On Friday the 7th of February, The Assistant Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Sir David Hugh Wootton, was the very special guest at a meeting of the Lodge of the Chisel 9398, here in Falmouth. Sir David was invited to witness the first intake of four Entered Apprentices for this new University Lodge, being passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft Freemasons.
Since becoming Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Stephen C. Pearn, hoped to start a Universities Scheme Lodge, here in Cornwall. This sentiment was shared by UGLE and plans were put in place. Following several discussions and proposals the Lodge of the Chisel No. 9398 transitioned into a University Scheme Lodge and Worshipful Brother Eugene Clemence, the Provincial Grand Mentor, was invested as its first Worshipful Master, in September 2019.
In November 2019, the Lodge initiated five new members into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry, building on the foundations already laid down and signalling that the transformation was now complete.
In addition to the Assistant Grand Master, the Province hosted Worshipful Brother David Roberts-Jones, Vice Chairman of the Universities Scheme, Worshipful Brother Richard Keen, Universities Scheme Reginal Co-ordinator for South West England & South Wales and Worshipful Brother Will Hale, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Following the opening of the lodge, the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Stephen C. Pearn was admitted along with his Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother Roger Cargeeg, Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, Worshipful Brothers David Leaity and Mike Williams, together with the Provincial Wardens.
Right Worshipful Brother Sir David Hugh Wootton and Worshipful Brother David Maskell (Active Senior Grand Deacon and Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Cornwall) along with other Grand Officers, were received with much acclaim into the temple.
The Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Eugene Clemence then proceeded to pass four Brothers to the Degree of a Fellow Craft Freemason in a commendable fashion, under the guidance of the Lodge Director of Ceremonies Worshipful Brother Simon Taylor.
Following the ceremony Sir David commented specifically as to how much care and consideration had been placed on the candidates throughout the ceremony by the Director of Ceremonies as well as the inclusion of the agenda item ‘thought for the day’ from the lodge mentor.
A festive board at the Falmouth Hotel followed the meeting, where Sir David commended Brother Anthony Wilkins for his composition of an unofficial ‘Universities Scheme Creed’.
A truly magnificent and memorable occasion was enjoyed by all who attended.
