Page 38 - EM-Issue-93

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O n lin e S u p ple m en t

The LODA Presentation
Team in Action

What a superb evening was had on 3rd May 2022 at the Lodge of Daily Advancement No. 9979 (LODA),
following on from Gerald Reilly’s thought-leadership oration in February. Both Graham Larke and David
Badger, the co-leaders of the LODA Presentation Team made sure the Lodge lived up to its name and
everyone made a ‘daily advancement’.
For all those who have stood at Wembley Stadium and sung their hearts out, full
of emotion, pride and with tears welling in their eyes, Graham Larke explained
the story behind the hymn ‘Abide with Me’, the Anthem of the FA Cup. The full
oration is available from Lawrie Morrisson, the Secretary of the Lodge of Daily
Advancement. In bygone times, ‘abide’ had a similar meaning as ‘remain’ so the
singer of the hymn is asking God to stay with them in times of trouble.
David Badger, the Lodge ADC; Ian Simpson, WM and Peter Thomas, Lodge
Mentor and Education Officer, all gave a splendid demonstration of a Lodge of
Sorrow entitled ‘Roses and Evergreen - An Aspect of American Freemasonry. It is convened at convocations
of Grand Lodges working in the USA and is a marvellous way to recognise recently departed brethren. All those present
were amazed by the poignancy of it all - you really could hear a pin drop!

For their first time out as a team together, David said “It went very well and I was pleased
with the end result” he continued “it was Patrick Wilkins, of the same mother lodge as
Paul Tarrant and myself, Lodge of Fraternity No. 5916, who introduced the work to the
UK about 15 years ago.”
Not on an official visit this time but as a guest, Trevor Darby PAGDC was seen enjoying
the Meeting. Although the future role of VGOs is still being considered, Trevor was
pleased to be at LODA and said “I was impressed with the interesting and informative
talk given by Graham Larke on the origin and use of the popular hymn ‘Abide with Me’. It
was appropriate given what followed. I was equally impressed with the demonstration of
a Lodge of Sorrow, as performed by Grand Lodges in the USA.”
You can book the LODA Presentation Team to visit your Lodge to present an oration or
to give a demonstration of the Lodge of Sorrow ceremony. To book the team for either a
special occasion or for a regular meeting, contact Lawrie Morrisson, whose details are in
the Provincial Handbook on the Cube. Likewise, if you want to help others make a daily
advancement as a member of the LODA Presentation Team, Lawrie will be pleased to
hear from you.