Some of the attendees at the final meeting
On 2 July, the Marina Alta Installed Masters Lodge No. 144 launched its Summer Lodges of Instruction at the Costa Nova Masonic Centre in Jávea.
Over the following seven weeks, 39 Brethren from 11 different Lodges took part in the programme. Attendance averaged 20 Brethren per session, and with each meeting lasting around two hours, the Summer LOIs delivered an impressive 280 hours of Masonic education and learning.
Topics covered included:
- Processing in and out
- Opening and closing in the three degrees
- The three Degree ceremonies
- Calling on and off
- The Inner Workings
- The Installation Ceremony
- The Festive Board
A new feature for 2025 was introduced by W. Bro. Cliff Gingell, who organised a weekly Jotform Quiz to test attendees’ knowledge of Masonry, its symbols, and the history behind the symbolism of our rituals. Some of the answers certainly raised an eyebrow or two, but the aim of deepening our Masonic understanding was undoubtedly achieved.
In week 4, W. Bro. Philip Bowick also delivered a fascinating lecture on the Royal Arch, explaining how joining it completes the journey of the Master Mason degree.
On 23 August, the final meeting of the summer was marked with a celebratory Festive Board. Before the meal, W. Bro. Cliff Gingell gave an engaging talk on the customs and traditions of the Festive Board itself.
Double click to enlarge the images. Reading left to right from the top (1. W. Bro Cliff Gingell and R.W. Bro. Michael Shilan, 2. Bro. Rafe Parker, 3. W. Bro. Peter Farrell, 4. W. Bro. Ray Pease, 5. W. Bro. Malcolm March, 6. W. Bro. Ray Guise-Smith, 7. Bro. Rafe Parker and R.W. Bro. Michael Shilan and 8. Bro. Max Heinrich and W. Bro. David Clarke
During the Festive Board, the following Brethren took on key roles:
- Worshipful Master: Bro. Rafe Parker (Puerto de Xàbia 58)
- Director of Ceremonies: W. Bro. David Clarke (Oliva La Safor 112)
- Senior Warden: Bro. Stephen Young (Puerto de Xàbia 58)
- Junior Warden: Bro. Max Heinrich (Jávea 40), who proposed the Toast to the Visitors
- Immediate Past Master: W. Bro. Jerry Roberts (San Juan de España 28)
- Chaplain: W. Bro. Malcolm March (Jávea 40) – also Master Elect of the Marina Alta Lodge of Installed Masters No. 144
- Response to the Visitors’ Toast: W. Bro. Ray Pease (Puerto de Xàbia 58)
- Tyler – W. Bro. Ray Guise Smith (Jávea 40)
The 2025 Summer LOIs were hailed by everyone who attended as a great success. At the Festive Board which marked the conclusion of the 2025 Programme, in his response to the Toast to the Worshipful Master, Bro. Rafe Parker expressed heartfelt thanks to all members of the Marina Alta Installed Masters Lodge for their hard work in organising the programme.
Bro. Parker made special mention of R.W. Bro. Michael Shilan, the current Master; W. Bro. Peter Johnson, who diligently recorded the minutes; W. Bro. Cliff Gingell who organised the Quiz and, last but by no means least, W. Bro. Peter Farrell, Preceptor of the LOIs, whose energy, knowledge, and wise counsel illuminated every meeting and made the time both valuable and enjoyable.