On Sunday, 13th October, the Brethren of Santa Faz Lodge No. 48 gathered in due form at the International Club, El Campello, Alicante, for the Installation Meeting of their new Worshipful Master. In a ceremony marked by solemnity, tradition, and fraternal goodwill, W. Bro. Frederico Stewart was duly installed into the Chair of King Solomon.

The occasion was further distinguished by the presence of two eminent visitors: R.W. Bro. Jeffrey Hyde, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and W. Bro. Terry Whitehead, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, whose attendance greatly honoured the Lodge and lent additional lustre to the proceedings.

The Installation Ceremony was conducted with dignity and precision, reflecting the careful preparation of the Officers and the deep respect held for the Craft’s ancient customs. Brethren and visitors alike bore witness to a memorable evening, one that not only celebrated the investiture of the new Worshipful Master but also reaffirmed the Lodge’s commitment to the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

Following the formalities, the Brethren retired to the Festive Board, where the assembled company enjoyed both convivial fellowship and the strengthening of those bonds which unite us as Freemasons.

In the world of operative building, a Lewis is a steel device ingeniously designed to grip and lift heavy blocks of stone or concrete. It consists of three interlocking pieces, arranged to form a dovetail. The two outer pieces are placed into a dovetail-shaped mortise cut into the stone, and the central piece is then inserted, locking the whole securely in place. This simple yet effective tool enables great weights to be raised with safety and precision.

In Freemasonry, however, the term Lewis carries a deeper, symbolic meaning. It refers not only to the physical lifting tool employed by operative masons, but also to the son of a Master Mason. Just as the Lewis supports and raises the stone, so too does the son represent both the strength of his father and the continuation of his work. The Lewis thus symbolises duty, support, and the enduring bond between father and son within the Craft.

This symbolism was beautifully exemplified at Oliva La Safor Lodge No. 112, when W. Bro. Bill Taylor had the privilege of proposing his own son, Matthew, as a Joining Member of the Lodge.

Their shared Masonic journey has been both rich and meaningful. Back in the United Kingdom, Bill was present at Matthew’s Initiation on 2nd February 2015 at Gabriel Newton Lodge No 9071 in Leicester, where Bill himself had the honour of presenting the traditional North East Corner speech.

With the necessary dispensation, Bill later advanced his son to the Second Degree in Sprig of Acacia Lodge No. 43 in Spain in 2016. He was also present at Matthew’s Raising to the Third Degree in Leicester, and subsequently at his Exaltation into the Holy Royal Arch in Saint Crispins Chapter No. 7832.

Most recently, Matthew was successfully balloted for as a member of Oliva La Safor Lodge and solemnly took his Obligation to the Grand Lodge of Spain, at the Regular meeting held on 21st October.

The story of W. Bro. Bill Taylor and his son Matthew is a moving reminder of the living symbolism of the Lewis. It demonstrates how the Craft not only preserves ancient tools and traditions but also breathes life into them through the bonds of family, fraternity, and faithfulness to our obligations.

On Wednesday 22nd October, on a pleasant autumn evening, the brethren of Jávea Lodge No. 40 gathered for their Regular Meeting, highlighted by the Initiation of Bro. Terry Waldron as a member of the Order.

The Lodge was filled with pride as Worshipful Master Alex Wilkins conducted our newest Brother through his first steps in Freemasonry, marking the beginning of a lifelong path of learning and fellowship.

Bro Terry Waldron and W. Bro. Alex Wilkins

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This meeting was a fine example of Masonic tradition at its best—ritual well performed, fellowship warmly shared, and the joyful welcome of a new Brother. The Initiation of Bro. Terry Waldron was not only a milestone for him personally but also a proud moment in the continuing life of the Lodge.

On Sunday, members of Jávea 40 Lodge, along with their partners and guests, gathered at the inviting Railway Tavern in Dénia for an afternoon of camaraderie, good food, and charitable giving. The event saw 30 brethren, partners, and guests come together in a warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the true spirit of fellowship that defines the Lodge.

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Far more than just a social gathering, the Sunday lunch was an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, an impressive €125 was raised for the Lodge’s charity fund. These funds will be used to support a range of important causes in Jávea and beyond, helping those who need it most.

Speaking at the event, Worshipful Master Alex Wilkins thanked everyone who came along. He said, “This year I have been especially pleased that we’ve been able to support the Balcón al Mar Voluntarios Bomberos, whose dedication to keeping our community safe is truly inspiring. This money will also help us continue supporting good causes in Jávea, making a real difference where it’s needed.”

