

Last evening I, as Master of Beauchamp lodge, was delighted to attend the Lodge Jamrud December meeting, which was held at 10 Dukes Street, St James’, London SW1Y 6BS.
Beauchamp Lodge and Lodge Jamrud have enjoyed a special relationship that dates back to when the Lodges were located in India and serving personnel from both were part of the Mohforce fighting on the North-West Frontier of India (now Pakistan). Indeed records show that Lodge Jamrud held a meeting, behind enemy lines, in the village of Nahakki in 1935 and members of the Beauchamp Lodge were in attendance and, it is reported, provided the working tools for the meeting - see Lodge at War.
Lodge Jamrud was Tyled at 4pm and after a few items of general Lodge business the Lodge received the Metropolitan Grand Inspector W Bro Colonel Simon Bennett PJGD.
The main item on the agenda was to conduct a 3rd Degree ceremony, which was carried out in an exemplary fashion and in workings that I had never seen before.
‘Jephson Workings’ originates from the Jephson Lodge #4336, in the Province of Warwickshire. Apparently the ‘workings’ are no longer unique to them as other lodges have adopted these workings they are however quite fascinating and highly recommended. I will try not to spoil the fun for those yet to witness these workings (or are yet to undertake their 3rd degree) so ‘spoiler alert’, if you do not want to know more (or do not want to preempt a ceremony you are yet to undertake) skip the next paragraph.

The ‘Traditional History’ is delivered in ‘catechetical’ form, and if you don’t know what catechetical means and have to look it up well done you have just made a daily advancement in your masonic knowledge. In short a method of teaching by Questions and Answers, so in this sense/example the Master asks the questions and the Senior and Junior Wardens answer, alternating between themselves and directing their answers, in an instructional manner, towards the candidate, not the Master.
The candidate, standing between the Deacons, is place in the north in front of the Secretary’s table and when the tools of a Master Mason are explained the Deacons hold these aloft for the candidate to view. The whole process from the start of the Traditional History, FPOF (as demonstrated by the Wardens) and, the Working Tools are truly inclusive and a fascinating and inspiring way to deliver this part of the 3rd degree ceremony.

Another point worthy of mention is the Lodge Jamrud Tracing board case, which appears at first view quite simple in design.

That said this ‘travelling style’ case is far more than just perfunctory, it is in fact quite captivating and exquisite in its design and functionality.



Once the remainder of the Lodge business had been conducted we repaired to the Cavendish Hotel, literally yards from the front door of 10 Dukes Street, for preprandial drinks followed by a wonderful festive board.





All-in-all it was a privilege and an honour to represent the Beauchamp Lodge at this, the Lodge Jamrud’s, December meeting and I truly look forward to being in their company in the future.
Bravo Lodge Jamrud - God Save The King!
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