by Seán Lawless
03/03/2010
The May 210 outing of the C-A-R group took us to the Freemason's Hall in Molesworth Street Dublin where some 35 members enjoyed the experience of exploring the Masonic Museum..
Our guide on the day was Mr Daniel Stanford (a member of Freemasonry)who took us to see the Grand Lodge Meeting Room, the Royal Arch Room and the Egyptian Room while explaining to all the fundamentals and principals of Freemason's.
At Questions and answers we were told that "membership is open to all men of integrity and goodwill, on condition that they profess a belief in a Supreme Being". We were also told that Freemasonry in Ireland celebrated it's 275th Anniversary in the year 2000 ( although there is some evidence that it existed in Ireland 500 years ago). This qualifies the Irish Grand Lodge as the second oldest in the world( to England). Freemasonry is not just here in Dublin it has 13 provincial locations across the island of Ireland and has a membership of approximately 30,000. Masonic Lodges throughout Ireland involve themselves in Charitable fund raising ventures to assist those less better off both inside and outside Freemasonry.
In the absence of Bob Prole on the day Pat Naismith thanked our tour guide over lunch and expressed sympathy to Norman Williams on his recent and sad loss of his dear wife Jean , Pat also thanked William and Josie Groarke for travelling from Swinford in Co Mayo and John O'Callaghan on his travelling from Cork.
President James Barton said how much he enjoyed to-days outing and extended best wishes to Bob and looked forward to our next outing to Kilmainham Jail on July 6th, as this is expected to be a very popular venue members were urged to advise their intention to attend by contacting Robert Prole at 01 288 9565
Members were also advised to log onto the web site www.contact-after-retirement.com where they can view photo's taken on the day by clicking the "gallery" and they can keep themselves up to date with the "planner" indicating forthcoming dates such as August 24th visit to Strokestown House.
S.L.