The success of the Sunday lunch at the Railway Tavern is a testament to the generosity and community spirit of Jávea 40 Lodge. As the Lodge continues its charitable work, events like these remind us of the importance of coming together, not only to enjoy each other’s company but to lend a helping hand to those in need.

On Tuesday, 14th October 2025, the brethren of Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No. 58 assembled at the Costa Nova Masonic Centre, Jávea, for the annual Installation Meeting. This important occasion brought together members and distinguished visitors to witness the installation of a new Worshipful Master and to celebrate the milestones and contributions of valued brethren.

The centrepiece of the evening was the installation of W. Bro. Nick Coates as Worshipful Master of Puerto de Xàbia 58. The ceremony was conducted with due solemnity and precision, reflecting the traditions and values held dear by the Lodge. In attendance was V.W. Bro. Frank Wallace, Provincial Grand Inspector, who honoured the Lodge by acting as Official Visitor for the evening, lending further distinction to the proceedings.

A particularly poignant moment was the dedication of a desk plaque in memory of R.W. Bro. Phil Gibson-Daw. This tribute served as a lasting reminder of his dedicated service and enduring legacy within the Lodge, ensuring that his memory will continue to inspire brethren for years to come.

Following the formalities, brethren gathered for the Festive Board, where the spirit of camaraderie was evident. In a heartfelt gesture, a bottle of Carlos I brandy was presented to W. Bro. Ray Pease in celebration of his 90th birthday. This act of recognition was warmly received, marking a significant personal milestone within the Lodge.

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Additionally, the outgoing Master, W. Bro. John Young, was presented with a Memories Book, a collection of reflections and well-wishes from his time as Master. This thoughtful gift expressed the Lodge’s gratitude for his leadership and dedication over the past two years.

The Installation Meeting was a fitting tribute to the enduring fellowship and shared values of Puerto de Xàbia 58. The evening’s events—marked by respectful ceremony, heartfelt tributes, and joyful celebrations—exemplified the spirit of Freemasonry. The Lodge extends its sincere thanks to all who attended and contributed to making the occasion memorable, and looks forward to another year guided by the steady hand of W. Bro. Nick Coates.

A military 21 gun salute

The custom of Masonic Fire has long been a distinctive feature of the festive board, used to conclude toasts with ceremony, rhythm, and a sense of unity. Its origins lie in the mid‑eighteenth century, when Brethren would bring their glasses down sharply upon the table in unison, producing a sound likened to musket or cannon fire. This emphatic gesture was intended to honour the subject of the toast and to demonstrate collective harmony.

Vintage Masonic Firing Glasses

In modern times, the phrase “Brethren, Quick Fire” has generally been preferred over “Good fire” as it more accurately reflects the military connections associated with the practice.

The Badge of the Royal Regiment of Artillery

Another distinctive development was the practice of “Point Left Right” (PLR), where Brethren extend their arms alternately to the left and right before clapping. This gesture, which appears in French exposures of the eighteenth century, was described as symbolising the spreading of goodwill and harmony in all directions. Over time, it became incorporated into English practice as well, particularly in Lodges that valued a more elaborate and symbolic form of Fire. Today, PLR remains a familiar element in many Lodges, often performed before each set of claps in the “three times three” sequence.

Other variations also developed, including “Running Fire”, where the sound travelled around the table in sequence, and “Silent Fire”, a muted form often reserved for solemn occasions or toasts to absent Brethren. Regional customs such as the nineteenth‑century Kentish Fire – a distinctive pattern of rhythmic clapping popular in political and social gatherings – were also adopted in some Lodges.

What emerges from the historical record is that there has never been a single, universally accepted form of Masonic Fire. Each Lodge, Province, and country has developed its own variations, shaped by local custom, military influence, and cultural exchange. Yet the underlying purpose has remained constant: to honour the subject of the toast with a collective act of enthusiasm, fellowship, and symbolic unity.

In modern times, the practice is generally more restrained, with hand clapping replacing the once‑boisterous crashing of glasses. Nevertheless, it continues to serve as a distinctive and memorable feature of the festive board, linking contemporary Brethren with the traditions of their predecessors, and echoing the same spirit of respect and honour embodied in the 21‑gun salute.

R.W. Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell – Provincial Grandmaster of Valencia