PGM’s Address at Provincial Grand Lodge – April 2026
Brethren, I want to start by thanking the Outgoing Provincial team who gave such great support throughout the year.
Led by 2 first class Wardens you’ve set a high bar for this year’s Officers.
You’ve made a big difference and I thank you!
I’d also like to thank W Bro Keith Bower who has administered Teddies for Loving Care for the last 10 years.
He has given great service and set a fine example. He is replaced by W Bro Kevin Jones.
To those receiving honours today, my congratulations to you – you deserve it!
I look forward to your company on the circuit and more importantly your engagement and support.
Try and visit all 4 corners of our Province during your year.
You will be made extremely welcome and will strike up lasting friendships.
I also congratulate those being appointed to Grand Rank on 29th April.
As First Appointments – all to PAGDC
• W Bro Les Pym: the Provincial Grand Almoner, of St John’s Lodge No 328
• W Bro John Christopher Bird: the Provincial Grand Mentor, of The Lodge of Harmony No 372
• W Bro Paul Hughes: the Deputy Grand Superintendent the Royal Arch, of Trinity Lodge No 3403
and a Promotion for
• W Bro Adrian Rogers: the Provincial Grand Chaplain, of Lopes Lodge No 5526 to PJGD
Brethren, much is happening within Freemasonry and within this Province.
There are many things that I could highlight but that would detract from what is most important.
Our greatest challenge remains to grow the Order:
All of our initiatives are with a view to growing the Order.
Whether it’s:
• Improving our Buildings
• Holding Provincial Social Events
• Engaging with the Community
In the short term however the simplest and most successful way to recruit is for each of us to ask a family member, friend or work colleague to join.
When did any of us last think seriously about our circle of contacts?
We will not know unless we ask!
Every Lodge and Chapter needs at least 3 new members or joiners if it is to grow.
There is, sadly always one resignation and one death in most Lodges every year!
One new Candidate per year and a Lodge will shrink.
Our numbers have stabilized. That is encouraging.
Growth now needs to be our focus.
There are many success stories with many Lodges from different areas of the Province showing good growth.
Our Buildings
We have too many buildings, some sadly are in poor condition, despite the tireless efforts of dedicated trustees and volunteers.
Now is the time to act.
We must continue to improve our buildings and invest in them.
UGLE has now recognised the importance of this and is establishing two funds to support Masonic buildings throughout its jurisdiction:
The funds are intended:
• Firstly, to cover essential repairs and improvements that support long term sustainability.
• Secondly, to enable community use of the building and provide a clear public benefit.
This is very positive news – one hall in Devonshire is already considering an application.
The fund will not however resolve the challenges we have in Plymouth and Torquay where we must rationalize our buildings. In central Plymouth we have 5 and in Torquay 3.
In Plymouth, the steering committee was set up to secure a new Masonic facility, or facilities, to be owned by Plymouth Freemasons. Modern, professionally run, fit for purpose, with parking and high-quality amenities for both Masonic and non-Masonic functions.
Fundraising for this worthy initiative has received tremendous support from Plymouth Lodges and brethren, with the total approaching £120,000.
That is a positive start, though there is still some way to go.
The major steps forward will come if a building is sold.
I must remind you that this money is administered by the Provincial Treasurer and ring-fenced. It cannot be used for any other purpose.
It is my role to help protect our future, and for that I need your support.
In Torquay, we are improving one of our halls and have launched a building scheme for a central facility.
Exeter too is taking positive steps to protect the future of its Hall.
I still have concerns about what happens when a building is sold. The proceeds are not Provincial money, nor are they charity money. Nor are they something to be shared out among those fortunate enough to be trustees at the time. They should be treated as a legacy for our future and it is that I am determined to protect.
Last year we held a number of Provincial social events. I am keen that we continue with these and so involve our families and friends. This too supports our strategy for growth.
The events last year included;
• VE day Celebration on Thursday 8th May at Exeter Cathedral, supported by the PGM’s and Brethren from Somerset and Cornwall. 2 of our Rulers attended representing both the Craft and Royal Arch Over 800 Freemasons all in Regalia was a spectacular site. Building together in action.
• The PGM’s Ball at Sandy Park on Saturday 28th June was sold out with 500 attending, fabulous entertainment and celebrating 250 years of the Province of Devonshire.
• A Family Fun day at Denis Arden’s in Exeter on Sunday 24th August.
