As many of you know, I do prefer the medium of video for many of my messages but at Christmas I wanted to add this written version to accompany the video message that I have also sent out.

This is always a special time of year and I am sure we all enjoy a mince pie or two, along with a mulled wine – I know I do. It is sometimes hard to remember the true meaning of Christmas amongst all the noise, and tinsel and shiny lights but if you get time to sit quietly, or perhaps attend a carol service, then a period of quiet reflection is a beautiful antidote to all the noisy commercialism. The Mark Carol service last weekend was just such a place – a thoughtful sermon, great choice of carols and a tasty sausage roll to finish – well done to all concerned.

I am so proud of Warwickshire Freemasons and delight every day in the privilege of being the Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of such a wonderful province. When I look back on the tremendous work that has been undertaken in so many areas across the Craft and the Royal Arch by a relatively small number of brethren and companions, I am so grateful for the devotion of their time and energy on all our behalf’s. We all owe a debt of thanks as we see the real-world impact of their efforts with increased initiation and exaltations happening across the whole province.

Add to this, the generous support of all to the Tercentenary appeal with some amazing sponsored events taking place alongside the reliable consistency of regular donations at both unit and member level. This has had a profound effect on Fisher House and the way it can be run. At a recent meeting, I heard one of their team describe walking into the building as ‘Walking into a hug’, which those of us who have had the privilege to visit will recognise wholeheartedly.

As the world seems to become an ever scarier and unpredictable place, with horrific conflicts still raging and people suffering unimaginable privations, it is now, more than ever, that freemasons consistency of care, of support, of kindness and of community awareness, comes to the fore. We all became freemasons for different reasons, but we all found a place where we have a sense of belonging, a bond of trust and a shared commitment to make a difference. This time of year brings those instincts front and centre and I know we will all play our part in trying to make a positive difference, however small, to the lives of those around us.

Julie and I will once again enjoy the company of family at our home over Christmas – always a busy time in the Hall household. We both wish you all an equally happy and enjoyable time with your own families and friends.

Merry Christmas brethren and companions,

Philip L Hall
Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent