Please see below a Christmas message from the Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire, Michael Holland.
Provincial Grand Lodge of Herefordshire
Dear Brethren,
As Christmas is once more upon us, one could be forgiven for feeling an element of déjà vu. No doubt we share the same concerns as last year regarding the ongoing threat of Covid-19 and its persistence by reinventing itself in new variants. However, despite this, we have no doubt come a long way since last Christmas, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support and the contributions so many of you have made towards your local communities and society in general.
Although our Lodges didn’t start meeting again in earnest until the latter part of the year, I have been encouraged with the way they have resumed their respective ceremonies and by the number of new candidates that are keen to join the Craft.
In 2021, we were able to hold our Annual Provincial Communication where we were honoured by the presence of the Deputy Grand Master, senior representatives from the Masonic Charitable Foundation and numerous distinguished guests. Thereafter, we had the opportunity to celebrate the fantastic result of the Herefordshire 2020 Festival in aid of the Masonic Samaritan Fund. I was both thrilled and proud that the total raised amounted to £776 per member, even with the disruption to our fundraising activities during our final year. Likewise, from a charitable aspect, we have continued to contribute to local worthy causes through the HMCA along with those donations made from individual Lodges.
In November, we were once more able to participate at an Annual Evensong Service at Hereford Cathedral and remember those who have departed from us during the last two years. This proved to be a poignant and moving service, where we again welcomed several distinguished guests.
Whilst many of us have had glimpses of normality over recent months, no doubt there will be more uncertainty and challenges to face in 2022. In the meantime, let us take some time to relax and enjoy the festive period with our families and friends as best as circumstances allow.
My wife Christine and I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.
Yours sincerely and fraternally,
Michael T Holland