Dear Brother Secretary / Companion Scribe E
2nd Rising April 2026
Fees for Initiation
May I remind you that it is absolutely essential that when Initiating a new candidate into Freemasonry, that his fees are taken before he is admitted into the Lodge. There have been a number of examples lately where this has not been the case and has resulted in difficulties. This is covered by Rule 169 of the Book of Constitutions, as follows:
Fee for Initiation
1. When a person is made a Mason (except as provided in the following Rule) he shall on or before the day of his initiation pay to the Lodge the initiation fee prescribed in the by-laws. No Lodge shall forgo or defer the payment of this sum or any part thereof.
A Lodge may enact in its by-laws that, in addition to the initiation fee, the candidate shall pay to the Lodge such registration fees as are payable to Grand Lodge and, if applicable, Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Lodge, together with any tax thereon, and the candidate shall before becoming a member be informed of the total amount due.
A Lodge may enact in its by-laws that, in addition to the initiation fee, the candidate shall pay to the Lodge such registration fees as are payable to Grand Lodge and, if applicable, Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Lodge, together with any tax thereon, and the candidate shall before becoming a member be informed of the total amount due.
Appointments and Promotions
The Appointments and Promotions returns for Chapter are now complete and I attach the finalised list of appointees who will be invested on 16th May at The Fed.
The Appointments and Promotions for Craft were sent by letter on 23rd March, with a follow up email on 31st March. The deadline for replies is 17th April and you will be notified when the list is finalised.
Annual General Meetings
The Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter will take place on Saturday 16th May 2026 at the usual time of 11.00am at The Fed, Gateshead. Banquet bookings opened on Saturday 14th March via the Provincial Website ‘Tickets’ tab and bookings are being made.
The meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge will take place on Saturday 27th June 2026, also at 11.00am at The Fed. Banquet bookings will open on Saturday 25th April at 9.00am via the Provincial Website ‘Tickets’ tab.
The Provincial Grand Master hopes to see you in attendance at both meetings and encouragement should be given to attend, particularly our newer members.
