On Saturday March 25, 2023, Freemasons from across the world gathered to witness the Installation of W.Bro. Gerald E. Mendes as District Grand Master for the District Grand Lodge of Trinidad and Tobago. The United Grand Lodge of England was well represented by R.W.Bro. Sir David Wootton, Deputy Grand Master and W.Bro. Dr. Simon Archer, Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Visit to Royal Philanthropic Lodge
During their visit, the Deputy Grand Master and Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies were given a tour of the Royal Philanthropic Lodge and had the opportunity to meet with some of it's members.
Bottom right: Center: WBro. Curtis Gosein with R.W.Bro. Sir David Wootton and W.Bro. Dr. Simon Archer.
From left to right in picture: W.Bro Jerome Herrera, W.Bro. Nigel Aqui, R.W.Bro. Sir David Wootton, W.Bro.Curtis Gosein, W.Bro. Martin Farinha and W.Bro. Dr. Simon Archer.
They discussed the history and traditions of Freemasonry in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the challenges facing the organization in the modern era. The visit was a special honor for the members of the Royal Philanthropic Lodge, who were delighted to host such distinguished guests. The Deputy Grand Master and Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies were warmly welcomed and praised for their commitment to promoting the values of Freemasonry around the world.
District Grand Master's Installation Ceremony
The District Grand Master's Installation is an important event in the Freemason calendar. It marks the official installation of a new leader, who is responsible for overseeing the activities of Freemasons in a particular district or region. The ceremony is steeped in tradition and is attended by Freemasons from all over the world.
R.W.Bro. Gerald E Mendes (center) newly Installed District Grand Master for the District Grand Lodge of Trinidad & Tobago with R.W.Bro. Sir David Wootton, Deputy Grand Master (left), W.Bro. Martin Farinha (right), Deputy District Grand Master, W.Bro. Dr. Simon Archer, Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies (back left) surrounded by District Grand Masters from various Caribbean Masonic Districts.
The ceremony was conducted with great solemnity and reverence, with the new District Grand Master taking his oath of office in front of his fellow Freemasons. The proceedings were guided and overseen by W.Bro. Dr. Simon Archer, who ensured that the ceremony was conducted according to the highest standards of Freemasonry.
Reigning Masters from the District Grand Lodge of Trinidad and Tobago
The presence of The Deputy Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Sir David Wootton, at the ceremony was a special honor for the Freemasons of Trinidad and Tobago. His attendance underscores the importance of the District Grand Masters Installation, and the role that Freemasonry plays in the world today.
Top left: W.Bro Curtis Gosein presents a token to W.Bro. Dr. Simon Archer, Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies for the United Grand Lodge of England.
Top right: R.W.Bro Sir David Wootton has a chat with Bro. Nigel Ferguson and W.Bro. Nigel Aqui from Royal Philanthropic Lodge
Bottom left: W.Bro Curtis Gosein presents a token to R.W.Bro. Gerald Mendes, District Grand Master for the District Grand Lodge of Trinidad and Tobago
Bottom right: Brethren of Royal Philanthropic Lodge at the District Grand Master's Installation
Overall, the District Grand Masters Installation in Trinidad and Tobago was a momentous occasion for the Freemasons of the region. It marks the beginning of a new era for the Trinidad and Tobago district, and the start of a new chapter in the history of Freemasonry in the Caribbean.