On Saturday evening, 11th November 2023, the Lodge of Unity held a Vacant Chair Ceremony to remember members who served this country and made the ultimate sacrifice during WW1 and subsequent conflicts since.
The ceremony is thought to date back to 1875, a decade after the end of the American Civil War, when it was used in Freemasons Lodges throughout the United States to pay tribute to those who did not return from the war. The Lodge of Unity's version was loosely based on a ceremony that The City of London Rifles Lodge carried out years later.
The Lodge of Unity's ceremony was carried out by the Brethren of the Lodge who have served this country in our Armed Forces at some point in their lives. The initial concept was raised by Steve Massey, who did not serve but rightly took part in the ceremony along with the Brethren who served in the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines. No regalia was worn, but the Brethren proudly wore their various regimental/service ties and medals earned in the various theatres, i.e., Yemen, Darfur, Malay, Northern Ireland, First Gulf War and Afghanistan.
The Lodge was not opened in due form as this was to be a Service of Remembrance. A chair was placed in front of the Worshipful Master's pedestal with the Union Flag draped over it. The ceremony started with a single knock at the door, and after the reports to the Junior Warden and Master, a spiritual representation of fallen Brethren entered carrying the Entered Apprentice's apron upon a cushion. This was slowly paraded around the Lodge, accompanied by the two Deacons to the dulcet tones of Nimrod. The Master was addressed by the Spiritual Brother, who, in turn, granted his sincere wish to admit the spiritual Brethren who had lost their lives in service to their country.
The apron was placed with all reverence onto the chair followed by three Brethren who explained the relevance of the apron for its positioning. This was then followed by the presentation of the acacia sprig placed onto the Entered Apprentice apron.
Following these dedications and singing of the hymn Eternal Father Strong to Save, the poems of Dedication to The Fallen were read. The Master then left his pedestal and joined the Brethren who had formed a semi-circle around The Vacant Chair, where the dedication of the poppy wreath was placed with befitting reverence. This was finally finished with the rousing singing of the National Anthem.
As family and friends were invited to witness this ceremony, all were invited to a White Table meal afterwards, where £450.00 was raised for the benefit of the Royal British Legion.
