Cedars does it in style

09 May 24

Cedars Lodge celebrated the Installation of its new Master on Saturday 24 February, 2024 in an atmosphere of camaraderie, enthusiasm and brotherhood.

The Egyptian Room at Petersham was filled with over 135 members and visitors in the presence of MW Bro Derek James Robson AM CMH PGM and a magnificent Grand Lodge delegation.

Installing Master RW Bro Ghassan Dandachli PDGM took this responsibility out of profound dedication to the Craft that has been his life’s journey for over 40 years, proudly installing W Bro Ugur Igdeci into the Chair of King Solomon.

There was also a sad note in the night of celebration.

The brethren formed a semi-circle on the floor of the lodge facing the East, facing the empty Chair of King Solomon, to reflect in a one-minute silence on the passing of VW Bro Max Abdallah, PDGDC, IPM, who departed to the Grand Lodge above a few weeks earlier from brain cancer at the young age of 42.

This gesture is a first in Freemasonry with all officers leaving their stations including the Master and joining the brethren to honour the memory of a departed brother. It was certainly a touching moment.

After the ceremony, some 105 masons, ladies and friends attended a luscious banquet of Lebanese food and sweets where further toasts, speeches and memories were exchanged in a contagious atmosphere of love, solidarity and vibrancy.