Memorial and Thanksgiving Service in Shrewsbury Abbey

The last 16 months represent (we hope) the worst of the pandemic, with three lockdowns during which we have been unable to support the families of Brethren who have passed away at their funerals.

On Sunday, October 10th, a full Shrewsbury Abbey witnessed a Memorial service for the 50 or so who have died during that time: their names were read, a candle lit and the Brethren assembled sang a special arrangement of the Closing Ode, composed for the occasion by DepPrGM Jeremy Lund. this included a memorable ‘Pie Jesu’ descant by soprano Felicity Murphy and an equally moving recitation of the well known verses from Ecclesiastes by WBro David Bromley.

Four rousing hymns with newly restored organ and a brass ensemble directed by WBro Stephen Pritchard-Jones were led by the Abbey choir, which also sang a setting of Psalm 121 by Oswestry’s composer Walford Davies and Stanford’s “Justorum Animae”.. PrGChaplain Brian Thomas conducted the service, and there were readings on Masonic themes by the Provincial Wardens.

Dennis Hill gave an account of the work of the Charities with their Masonic partners, giving a clear reminder to all present that Freemasonry had not been idle, but had been working at the heart of the community throughout the pandemic. A very visible mark of that work was the Shrewsbury Food Hub van “Ronnie” parked outside the Abbey. It almost doubled the capacity of the Food Hub, and is pictured below with Salopian Lodge of Charity’s WM Ron Gee, who lent the van its name!

We now look forward with anticipation to December 12th, when we shall be in the Abbey again for the annual Carol Service. Put 5.00 p.m. in your diaries!! All welcome - families, friends, charities, no tto mention prospective Candidates!