The last couple of months have been challenging. We have lost many brethren. Some brethren have had to cope with the loss of loved ones, others have suffered this horrendous virus. And all of us have had adjustments to make due to lockdown, from working from home, to looking after ourselves, our children, and our loved ones. But what I have found so heart-warming is how London Masons have risen to such an enormous challenge in so many ways, but all with the same determined, resolute, and indomitable spirit. 

Not only have our key worker brethren continued to do their professional roles with unswerving resolve but to see so many of our number volunteering to do roles outside of their normal day to day lives is just so pleasing. Many capable brethren have seen a job needing doing and have simply rolled their sleeves up and got on with it, whether it involved delivering equipment, food, or even patients – often spending long hours spread over weeks and now months. So many London Masons have risen to the challenge. Within these pages you will see how Metropolitan Grand Lodge, the London Freemasons’ Charity, 

The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons and The Progressive Orders are working to help those in need across London and beyond. You will also read the sad news of the passing of our Past Metropolitan Grand Master RW Bro Rex Thorne.

The Second Grand Principal, ME Companion Russell Race, writes on this terrible situation but also looks forward to better days. We also look at the charity work in London and the particularly important issue of Mental Health with an excellent Zoom talk given by W Bro James Innes SLGR. In respect of our daily advancement we look at Rosetta, Solomon, and review an article from the archives about our Livery Lodge – a central part of Masonry in the City of London – together with much more. 

I hope you enjoy this edition of Arena, hopefully it reminds you of our core tenets and, of course, makes you look forward to the resumption of Freemasonry across London and beyond.

W Bro Rod Glyn-Thomas LGR

Editor, Arena

contact: arena@metgl.com

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 41 July 2020 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 41 here.