A Superb Never to be Forgotten Evening for Eboracum Lodge on their 150th Anniversary Celebration.

Eboracum Lodge, formed on the 7th August 1876, celebrated 2026 as its Sesquincentenary.

Following a year’s extensive planning and organisation by many brethren, cars started to arrive and grateful thanks must go to W. Bro. Martin Bean and his wife who in their fluorescent jackets ensured that the cars were parked sensibly to allow early leavers to get out. As a gesture of sincere thanks, Moira Bean received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the Lodge which was very much appreciated.

As brethren entered the building, the noise and buzz increased as they received the usual Eboracum warm welcome and as they took time to renew friendships and make new acquaintances. A great atmospheric start to the evening.

The Temple was bursting at the seams with 95 brethren and it was a sight to behold as the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Iveson entered the Temple with his team of 22 Provincial Officers.

A busy meeting ensued, highlights of which included:

• David Bowman, the Lodge Historian giving a brief history on the 150 years the Lodge had been in existence following which he presented the Provincial Grand Master with a signed copy of the “Lodge 150 years History” book.
• John Fisher, the Provincial Grand Chaplain then rededicating the Lodge banner explaining its history and significance before saying a blessing prayer.
• It was then the Provincial Grand Master’s turn as he presented a 150th Provincial Anniversary Certificate to the Worshipful Master, Jim Cooper to commemorate the special anniversary of the Lodge.
• As a surprise to the Provincial Grand Master, the Worshipful Master on behalf of the Lodge on this unique occasion then offered him honorary membership. The Provincial Grand Master was very pleased to accept the offer which was greeted with spontaneous applause.
• The Worshipful Master then explained that after many donations to local charities, it was now the turn of Festival 29 and so he presented a cheque for £7,000 to the Provincial Grand Master. It was gratefully received by the Provincial Grand Master who thanked the Lodge for their generosity.

Following the busy meeting in the Lodge Room, the brethren moved downstairs into a full dining room where 90 brethren stayed for an excellent festive board with port passed round in tradition. The atmosphere was relaxed yet vibrant, with a sense of togetherness and warm friendship and conviviality throughout.

Two toasts were made and responses received.

• In his toast to the Provincial Grand Master, the Worshipful Master congratulated him on achieving the high honour and that there is now a fresh air of optimism in the Lodge and around the Province. The “Listen, Learn, Action” approach is being well received and it is felt that the Provincial Grand Master and his new team will now be able to move the Province forward positively and in the right direction in the future.

In response, The Provincial Grand Master congratulated the Lodge on preserving its heritage for future generations, while its charitable work, community engagement and commitment to welcoming new members demonstrated that Eboracum is very much a living, forward-looking lodge. He stated “The greatest compliment I can pay you is this: Eboracum respects tradition without becoming captive to it”.

• In his toast to the Worshipful Master, the Immediate Past Master, George Urwin, alluded to the continued success and growing membership of the Lodge; this year alone so far seeing the Worshipful Master initiating four new candidates, passing one brother and raising three others. It doesn’t stop there with a double 2nd degree ceremony in September and with more candidates in the pipeline, further ceremonies planned up to July 2027.

In response, the Worshipful Master stressed that this was only possible through the importance of the “teamwork” shown by all the brethren of the Lodge and he thanked everyone for their involvement. In his words “When a Brother is asked to assist, they always say yes”.

The festivities concluded with the Provincial Grand Master and the Worshipful Master cutting a delicious celebration cake, of which everyone received a piece.

A magnificent evening no one will ever forget was then over and happy brethren departed on their journeys home in “Peace, Love and Harmony”.