture of Comp Ronnie’ s life, including his proposal into Freemasonry by his much-respected uncle, W Bro Albert Rabson, in 1955.

In 1968, Bro Albert conducted the extended workings of an Installed Master , with Bro Robbie continuing that tradition one year later when he, in turn, installed his successor.

Comp Robbie was exalted into Goliath Chapter in 1969 and has been a regular attendee to this day, frequently bringing a personal ‘wit’ to the Festive Board, much to the amusement of his fellow Companions.

The earlier part of the evening saw the warm welcome of a re-joining member and an excellent rendition of the Mystical Lecture by E Comp Stephen Schofield, the delivery of the Symbolical Lecture by E Comp Gary Harding and the Historical Lecture, delivered by E Comp Simon Winston, to complete the three lectures.

There was an element of sadness that 80-year-old E Comp Anthony Branston, who was also due to receive his Fifty- Year Long Service Certificate, was unable to attend the convocation due to illness.

The Chapter is making arrangements to present the certificate to E Comp Tony at his home address on a future occasion.

Also in December, Comp John attended the Chapter of Light No 2721, at Freemasons Hall where he presented 80- year-old E Comp John Carpenter PADGC with a Fifty-Year Long Service Certificate. Comp John was awarded LGCR in 1987, SLGR in 1993 and awarded Grand Rank by Supreme Grand Chapter in 2006.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 40 April 2020 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 40 here.