Celebrating 50 Years of Community and Charity: The Lodge of Grace Anniversary
This year marks a significant milestone for the Freemasons of the Lodge of Grace as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Founded with a spirit of camaraderie and community, our lodge has been a cornerstone of local engagement and charitable activities, inspired by the enduring legacy of W.G. Grace, the father of cricket.
Freemasonry is a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over three hundred years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds.
From the Lodge of Grace’s inception in 1974 by local men as a sporting lodge with a connection to cricket, the lodge has cultivated a rich tradition of brotherhood and service. Our name itself, a tribute to W.G. Grace, underscores our commitment to excellence and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Our anniversary celebrations also saw a commemorative dinner at the Freemasons hall in Venns Acre, Wotton. An event that welcomed both Masons and non-Masons alike, including players from Kingswood Village Cricket Club (KVCC), a nod to our sporting roots and a testament to our ongoing community ties. All guests were there to share in the joy and reflect on our journey over the past half century. Whilst the lodge lost its last founding member, Peter Daniels last year, It was a beautiful evening that not only honoured our past but also looked forward to our future. The highlight of the evening was the dedication of a well-worn cricket bat from one of the members, Robert Rayfield, a past player with KVCC, which held a plaque with all the names of the lodge’s founders proudly on display.
True to our commitment to charity, the event also featured a raffle that successfully raised over £500 for the Longfield Trust. This local charity has been instrumental in providing support and services to our community, and we were privileged to hear from one of Longfield’s volunteers. Their moving account of the organisation’s impact reminded us of all of the difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.
Chris Riley, the lodge’s charity steward, reflected, “Seeing how our small efforts can change lives in the organisations we support has been very rewarding. In the last 3 years alone, the Lodge has given over £25,000 to local charities as well as supporting Gloucestershire Freemasons successful efforts in purchasing imaging scanners for our three local hospitals”
As we celebrate half a century of fellowship and philanthropy, we also look to the future. The Lodge of Grace is more than just a brotherhood; it is a place of personal growth and community service. We invite all men over the age of eighteen who are interested in making a positive impact and seeking deeper connections within their community to reach out.
For more information about Freemasonry and how you can be a part of The Lodge of Grace, please email us at Info@lodgeofgrace.co.uk. Join us in continuing a legacy of service and fellowship.