"A Father’s Pride, a Son’s Honour: A Historic Installation at Duke of Kent Lodge No 5818"

A Special Installation

Held at Maidstone Masonic Centre, Tovil, the Installation Meeting brought together members of the Lodge, visiting Brethren and distinguished guests for an afternoon of ceremony, friendship and celebration. But for Alan and Lloyd, the day carried an extra significance: the privilege of a father installing his own son as Master of their Lodge.

Having spent considerable time preparing his words for the ceremony, Alan carried out the installation with care, confidence and great character. There was, perhaps, a touch of emotion too — entirely understandable given the special bond between father and son and the significance of the occasion.

For Lloyd, taking the Chair of King Solomon represents both a considerable honour and a responsibility: to lead the Lodge, support its members and help preserve the traditions and values that have sustained Freemasonry through generations.

The ceremony was conducted with the support of the Lodge officers and visiting Brethren, whose contributions helped make the occasion so memorable.

A warm welcome and congratulations

Following his installation, Lloyd received the congratulations of the Brethren, together with a welcome from W. Bro Ralph Craig, the Provincial Grand Master's Visiting Officer, who congratulated the newly installed Worshipful Master on behalf of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.

The meeting also recognised the commitment and dedication of those who took part in the ceremony. The presentations of the Working Tools, the addresses to the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren, and the musical contributions all played their part in delivering a memorable Installation Meeting.

A special thank you goes to everyone who prepared for and participated in the ceremony, including those who stepped into acting offices to ensure the proceedings ran smoothly.

Fellowship at the Festive Board

Following the ceremony, the Brethren and visitors gathered for the Festive Board, where good food, excellent company and plenty of conversation provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate.

The much-anticipated speeches brought their own mixture of warmth, humour and heartfelt words, rounding off an already memorable day. The generosity of those present was also evident in the collection for Alms, which raised £92.88, and in the evening’s charity raffle, which raised a further £240 for charitable causes.

A Lodge built on friendship and service

The installation was not simply a milestone for a new Worshipful Master. It was also a reminder of the strength of the friendships, family connections and shared commitment that make Lodge life so meaningful.

Duke of Kent Lodge No. 5818 remains committed to supporting its members, welcoming suitable new candidates into Freemasonry and contributing to charitable causes in the local community and beyond. Its charitable work reflects the principle that fellowship goes hand in hand with service to others.

Our sincere thanks go to all the Brethren, visitors and guests who attended, supported the ceremony and helped make the day such a success.

A proud day for a father, a memorable milestone for a son, and a special chapter in the story of Duke of Kent Lodge No. 5818.