A Day of Masonic Marvels and Medals
On a fine and somewhat predictable Monday, June 24th, 2024, some daring adventurers from the Temple of Uxbridge Lodge of Mark Master Masons decided to swap their usual Monday afternoon plans for something a bit more… enlightening. They packed their best aprons and headed down to the Middlesex Installed Mark Masters Lodge No. 1218, which, just to keep things spicy, held a special meeting in Temple 10 of Freemasons’ Hall, London.
Now, before you imagine a bunch of solemn gentlemen shuffling in and out of the temple like they’ve just discovered that someone’s eaten the last biscuit, let me assure you, there was a method to this madness. The meeting was held immediately before the Provincial Grand Chapter AGM, which is essentially a Masonic version of a blockbuster movie premiere, but with more tassels and fewer red carpets.
With an air of mystery that only Freemasons can pull off, the lodge was ceremoniously opened and then promptly closed, like the world’s shortest-lived pop-up shop. This wasn’t just for the thrill of it, though. The main event was a special talk by none other than Warrant Officer Class 2 Johnson Gideon Beharry, VC, COG—recipient of the Victoria Cross and a man who probably wears more medals than Mr. T wears gold chains.
Johnson Beharry’s talk was the kind of stuff that would make even the stiffest upper lip wobble a bit. It was a rare, captivating, and downright mesmerising experience with more gravitas and the kind of honesty that makes you question whether you’ve ever truly faced a challenge in life (Spoiler: you haven’t. Not compared to this guy).
The gathering wasn’t just unique—it was practically one of those once-in-a-lifetime events where Royal Arch Members and Mark Master Masons got to hang out together, sharing in this enriching experience.
So, in a nutshell, this was one of those days when you realise that Masonic meetings aren’t just about handshakes and ancient rituals—they’re about coming together to learn, to grow, and, occasionally, to be in the presence of greatness.
