E Comp Peter Jordan SLGCR reports

Just before Christmas, Metropolitan Grand Inspector E Comp John Burnapp PAGSoj presented two Fifty-Year Long Service Certificates to Companions at two different chapters and two separate centres for London Freemasonry, just seven days apart.

On the 12th December 2019, at the Harrow District Centre, Comp John and his escorting team were welcomed by the Principals of Goliath Chapter No 5595 to the 213th Convocation of the Chapter.

With 30 members and guests present, he presented the Long Service Certificate to 91-year-old Comp Ronald “Robbie” Rabson, on behalf of the Metropolitan Grand Superintendent.

During the presentation, E Comp John gave a pen-picture of Comp Ronnie’ s life, including his proposal into Freemasonry by his much-respected uncle, W Bro Albert Rabson, in 1955.

In 1968, Bro Albert conducted the extended workings of an Installed Master , with Bro Robbie continuing that tradition one year later when he, in turn, installed his successor.

Comp Robbie was exalted into Goliath Chapter in 1969 and has been a regular attendee to this day, frequently bringing a personal ‘wit’ to the Festive Board, much to the amusement of his fellow Companions.

The earlier part of the evening saw the warm welcome of a re-joining member and an excellent rendition of the Mystical Lecture by E Comp Stephen Schofield, the delivery of the Symbolical Lecture by E Comp Gary Harding and the Historical Lecture, delivered by E Comp Simon Winston, to complete the three lectures.

There was an element of sadness that 80-year-old E Comp Anthony Branston, who was also due to receive his Fifty- Year Long Service Certificate, was unable to attend the convocation due to illness.

The Chapter is making arrangements to present the certificate to E Comp Tony at his home address on a future occasion.

Also in December, Comp John attended the Chapter of Light No 2721, at Freemasons Hall where he presented 80- year-old E Comp John Carpenter PADGC with a Fifty-Year Long Service Certificate. Comp John was awarded LGCR in 1987, SLGR in 1993 and awarded Grand Rank by Supreme Grand Chapter in 2006.