6 JUNE 2026
A very good afternoon Brethren.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this Half-Yearly Communication of the District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago.
I would also like to welcome our distinguished visitors present here today.
• RWBro Ferhad Nilgiria, District Grand Lodge of Sri Lanka
• VWBro Kendall Oei, District Grand Lodge of Hong and the Far East
• RWBro Sri Kandan Kanagainthiram, Provincial Grand Lodge of South East Asia
• Bro Abel Wesley Kirubairaj Arumugam, District Grand Lodge of the Middle East
• WBro Eric Huet, International District Grand Lodge National Francaise
• WBro Peter Stickland, Grand Lodge of Western Australia
Brethren of the Eastern Archipelago, please join me and put our hands together to welcome our visitors who have come from near and far to be with us this afternoon.
Earlier today, at the Annual Convocation of District Grand Chapter, I spoke about completing the Masonic journey and strengthening our Chapters. This afternoon, my focus is on the Craft, for it is within our Lodges that every Mason first begins that journey.
The strength of our District will always depend upon the strength of our Lodges.
Brethren, we have much to be encouraged by.
Across the District, our Lodges continue to attract worthy candidates, conduct meaningful ceremonies, support charitable causes and provide opportunities for friendship, fellowship and personal development.
The District Membership Committee has continued its efforts to engage prospective candidates. The Keystone Club continues to provide opportunities for younger brethren and prospective members to engage with Freemasonry in a welcoming and informal environment. Our Visiting Officers Programme continues to support Lodges throughout the District, whilst the evolution of our new District website and the ongoing work on our District Guidelines will further strengthen communication and governance across the District.
These achievements are the result of many brethren working quietly behind the scenes, and I thank all who have contributed to these efforts.
Membership Challenge
Brethren, while we should celebrate our successes, we must also remain mindful of the challenges before us.
Membership remains one of our key priorities.
Although we continue to attract new candidates, resignations remain one of our greatest challenges. And it is one which we can do something about.
When a Brother resigns, we should not simply accept it as inevitable.We should ask ourselves whether we could have done more. Was he welcomed? Was he involved? Did he feel that he belonged?
Brethren rarely leave because of ritual.
More often, they leave because they no longer feel connected. If we are serious about growing our membership, then we must be equally serious about retaining the members we already have.
Every Brother has a role to play in this.
A conversation.
A telephone call.
An invitation to sit together at the Festive Board.
Or simply taking an interest in another Brother.
These small gestures often make a greater difference than we realise.
New Lodges
Brethren,
I am encouraged by the opportunities for growth that lie ahead.
Subject to the necessary approvals, we are working towards the consecration of Unity Lodge in Bangkok on Friday, 4th December 2026, immediately preceding our Annual Communications. Plans are also progressing for Lodge Justitia, a special-interest Lodge bringing together brethren from the legal and finance professions.
In addition, we are exploring the establishment of a Lodge in Kuching, Sarawak, extending our presence further into East Malaysia.
Now, some may observe that the Scottish brethren have been enjoying themselves in Sarawak for some time. We simply felt it would be courteous to keep them company and I am confident that they will indeed enjoy our company.
UGLE Updates
Brethren,
I would also like to briefly update you on several important initiatives recently announced by UGLE.
Many of you will be aware that in March, Grand Lodge has announced the Centenary Hall Stone Appeal, a Constitution-wide fundraising campaign designed to support Masonic buildings throughout the Constitution through the newly established Centenary Buildings Fund and the Community and Heritage Buildings Fund, together with the Masonic Halls Assistance Group.
These initiatives are intended to ensure that our Masonic buildings across the Constitution remain sustainable, relevant and fit for purpose for future generations.
Brethren, as you know, in our District, we have 5 Hall Stone Lodges that contributed to the Masonic Million Appeal in the 1920s and this new program presents a significant opportunity for our brethren, our lodges and our District.
Accordingly, over the coming months, we shall be taking several immediate steps.
Brethren, these initiatives are not merely about preserving buildings.
They are about creating welcoming, sustainable and vibrant centres of Freemasonry that will continue to serve future generations long after we ourselves have laid down our working tools.
Brethren,
Another important theme emerging from Grand Lodge this year is what has been described as Contemporary Freemasonry.
The Pro Grand Master reminded us that whilst our principles remain unchanged, the way we communicate those principles to society must continue to evolve.
The values of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
What is changing is our determination to ensure that society better understands who we are and what we stand for.
The task before us is not to change Freemasonry.
The task is to ensure that Freemasonry is understood.
The Pro Grand Master also acknowledged that Freemasonry can sometimes be misunderstood or misrepresented.
Brethren, we face similar challenges within our own District from time to time. There will always be those who misunderstand us. There will always be those who misrepresent us. There will always be those who prefer speculation to facts.
But the most effective response is not argument.
It is conduct.
Every Brother sitting in this room is an ambassador for Freemasonry. The way we conduct ourselves in our families, our workplaces, our professions and our communities speaks far louder than any website, social media post or public relations campaign.
If we claim to teach integrity, we must act with integrity.
If we speak of charity, we must be charitable.
If we profess brotherly love, we must demonstrate kindness, respect and compassion.
In short, we must walk the talk.
Brethren, let us not merely wear the badge of a Freemason.
Let us strive to be recognised as ornaments to society.
Ceremonial Excellence
Brethren,
Another area that deserves our continued attention is ceremonial excellence. Our ceremonies are among the greatest treasures entrusted to our care. Candidates who present themselves for initiation, passing and raising deserve our very best efforts.
