Held at Gravesend Masonic Centre on Saturday 3rd July 2010

The brethren from the Gravesend Lodges, with the enthusiastic backing of the Gravesend Masonic Hall Company Ltd., worked really hard to prepare the Masonic Centre for their Open Day. Everything was spotless and an exhibition area prepared to show the history of Freemasonry, both in the Gravesend area and nationally. Many visitors expressed their delight on seeing such a well presented display of historical artefacts.

Gravesham Lodge No.5337 - Founder's [sic] Jewel

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Roger Odd, welcomed the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr. Bill Lambert, to the Open Day. The Mayor is a Freemason, so he understood the importance of the event to the Gravesend members. After officially opening the Open Day, the Mayor explained why he attached so much importance to his visit and complemented the brethren upon all the charitable work masons do for so many non Masonic Charities, on both a national and local basis. The Mayor was informed that during the last 5 years over £1million had been raised by the Freemasons in East Kent for non Masonic Charities, such as our local hospices and many other very worthy causes. .

A steady stream of visitors arrived and were properly greeted and given individual guided tours of the building, including a most interesting explanation of the Lodge room and the fine traditions of Freemasonry. .

One of the highlights of the day occurred when a gentleman called Paul Vaughan was being shown around by Bernard Moore, a very senior member of the William Russell Lodge No. 3103. Paul had with him a collection of Masonic Jewels which had belonged to a friend’s grandfather, who had been a Gravesend Mason. One jewel was a “Founder’s Jewel” of the Gravesham Lodge No. 5337, dated 1932. Paul explained that he would like to present these jewels back to the Lodge as a gift. What a generous gesture. The picture below shows Brian Powell, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, being shown these historic jewels by Bernard Moore

Roger Hammond, the Chairman of the Gravesend Masonic Hall Company Ltd., expressed his delight as to how well the day had gone. All the visitors seemed to have a most enjoyable and informative day. Many of the Gravesend Masons present were delighted when the Provincial Grand Master of the Masonic Province of East Kent, Michael Bailey, arrived and gave his enthusiastic support and expressed his thanks to all concerned for working so hard to ensure that the visitors had such an interesting and worthwhile day. By any standards the day was a great success. .

A video of the event.

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