A Return to Hexham Abbey for
The Provincial Priory of Northumberland
On Saturday 21st May, after a two year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Provincial Priory of Northumberland was delighted to be returning to Hexham Abbey for its annual Church Service.
Led by the Rector of the Abbey, Revd David Glover, and by our Provincial Prelate, Kt Revd Les Dinning, the Service was, once again, a wonderful way to recommit to our Christian values of love, compassion and respect for others, manifested by our service above self and dedication to charity that is the bedrock of the masonic ethos.
It also proved an ideal opportunity to invite the families and friends of Knights from across the Province to witness the colourful spectacle, and casual visitors to the Abbey were equally welcome to watch and to join in the Service if they so desired.
The Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard formed an Arch of Steel for the processions of the Malta Delegation and of the Provincial Prior and his Officers, headed by the Provincial Sword and Banner.
Scriptural Readings were delivered by the Prior, recounting the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and by the Sub Prior, who read Psalm 122. This was particularly evocative for the Knights as it forms part of the closing ceremony of our Preceptories and was made all the more memorable when the full Abbey Choir sang “I was glad” (Laetatus sum), conducted by Mr Michael Haynes, the Director of Music at the Abbey. Afterwards, 80 Knights and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet luncheon at Hexham Masonic Hall – a fitting end to what had been an excellent day out.
