Tuesday 17th February heralded new beginnings for the Province of South Wales marking the first official duty of R.W.Bro. Robert G. Payne in his capacity as Provincial Grand Master. Accompanied by his full Provincial Escort, he attended the Installation Meeting of Meridian Lodge No. 9603, a memorable and significant occasion for all present.
The Worshipful Master Elect was W.Bro. Simon K. S. Daniel, a Freemason who needs little introduction. Throughout his distinguished Masonic journey, he has served the Province in numerous capacities, contributing to countless committees. He currently holds the office of Second Provincial Grand Principal in the Royal Arch and serves as the 2032 Festival Chairman, reflecting his continued dedication and leadership within the Province.
W.Bro. Paul Dallimore had the pleasure of Installing W.Bro. Simon into the Chair of King Solomon, almost twenty years after W.Bro. Simon was first installed as Worshipful Master, a moment that added both reflection and significance to the ceremony.
The Lodge was further honoured by the presence of the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Andrew L. Gretton, and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. R. Michael Coombes, whose support added to the importance of the occasion.
The meeting was truly one of celebration, fittingly aligned with Meridian’s motto, In Luce Lucens“Shining in the Light.” This spirit was clearly reflected in the tremendous support shown by visiting Brethren, who attended in great numbers, particularly from the north of the Province, affectionately referred to by W.Bro. Simon as “The Glorious North, my adopted home in Freemasonry.”
It was both a privilege and a pleasure for the Lodge to be the first to welcome our newly Invested Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Robert G. Payne, to his first official Installation, and likewise the first Installation Ceremony conducted under the direction of our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Richard Thomas.
A memorable day filled with warmth, and Provincial pride, a truly shining beginning to a new chapter for the Province.