Ceremonial excellence is not about perfection. It is about preparation, understanding and delivery. There are no short cuts. When a ceremony is performed confidently and with meaning, it educates, inspires and leaves a lasting impression upon those who experience it. I am encouraged by the progress being made through our Visiting Officers Programme, the work of our District Preceptors and the commitment shown by many Lodges.
However, we do have lodges that are struggling. More concerning is the continued habit, in certain Lodges, of reading substantial portions of the ceremony.
Brethren, as I have mentioned at the District Grand Chapter Convocation earlier, I make no apology for speaking plainly on this matter.
Reading the ritual should be the exception and not the norm.
And brethren. I am least impressed at some of the unsavoury and childish comments on this subject. For those that need extra clarification, there is a big difference between ritual books and the VSL which is a furniture of the lodge and one of the three great though emblemetical lights in Freemasonry. So when I say no books on the pedestal, that does not include the VSL. I am open to advice, counsel, and constructive feedback brethren, but making undermining comments about District’s initiatives to raise standards is totally unhelpful, and I for one do not appreciate and will not tolerate.
We have our Visiting Officers and District Preceptors that can assist and support lodges, and help them to improve. Please do call on us for assistance and let’s work together to raise the standards.
Leadership
Brethren,
The future of our Lodges depends greatly upon the quality of their leadership. There can sometimes be a tendency to regard progression through the offices of a Lodge as an automatic journey towards the Chair of King Solomon.
Brethren, this should never be the case.
The office of Worshipful Master is not a right of passage, nor is it a reward for long service. It carries significant responsibility. The Worshipful Master sets the tone of the Lodge, guides its officers, influences its culture and carries much of the responsibility for its success during his year in office.
Any Brother aspiring to the Chair should therefore ask himself not, “When will I become Worshipful Master?”, but rather, “Am I ready to become Worshipful Master?”
Equally important is the role of our Past Masters.
The responsibility of a Past Master does not end when he leaves the Chair.
Past Masters should be mentors, counsellors and examples to younger brethren. They should help identify and develop future leaders whilst providing continuity, wisdom and stability within the Lodge.
A healthy Lodge is one where Past Masters remain engaged and actively involved in its success. Unfortunately, we occasionally see brethren who gradually disengage after leaving the Chair. This is a loss not only to the individual but also to the Lodge. The experience gained during a Master’s year is far too valuable to be set aside.
Every Past Master should strive to be a guiding beacon for his Lodge and contribute towards ensuring that the next generation of leaders is ready to take up the baton.
Warranted Lodges
Brethren,
There is another important point that I would like to touch upon.
We often refer to our Lodges as private Lodges, and rightly so. Each Lodge has its own character, traditions and customs. That diversity is one of the strengths of Freemasonry.
However, we should never lose sight of the fact that our Lodges are not independent organisations.
They are warranted Lodges operating under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of England. The Warrant entrusted to a Lodge is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Whilst there is always room for initiative, enthusiasm and local character, these must operate within the framework of our Book of Constitutions, our Regulations and our established practices.
As Masons, we are taught to act within due bounds.
The same principle applies to our Lodges.
Innovation is welcome.
Improvement is welcome.
But we must always ensure that we do not materially err by departing from those principles and practices that bind us together as one Constitution.
PORTAL
Brethren,
Since PORTAL was launched, it has been continuously improved and new features have been added. To date, only 30% of our members have registered. This platform will become the main platform for memberships, submission of lodge reports and annual returns, and will replace Hermes. If you have not registered yourself as a user, please do so urgently. If you are unsure and need assistance, please contact WBro Beppi.
Dress Code
Now brethren, before I conclude, there is one final matter.
I understand that the subject of dress code for our District meetings has generated rather more discussion than I had anticipated. Indeed, I have discovered that amongst Freemasons there are many acceptable interpretations of ritual, governance and history.
Unfortunately, there appear to be even more interpretations of dress code.
I sometimes wonder whether we spend more time discussing neckties, short coats and long coats than addressing membership challenges, quality of ceremonies and leadership. The District Ceremonial Team and Communications Team have done their very best to provide clear guidance well in advance, and I thank them sincerely for their patience and efforts.
So, for our next Annual Communication, I look forward to seeing everyone appropriately dressed, suitably cheerful, and most importantly, present.
Appreciations
Brethren,
I wish to record my sincere thanks to the President and Members of the District Board of General Purposes, the District Board of Benevolence, the District Grand Secretary and his team, our various District Committees, our Visiting Officers and all those brethren who contribute their time and talents in service to the District.
My sincere appreciation also to the District Grand DC team, and the rest of the ceremonial team for their tireless efforts.
I would also like to thank our Climate Change & Disaster Relief Fund and the District L&D Team for organizing the workshops yesterday which I am sure were very beneficial and educational for our brethren.
Once again, we should also thank the Organising Chairman, WBro Venkat, the Organising Team and of course the Eastern Archipelago District Grand Stewards Lodge for all that they have done in making this weekend’s events a success.
Much of their work goes unseen, but our progress would not be possible without their dedication. Brethren please join me to show our sincere appreciation.
Conclusion
Finally, Brethren, let us never lose sight of why we are here.
The success of one Lodge should be celebrated by all.
The challenges of one Lodge should concern us all.
May harmony continue to prevail throughout our District, and may Freemasonry in the Eastern Archipelago continue to flourish for generations to come.
Brethren, be happy, and communicate happiness.
Thank you and I will see you at the Grand Banquet.
6 JUNE 2026
