Fellowship via Zoom - 492er.
- DGLBEC
- Apr 7, 2020
- 2 min read
DGM, Grand and District Grand Officers, Worshipful Brethren, Brethren ALL
On behalf of St. John's Lodge No 492 ER, I greet you all well and wish each, all and yours health and safety.
Upon the notice of suspension of all masonic activity on Friday 27th March 2020 due to the spread and effect of COVID-19 virus and subsequent states of curfews, the WM, Officer and Brethren immediately expressed their desire be creative and find a method by which the Brethren could still "connect".
Very quickly the idea of hosting an online "meet up' via one of the online meeting platforms was contemplated. Given that St. John's Lodge conducts weekly rehearsals followed by fellowship of equal measure, a ZOOM "Virtual Fraternal Fellowship" session was set up and all members sent an e-invitation to join at 7:30pm on Wednesday 1st April 2020.
At the end of the evening a total of twenty (20) Brethren had signed in and participated by audio, and video at times and for some, in a splendid experience which as we know it was a first of its kind and never thought of pre-COVID-19. At the end the general feeling was one of "..oh wonderful Masons!.." and it was immediately agreed that a follow-up session would be convened two days later at 8:00pm on Friday 3rd April 2020, in lieu of the next regular scheduled meeting on that evening.
That being said, allow me to also share with you the e-message from the WM Edward Croft CMG, OBE that was circulated to the Brethren following the virtual meet up on Wednesday night last.
PMs, Brethren all,
I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to those who joined us for our virtual fraternal fellowship meeting. All reports suggest that everyone had a lovely time, and although there was no Board of Installed ........ afterwards, it was a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Topics such COVID -19 preparations and consequences, how to continue to be creative in light of the physical limitations of holding Lodge meetings were presented and facilitated some lovely discussion. It was even suggested that special efforts be made to protect the homeless and vulnerable during this crisis. The brethren expressed condolences to W Bro Dr. John Swift in person and he in turn expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Brethren for their sentiments of support. The meeting on occasions was serenaded by sweet pan music by Bro Athlyn and displays of beautiful background sceneries by Bro Andrea in Texas, Bro Johann and W Bro Arthur respectively. Even the RW DGM graced us with his distinguished presence, complemented St. John's Lodge for this initiative and creativity, and recommended a brief report for distribution to the District. The WM expressed appreciation to the RW DGM for his kind comments and again thanked the Brethren for their participation.
The brethren also expressed the desire to continue to fellowship via this means until it is safe to do otherwise. One brother even mentioned what was now expected of him at 9:15 p.m. as the fellowship came to an close. That question nearly brought the meeting to a premature close because the Brethren were bursting with laughter. 🤣🤣🤣. It was an awesome evening of fraternal fellowship.
Edward Croft, WM
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