New Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire

On Monday, 8th April 2002, Alan John Englefield was installed as Grand Superintendent for the Provincial Chapter of Oxfordshire in the twenty-first century surroundings of the Redman-Brown Temple at the Oxford Centre – complete with fibre optics and video link – and in the afternoon in the splendour of the Victorian setting of the Oxford Town Hall as Provincial Grand Master for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Oxfordshire. In both instances, the Marquess of Northampton as Pro Grand First Principal and as Pro Grand Master led the installing teams, under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies in Royal Arch and Craft, Peter Lowndes.
    The new Provincial Grand Master in his address to Provincial Grand Lodge, thanking the Pro Grand Master and his team, stated that it was a moment that would stay with him for as long as he should live and that from the bottom of his heart he felt deeply honoured and very proud to be Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire. He thanked the Pro Grand Master for deciding to conduct both the Craft and Royal Arch Installations.
    "I cannot imagine anyone having a better or more stylish start to their time," he said. "I am also extremely grateful to you for allowing my two fellow Grand Secretaries to support me during my obligation."
    He also spoke of the present, past and future. In the present he welcomed the many Grand Superintendents, Deputies and other Senior Brethren in the Royal Arch and a similar large number of Provincial Grand Masters, Deputies and Assistants who supported him in the afternoon. For the past he paid a fulsome tribute to his predecessor as Provincial Grand Master, G. Redman-Brown, who had passed on a Province in good order and great heart. He also thanked all of those who had contributed to the organisation of the day. For the future he echoed the words of the Pro Grand Master of the need to make the Royal Arch more meaningful to Brethren and to encourage more to join the Royal Arch. He also exhorted the Brethren to "…please take what you do seriously but do not take yourself seriously."

MASONIC BIOGRAPHY Alan John Englefield
1971	Initiated into Icknield Way Lodge, No. 8292, aged 31.
1976	Joined Apollo University Lodge, No. 357.
1977	Exalted into Apollo University Chapter, No. 357.
1981	Master of Apollo University Lodge, No. 357.
1982	Joined Churchill Lodge, No. 478.
	Master of Icknield Way lodge, No. 8292.
1984	Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies
1987	Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies
1988	Master of Churchill Lodge, No. 478.
	Joined Royal Somerset and Inverness Lodge, No. IV.
	Provincial Grand Secretary 1988 – 1993.
1989	Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
	MEZ of Apollo University Chapter, No. 357.
1992	Provincial Grand Sword Bearer (Chapter).
1993	Provincial Senior Grand Warden.
1995	Secretary of Royal Somerset and Inverness Lodge, No. IV.
1997	Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
	Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah.
1998	Grand Secretary General of the Ancient and Accepted Rite.

Progress of Formation of London Grand Lodge

Since the formation of Grand Lodge in 1717, London Freemasonry has been integrated with that of Grand Lodge. It has been decided to create a new organisation to function in a similar way to existing masonic Provinces. In preparation for this, over several years, London Management has sought to take full responsibility for London Freemasonry. It has gradually taken on the handling of honours, registration, dispensations, annual returns, masonic discipline and financial controls. It also has its own public relations and communications operations.
    In addition, the London Masonic Charitable Trust has been founded to act as a clearing house for donations to "London" charities. Almost all is in place for the formation of a Metropolitan Grand Lodge, and Grand Chapter, of London.
    However, a Grand Master cannot be appointed for this new Grand Lodge until after the United Grand Lodge of England has agreed a number of changes in the Book of Constitutions. These changes are planned for later this year and will open the way for the new Grand Lodge to be constituted.
    The question has arisen regarding the honours system to be used: London Management assures us that the London Grand Rank system will remain but be enhanced. However, it is recommended that Past Metropolitan Grand Ranks should not be appointed; rather, Brethren and Companions who deserve recognition for serving as an active Metropolitan Grand Officer would be presented with a special jewel to be appended to their Past Master’s collar. Subject to approval, it is proposed to constitute the new Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter at a meeting to be held in the Royal Albert Hall on 1st October 2003.
    Freemasonry Today will keep you informed of the progress of this important development for London Freemasons.