Masonry Universal

Reflections on a return visit to Corinthian Lodge of Amoy No1806 in Hong Kong

Masonry is universal and visiting sits at it’s heart. I hear this so often but what does it really mean. Having returned from 6 weeks in Hong Kong and visiting once again with the Brethren of The Corinthian Lodge of Amoy No.1806 I can only say what I think it means. Universal does not just mean that you will find a Masonic Lodge almost anywhere you go but that you will experience the real core principles of Masonry of Friendship, Respect, Integrity and Service being practiced wherever you visit. So, it was with my visit to CLoA. We all visit for various reasons; meet old friends and make new, to learn from different practices, to support our newer members as they start to learn about Masonry or even to reinforce our own personal reflections that others live by the same principles as we do. I had a great sense of anticipation on returning and after being informed by the Lodge Secretary that the February meeting was to be their Installation I knew I was going to be in for a treat.

On my last visit I witnessed an exceptional 2^nd Degree Ceremony presided over by WBro Banks Chan and his team and a word-perfect presentation of the Tracing Board by the Junior Warden Bro Derek Shum. On this occasion Derek was Master Elect. You might enter Zetland Hall as a stranger but that is only a transient, momentary state as you are immediately supported and looked after by the Brethren.

I was greeted by the District Deputy GDC and the Grand DC who immediately made me feel welcome. The District GM RWBro Michael Lintern-Smith and his Deputy, WBro Kendal Oui extended the most gracious welcome to me and I felt proud to be included in the District procession. There was however more to come.

The Obligation of the Master Elect was done by the District Grand Master and much of the proceedings by the District Grand DC. WBro Alex Luk did a fine job of installing Bro Derek and WBro’s Philippe de Manny (Proclamation), Benedict Wong (Address to the Master) and David Tallon (Address to the wardens) did a fine job.

I had the pleasure at the Risings to be able to read out greetings to Wro Shum and the Brethren of CLoA and Hong Kong from RWBro’s John Paul Thompson, Steven Varley (AsstGM’s) and John Watts (Head of Durham Freemasons) and to tender my own greetings as Master of Mowbray Lodge. All were gratefully received.

The Festive Board was just as compelling and the great sense of pride in the Lodge was tangible. I was asked to respond on behalf of the visitors which I was pleased to be able to do. The evening finished with a few drinks with the Brethren once the formal proceedings were over and I was especially pleased to meet with Bro Emil Pevtsov again who was initiated into Universities Lodge in Durham, Bro Daniel Yu Past Master of Lodge 10K and to spend time with Bro Brian Lo, an exceptional Mason and newly installed JW who although having been in Masonry a short while (relatively) espoused all of the principles so dear to us.

My wife and I were invited to the world-famous Friday buffet curry at Zetland Hall a couple of weeks later where we thoroughly enjoyed the company of the Brethren and were grateful for their hospitality. We send our best wishes to the Lodge and thank all the members for a truly memorable visit.