During the Masonic year spanning September the 1st 2024, to July the 9th 2025, there are three lodges celebrating their 75th Anniversary. I was fortunate enough to join with the brethren of Cosham lodge No.6912, on Monday the 11th of November, to celebrate their 75th anniversary and the Installation night of their new Master (Worshipful Brother) Antonio Pego Pineiro.
The importance of the evening for the Lodge merited an official visit by the southeast area Assistant Provincial Grand Master Chris Bayliss. He was escorted by a team of 16 active officers.
The APGM was in good humour when he was invited to take the chair by the Installing Master, James Yeardley. His opening statement being an exuberant “happy birthday” to the Lodge. This was followed by a delivery of a brief history of the Lodge, the “copper’s lodge” as it was once known.
Cosham Lodge, along with many others, have suffered a steep decline in member numbers over the last thirty years, with membership falling from seventy to twenty over that period. Chris’s message was positive about how adopting the “Pathway” ideas can help a Lodge in slowly reversing this downward trend in membership.
Brother Alex Grieve was presented a Grand Lodge Certificate by the Lodge’s Visiting Officer Worshipful Brother Graeme Edmondson, all under the watchful eye of both the APGM and the Grand Director of Ceremonies Bill Starky.
The installation of (Worshipful Brother) Antonio was carried out confidently by the Installing Master and his team. Antonio’s ritual work was excellent, boding well for Cosham Lodge’s upcoming year.
Approximately 60 brethren and guests were seated for the festive board.
A jovial atmosphere permeated through the room, with a good night being had by all.
Well done Cosham Lodge for being such good hosts.