6th November 2025 – The White Horse Hotel, Campsie, Londonderry
There’s something profoundly moving about witnessing the peaceful transfer of authority within an ancient institution. On Thursday, 6th November 2025, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Londonderry and Donegal gathered at the White Horse Hotel in Campsie for a stated communication that would mark both continuity and change in our Provincial leadership.
The venue was filled to capacity, a testament to the significance of the occasion and the respect commanded by those involved in this historic transition.
Honouring Service, Celebrating Leadership
We were privileged to have in attendance the Most Worshipful Grand Master, M. Wor. Bro. Richard Ensor, his Deputy Rt. Wor. Bro. Leslie Nixon, and the Assistant Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. John Montgomery. Their presence underscored the importance of this communication to the Grand Lodge of Ireland and the entire Irish Constitution.
Before the formal business commenced, a moment of appropriate solemnity marked the proceedings. Wor. Bro. Archdeacon Donald McClean, P.G.L. Chaplain, led a short religious service of remembrance. This thoughtful opening reminded us that Freemasonry, whilst focused on the living, never forgets those who have gone before us. The service set the tone for an evening that would balance celebration with reflection, change with continuity.
Installation of Provincial Grand Lodge Senior Officers
The main items on the agenda centred on the installation of new Provincial Grand Lodge senior officers, representing the careful succession planning that ensures institutional stability whilst bringing fresh perspectives to Provincial leadership.
The Grand Master’s Appointments:
M. Wor. Bro. Richard Ensor, exercising the authority vested in him as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, made several significant appointments that will shape the direction of our Province in the years ahead:
Rt. Wor. Bro. Grahame Harper was duly installed as Provincial Grand Master. This appointment places upon Brother Harper the weighty responsibility of leading our Province, maintaining its traditions, and guiding its development. The Provincial Grand Master serves as the representative of the Grand Lodge within the Province and acts as the primary leader for all constituent lodges.
Rt. Wor. Bro. Robert Mitchell received his installation as Provincial Deputy Grand Master. This crucial position provides essential support to the Provincial Grand Master whilst preparing for potential future leadership responsibilities. The Deputy’s role encompasses both immediate practical support and long-term strategic thinking about Provincial direction.
Wor. Bro. Colin McCandless of Lodge 589 was installed as Provincial Grand Secretary, assuming one of the most administratively demanding positions within Provincial governance. The Provincial Grand Secretary serves as the principal administrative officer, managing correspondence, maintaining records, and ensuring smooth communication between the Provincial Grand Lodge, constituent lodges, and Grand Lodge in Dublin.
Wor. Bro. John Wilson of Lodge 297 was installed as Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary, providing vital support to the Provincial Grand Secretary whilst developing the expertise necessary for potential future advancement. This partnership between Secretary and Assistant Secretary mirrors the collaborative administrative model that ensures continuity and excellence in Provincial governance.
Recognising Dedicated Service
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant moment of the evening came with the recognition of outgoing Provincial leadership. Rt. Wor. Bro. Raymond Robinson, who had held the position of Provincial Grand Master since March 2019, made the difficult decision to stand down from office.
During his tenure as P.G.M., Rt. Wor. Bro. Robinson encountered extraordinary challenges that would have tested any leader. He navigated the Province through the tragic and untimely death of our Grand Master, M. Wor. Bro. Rodney McCurley, dealing not only with the profound loss to our Masonic family but also with the significant administrative and emotional challenges such a transition creates.
Adding to these institutional challenges, Rt. Wor. Bro. Robinson faced serious personal health issues during his time in office. Despite these difficulties, he maintained his commitment to the Province and its lodges, demonstrating the resilience and dedication that defines true Masonic leadership. His decision to stand down reflects wisdom and self-awareness, placing the Province’s needs above personal considerations.
The entire Masonic community of Londonderry and Donegal owes Rt. Wor. Bro. Robinson a sincere depth of gratitude for his service during what can only be described as extraordinarily challenging circumstances. His leadership during this difficult period ensured stability and continuity when both were desperately needed.
A Celebratory Conclusion
Following the formal communication, the brethren gathered for a celebratory banquet. Once again, the management and staff of the White Horse Hotel demonstrated why they have become the venue of choice for significant Masonic occasions in our Province. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and warm hospitality contributed immeasurably to making the evening memorable.
