James Edward Glover Council No. 137, held a wonderfully busy and productive meeting at Audenshaw Masonic Hall (Stanley House) on Monday, 1st June 2026.
The Worshipful Master, WBro Barry Heal, opened the Lodge and efficiently commenced with the 16 items of business on the summons, which included the reading of the dispensation by the Secretary.
The meeting was graced by the presence of the Deputy District Grand Prefect, WBro Trevor Parvin, who was accompanied by a delegation of District Officers of the year. W.Bro Heal extended a warm welcome to the Deputy, who was then greeted with the honours of his rank by the attending brethren. WBro Parvin introduced his District team, all of whom were made to feel highly welcome.
In accordance with a notice of motion given on 20th October 2025, a ballot was held to receive Bro Geoff Baillie—a member of Commemoration Council No. 39—as a joining member. The ballot proved successful, and Bro Baillie was warmly welcomed into the Council.
A subsequent ballot was taken to admit Bro Andrew Cannon to the degree of St Lawrence the Martyr. Proposed by RWBro Mervyn Wilson and the WM, WBro Barry Heal, Bro Cannon certainly possessed impeccable credentials.
Bro Cannon was admitted to the degree of St Lawrence the Martyr in exemplary fashion by the WM and his officers. The ritual and underlying meaning of the Order were delivered with great capability, and the candidate received the ceremony with the utmost attention.
Following this, the Lodge of St Lawrence was adjourned to open a Council of Knights of Constantinople. Brothers Jason Hardman and Andrew Cannon were admitted to the Degree, with Bro Hardman taking centre stage as the candidate while Bro Cannon observed.
This well-constructed ceremony uses the legend of Emperor Constantine the Great to teach that humble labourers and commoners are equal to nobility in the sight of God. The ritual requires participation from multiple members, ensuring excellent lodge involvement. Both candidates thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned how Constantine established the Order to check the arrogance of his nobility by conferring knighthood upon ordinary artisans.
The Council of Knights of Constantinople was subsequently closed, and the Lodge of St Lawrence the Martyr resumed.
Item 11 on the summons saw the proclamation of WBro Barry Heal as Master of the Council for a second year. Conducted by the Director of Ceremonies, VWBro Adrian Hunter, the proceedings were handled with the ease that comes from his many years of experience. Installing Wardens were placed in office, and the WM was proclaimed in a relaxed and pleasant manner. All Lodge officers for the ensuing year were appointed and invested, and the reports from both the Almoner and Treasurer were received and approved.
Though it was a remarkably busy meeting, the members of James Edward Glover Council would not have it any other way. Meeting only twice a year—on the first Monday in June and the third Monday in October—the brethren always ensure their time together is both purposeful and memorable.
Had a great evening as always when at a allied meeting