It must be amazing to be the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent or RW Provincial Grand Master or indeed, in these times of ‘One Organisation, One Journey’ to be both!  You get to go to all sorts of exciting meeting, hopefully get treated royally at them all, and also to reward merit.  This usually takes the form of appointment and promotions to Provincial Office, both present and past, but sometimes this is not enough.  Did you know that it is the ProvGM or MEGS who supplies the nominations for Grand Rank?  This is another way that he can say ‘thank you’ to individuals who have gone the extra mile.  However, occasionally there are some truly extraordinary members of our Warwickshire family for whom even this is not enough.

What else could there be, I hear you ask?  The ultimate accolade in the gift of said ProvGM/MEGS is his personal certificate of merit.  Reserved for those whose service to our Province has been exceptional, they are rarely awarded.  However, at the recent meetings of Provincial Grand Chapter and Lodge, no fewer than three were presented, just like those London buses!  It must be very special to be able to surprise a worthy brother or companion.  Although, by asking the ProvGDC to bring someone to him, I suspect that one’s heart would be in one’s mouth, fearing that you’d done something wrong – a bit like being called to see the Headmaster?

Towards the end of the morning meeting, it was EComp David Mander whose name was called and whose presence front and centre was required.  The Grand Superintendent quickly put Comp David at ease and explained why he wanted to see him.  Approaching 50 years in the Craft and a member of St Michael’s Chapter for over 30 years, he has been the secretary of the Warwickshire Royal Arch Benevolent Fund, possibly for more years than he’d care to remember.  As such, he has managed all the finances, kept track of the relief chests, called the various meetings and kept the minutes and, perhaps most importantly, organised the distribution of funds.  He has been the backbone of the Fund and without him it would not have functioned so effectively.  EComp David had finally decided to step down and in recognition of his duty and service, EComp Philip was delighted to present him with his certificate of merit.

The surprises were not over for, just before he closed Provincial Grand Lodge, the now Provincial Grand Master asked his other ProvGDC to bring WBro Martin Parrack to him.  For those who know Bro Martin, and there can’t be too many in Warwickshire who don’t, he is rarely short of something to say.  On this occasion, he was most certainly lost for words but again, the ProvGM put him at his ease, reassuring him that he didn’t need to worry.  A member of St Peter’s Lodge for 34 years, Bro Martin has been a key member of the Let’s Talk team almost since its inception.  He organises which events are attended, stores the gazebo, erects said gazebo and attends virtually every event himself.  Indeed, as the ProvGM confirmed from personal experience, no one gets past Bro Martin when he’s on the stand with his engaging and charismatic manner always winning them over!  RW Bro Philip was again delighted to reward such selfless service with the award of his certificate of merit.

The ProvGM was not done and requested that WBro Chris Grove be brought before him.  Setting his long and distinguished masonic career aside, the ProvGM explained that there were two other reasons for speaking to him now.  Firstly, it was to recognise, thank and reward his service to the Warwickshire Masonic Choir, both as a chorister and occasional soloist but also more recently as the conductor and organiser.  RW Bro Philip added that “every time I listen to the choir, I am transported and enjoy listening to the beautiful and ethereal harmonies”.  Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it was to acknowledge his incredible service given to charity in Warwickshire, serving no fewer than three ProvGMs along the way.  It was RW Bro Michael Price who appointed Bro Chris as his ProvGChStwd and then the ProvGAlm, both demanding roles that he fulfilled with his trademark efficiency.  London also spotted his worth and he was appointed a trustee of the Grand Charity and sat on the Masonic Grants committee for a number of years.  If this wasn’t enough, since 2007, Bro Chris has also been the secretary of the Warwickshire Masonic Charitable Association right up to his retirement a few weeks before PGL.  As such, his charitable instincts are well honed and his knowledge and experience is profound.  “Not only does every Warwickshire Freemason owe you a debt of thanks but so do many thousands of local charities and their beneficiaries who you have been responsible for helping and supporting” – fitting words from a very proud ProvGM.

These three humble, dedicated Warwickshire Freemasons are truly exemplars of our key values and, in particular, that of service.  It was a delight to see such service richly rewarded and, yes, I am somewhat bias having been enormously proud to see WBro Dad receive his certificate.  It must be such a treat to be able to make such presentations and to make someone feel so special and truly valued.  To paraphrase JFK, ‘think not what Warwickshire can do for you but rather what you can do for Warwickshire’!  Bros David, Martin and Chris certainly did and so could you!!