The 300th anniversary of the formation of the premier Grand Lodge of England was celebrated in all twentyfive Ohio Masonic Districts on Saturday, June 24th, Saint John the Baptist Day. Each District had the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary in a fashion they thought best. Some held picnics or banquets open to the Brethren and families, and others held lodges of table instruction just for members.
However they chose to celebrate, there were several common aspects. All members of the Grand Master’s classes, who had visited their lodges at least once, were declared proficient. Toasts were offered to the premier Grand Lodge of England, to the guests and to all Freemasons wheresoever dispersed. The traditional history of the formation of the premier Grand Lodge included in Andersons’ Constitution of 1738 was read, as was a special message from the United Grand Lodge of England.
The last 300 years of Freemasonry offer today’s Freemasons, wheresoever dispersed, a rich feast of traditions from which to choose as each lodge works to craft a meaningful Masonic experience for itself and its Brethren. The Brethren that have gone before call out for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, and for greater achievements.