• Carol Service at Exeter Cathedral in December.
Brethren, these events have brought us closer together and given us valuable opportunities to introduce friends and families to who we are.
For this year
• The Valentines Ball in Barnstaple was sold out with 250 attending.
• The PGM’s Ball at Sandy Park on Saturday 27th June which is limited to 500 and I believe is very nearly sold out.
• Family Fun day at Ivybridge Rugby Club on Sunday 30th August, Under 12’s are free.
• Carol Service at St Mary’s Church in Plymouth.
Engaging with the Community
This is key to our long term growth. Being silent about what we do has not served us well. We should return to active engagement with the community and have a stronger public profile. Then we will be seen for what we are: A modern and vibrant organisation, a force for good.
People will then approach us and say; ‘I would like to join and become a Freemason.’
Hospices
We have entered into partnership with all 4 adult Hospices in Devon.
You will have seen various events:
We have already been involved in major events with;
• St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth
• Exeter Hospicecare
• N Devon Hospice and are planning events with Rowcroft in Torquay.
These events are mutually beneficial.
For the walks in Exeter and Plymouth, we were on all marketing literature and advertising.
Our logo was on the back of every walker’s T shirt (nearly 5000 walkers in total)
We also provided approximately 50 marshals, engaging with the participants and wider public.
In Plymouth nearly 300 walkers – non masons – came into one of our halls for a chat, a drink and a tour of the building.
A lighthouse similar to the one on display here today will stand for three months on the Mayflower Steps on Plymouth’s historic Barbican during the summer, with a plaque identifying your support.
There will be 40 such lighthouses located around the seafront and City centre forming a trail for the public to follow.
Let me be clear: this is not about giving more money, but ensuring what we already give makes our contribution visible.
The WAKE fund evenings play an important part in engaging with the Community and show us at our charitable best.
These 2 evenings are hugely successful; distributing your money to worthy non-masonic charities and other good causes.
We donate some £60K to approximately 50 charities across 2 occasions each year.
The Armed Forces
Former service personnel warm to:
• The Ceremonial
• The structure and
• The “mess” type environment of our festive board.
They generally make 1st class Freemasons.
We are therefore working to build stronger connections. We now have an Armed Forces representative and aim to forge closer associations with Armed Forces organisations through a number of initiatives, including a collaborative garden party at Honiton with less-abled veterans through ‘The Not Forgotten’ organisation.
We will continue to take part in Remembrance Day services across the county.
You all support your local communities in so many ways.
Please continue: demonstrate what good men you are and lead by example!
Supporting and engaging with our communities is the right thing to do.
It will help others see us as an organisation they will seek to join.
Strategy
Everything is geared to our No.1 priority:
Increasing our numbers by recruiting and retaining quality members.
We will not lower our Masonic standards nor abandon the traditions of the founders of our Lodges.
It remains crucial however that we look after our newer members well.
We only get one chance to make a first impression.
We must involve our junior Masons at the earliest opportunity, listen to their ideas, aspirations and concerns, and make their Masonic experience the best it can possibly be.
Do not forget that young brethren are the most likely to introduce new candidates.
Building Together
Brethren today we are launching Building Together
A practical framework that harmonises the Members Pathway and Archway into a
“One Journey, One Organisation” approach aligned with the UGLE/SGC strategy.
As for today’s meeting I would like to thank the Provincial Secretary and his Assistant for their organisation. My thanks also to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team of Deputies.
To Summarise
With your help we are rising to our membership challenge.
There are many positive signs and we have momentum.
• The number of members in Devonshire is stable.
• The attendance at Installations is encouraging with many being sold out.
• The number of Lodges has reduced but many are now showing growth.
The efforts of our Membership team are helping greatly.
But we will only succeed if each and every one of us continues to:
• Support our Lodges.
• Take on those essential Lodge offices.
• Actively recruit and retain quality members.
• Engage with our communities.
• Support our Provincial social events – and our own.
Brethren – This is a wonderful Order
We cannot and will not fail
I thank you all for making today such a great success.
I wish you all a safe journey home and look forward to your company throughout the year.
Nicholas A Ball – Provincial Grand Master
Video above & photos below courtesy of the Provincial Communications Team – Bro Alec Collyer, W Bro Mike Bevan & W Bro Philip Mason. If you have any additional contributions please email them to PCO@DevonshireFreemasons.org.uk
