Christmas Message 2024
Just where has this year gone? It seems like only five minutes ago that I was drafting last year’s Christmas message! Through all your personal efforts, there is no doubt that both the Craft & the Royal Arch Provinces have had another successful year when we have had the opportunity of welcoming into our Lodges & Chapters and retaining a record number of Brethren and Companions. Unfortunately, we have also lost several of our cherished friends to the Great Architect of the Universe. We miss them all greatly but hold them close in our hearts.
For whatever reason, there are a number whom we have not seen for a little while at our meetings. We need to ensure, especially during this Festive Season, that they are well and in good heart. This is the time to reach out, to reconnect and to reinforce the spirit of joy, excitement and belonging within the fraternity of our unique and incredibly Special Province.
It is this spirit of genuine and unreserved fraternity that makes Berkshire so unique. Wherever I travel within the Province, whether in Lodges or Chapters, I meet always with some truly remarkable individuals, hear some incredible stories of triumph and success, and I am overwhelmed by a wave of unwavering enthusiasm and positivity for Freemasonry. For what more can one ask or want?
As always, I express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and commitment to the success of Freemasonry and especially to the Province of Berkshire. Serving as your Provincial Grand Master & Grand Superintendent is and will always be a privilege which I will never take for granted.
Once again, with all my heart, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Joyous Christmas; filled with warmth and laughter. I have no doubt that 2025 will be another year peppered with excitement, success, and challenges in equal measure, but I also have no doubt that we will take it all in our stride as we continue to grow and strengthen The Special Province of Berkshire.
As the New Year unfolds, I look forward to your company and to being with you all once again.
Happy Christmas.
Anthony Howlett-Bolton