The banquet provided opportunity for both celebration and reflection. Newly installed officers received congratulations and encouragement. Outgoing officers received well-deserved recognition. The informal atmosphere of the festive board allowed brethren from different lodges to strengthen bonds of friendship and discuss the future direction of our Province.
Continuity and Change: The Masonic Way
This installation ceremony perfectly embodied one of Freemasonry’s great strengths: the ability to honour tradition whilst embracing necessary change. The ancient ritual of installation remained unchanged, connecting us to centuries of Masonic practice. Yet the individuals assuming office bring contemporary perspectives and skills suited to modern challenges.
The peaceful transfer of authority, accomplished through established procedures and mutual respect, stands in stark contrast to the often contentious leadership transitions visible in secular organisations. This is Masonic governance at its finest: dignified, orderly, and focused entirely on service rather than personal ambition.
Looking Forward
As Rt. Wor. Bro. Grahame Harper assumes the Provincial Grand Master’s chair, he inherits both opportunity and responsibility. Our Province contains numerous vibrant lodges, each with unique character and challenges. The coming years will undoubtedly bring both expected developments and unforeseen circumstances requiring wisdom and careful judgment.
The new Provincial leadership team, with Rt. Wor. Bro. Mitchell as Deputy, Wor. Bro. McCandless as Secretary, and Wor. Bro. Wilson as Assistant Secretary, brings a combination of experience and fresh perspective that augurs well for our Province’s future. Their collaborative approach to leadership, already evident in their respective lodges, should translate effectively to Provincial governance.
For the constituent lodges of Londonderry and Donegal, this transition represents continuity in our connection to Grand Lodge whilst offering opportunity for renewed energy and direction at the Provincial level. Each lodge will continue its own work whilst benefiting from Provincial support, guidance, and coordination.
A Personal Reflection
Witnessing this installation reminded me why Freemasonry remains relevant after centuries of social change. The ceremony wasn’t about power or prestige; it was about responsibility and service. The officers installed didn’t seek personal glory; they accepted duties that will demand their time, energy, and commitment.
The respect shown to outgoing officers, particularly Rt. Wor. Bro. Robinson despite the challenges he faced, demonstrated Masonic compassion and understanding. We celebrated service rather than demanding perfection. We acknowledged difficulty rather than ignoring it. This is Freemasonry operating as it should: as a brotherhood that supports its members through all circumstances.
Gratitude and Hope
As we reflect on this historic evening, several acknowledgments are warranted:
To M. Wor. Bro. Richard Ensor, Rt. Wor. Bro. Leslie Nixon, and Rt. Wor. Bro. John Montgomery: thank you for your presence and for conducting the installations with the dignity and authority appropriate to your stations.
To Rt. Wor. Bro. Raymond Robinson: thank you for your service during extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Your dedication will not be forgotten.
To Rt. Wor. Bro. Grahame Harper and the newly installed Provincial officers: congratulations and best wishes as you assume these important responsibilities. You have our support and confidence.
To Wor. Bro. Archdeacon Donald McClean: thank you for the beautiful service of remembrance that appropriately framed our proceedings.
To the White Horse Hotel management and staff: thank you for your excellent service and hospitality.
And to all the brethren who attended: thank you for witnessing and supporting this important transition in our Provincial leadership.
Building on Strong Foundations
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Londonderry and Donegal moves forward with renewed leadership whilst honouring the service of those who came before. This is precisely how institutions survive and thrive across centuries: respecting tradition whilst adapting leadership to contemporary needs.
The evening of 6th November 2025 will be remembered as a milestone in our Provincial history. New leadership assumed office. Past service received appropriate recognition. The ancient craft demonstrated once again its capacity for orderly transition and continuity.
As we return to our respective lodges, we carry forward the spirit of this occasion: respect for the past, confidence in the present, and hope for the future. Under new Provincial leadership, the lodges of Londonderry and Donegal will continue the ancient work of making good men better, supporting our communities, and preserving the timeless values that define our fraternity.
The ceremony is concluded. The banquet is finished. But the work continues, as it always has and always will, in lodge rooms across our Province where brethren gather in friendship, service, and fraternal bonds that transcend the passage of time and the change of leadership.
Lodge 281 St Johnston
Under the Irish Constitution
Province of Londonderry and Donegal
