On 18th December 2018, the Province of Sussex came together to dedicate a Provincial Standard, to confer Provincial Appointments and Promotions on several members and to dedicate a Memorial Window

The original Provincial Standard which had been in use since the early 1920’s had seen better days and had not been used for several years. Thanks to the exceptional skill of Daphne Dedman, wife of the Province Charity Steward, Paul Dedman, this Standard has now been completely renovated and will be seen around the Province. Mrs Dedman had also been able to recover some parts of the original Standard to make it a true work of art.

2018 was a very significant year marking the end of the First World War and to recognise this event, Provincial Grand Master Christopher Moore gave permission for a Memorial Window to be commissioned and installed at 25 Queens Road, the home of Sussex Freemasonry. Ian Shearer of Baldwin Studios in Eastbourne was commissioned to design and make the Memorial Window.

In a most impressive and moving Ceremony, the Provincial Grand Chaplain delivered a highly charged and thought-provoking Oration at the end of which the Last Post was sounded and both Provincial Standards were lowered as a mark of respect to those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Memorial Window has been installed on the top processional corridor of 25 Queens Road and during the day, natural light will be able to shine through whilst at night cleverly designed lighting will illuminate the magnificent colours.

As part of its ongoing strategic plan to develop closer links with the media, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex invited members of the local press to attend rehearsals, take photographs and witness the pre-meeting arrangements for their Annual Meeting in Worthing

Following a short public procession, the first in Sussex for a considerable number of years, local reporters were able to witness and photograph the entry of distinguished guests and the Provincial Executive into Provincial Grand Lodge – leaving before the opening of the meeting.

The Provincial Grand Master Christopher Moore said: 'Sussex Freemasons are very much part of our local communities and long may that continue. Although Freemasons have been an open and transparent organisation for some time, there are still many misconceptions. 

'Part of our plan is to become more open about our activities, our charitable work and how we support our local communities. This can only help to explain the part we, as an organisation with a long and distinguished history, play in modern society.'

The positive press story has generated a great interest in Sussex Freemasonry, resulting in their membership team receiving a number of enquiries. The article can be viewed here.