Wednesday 4th February 2009 was a very special evening in the history Mowbray Lodge. Special for many reason but principally because it marked a new chapter for the lodge as we initiated our first two students from Sunderland University. The lodge became a member of the United Grand Lodge of England Universities Scheme in March last year and since then the brethren have applied themselves to the challenge of addressing the schemes’ objective. This is:

‘To establish and/or enhance arrangements and opportunities for undergraduates and other university members to enjoy Freemasonry’.

To mark the event we were particularly pleased that the Assistant Grand Master himself Rt WBro David Kenneth Williamson, president and founder of the scheme and, our Provincial Grand Master Rt WBro Norman Eric Heaviside were able to come and share in the ceremony with us. In addition there was strong support from Universities Lodge in Durham and Lodge of Fraternity in Stockton. Both Lodges are scheme members. We also had a magnificent turnout of brethren from Sunderland lodges.

The evening began when we received first the PGM and then the AGM, both of whom made us very aware that the night was about our initiates. They took the opportunity in a more relaxed atmosphere of meeting with a number of the brethren present.

After settling down into the lodge room, there came a knock at door of the lodge and the ceremony of initiation of the two University students began. Assisted by the officers of the Lodge, the WM WBro Andrew Frith obligated the initiates and WBro David Ellison and WBro Ted Wilkinson completed the past masters work. They were then presented to their mentor, our Junior Warden Bro. Martin Lawson who welcomed them into Mowbray Lodge and presented them with the Province of Durham mentoring booklets.

At the third rising the AGM gave a short introduction to the Universities Scheme, and how he had overseen the growth of the scheme from a fledgling idea to now 22 lodges across England and Wales. He explained the future plans for the scheme and in particular introduced WBro George Boys-Stones who will act as a regional advisor for lodges in the Northern Region who take on this rewarding challenge.

WBro George offered a response to the brethren on behalf of the Universities Lodges Committee in which he outlined the scheme from its inception to its future plans in particular plans for retention of members. These are based on ensuring inclusivity, mentoring and plans for receptor lodges in areas such as London where there are no formal scheme lodges at the moment.

After the formal proceedings had ended the brethren retired to a festive board where over a hundred diners enjoyed a sumptuous five-course meal. On this occasion the WM remarked how gratifying it was for Freemasons in the Province of Durham and Mowbray Lodge in particular to be able to offer the toast to the AGM in person.

(L-R) W.Bro. Prof. D.K.Wilson, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro N.E.Heaviside, Provincial Grand Master, Rt.W.Bro D.K.Williamson, Assistant Grand Master, W.Bro. P.P.Paterson, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies

There then followed a toast to our initiates who gave a suitable response, closing with the assertion that they were certain they had joined the best Lodge in the province! We wish them a long and happy time in freemasonry and look forward to enjoying their company with us.

The Assistant Grand Master stayed with us almost until the end of the evening and all the brethren present agreed that it had been a splendid Masonic evening.