November 2007

Remembrance Day – Maidstone Civic Parade and Wreath Laying Sunday 11th November 2007 The parade and service was under the command and co-ordinated by the RSM of 36 Engineer Regiment at Invicta Barracks.

W.Bro Geoff Hart ... Parade organiser ... Bearsted Lodge	Ex Royal Marine Bro Neil Sadler ... Parade Marshall ... Agricola Lodge


O' God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast And our eternal home; Under the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient in thine arm alone, And our defence is sure. Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting though art God, To endless years the same. A thousand ages in thy sight are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun. Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day. 0 God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home. INTRODUCTION Rev 'd Christopher Morgan-Jones We meet in the presence of God. We commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations, that all people may, together, live in freedom, justice and peace. We pray for all who m bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror. We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.


READING: ... His Worship the Mayor INTERCESSIONS: ... Major W. Dinsmore THE EXHORTATION: ... Lt Col. N. S. Bagley MBE RE They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them We will remember them. LAST POST 11.00 TO 11.02 Two minutes silence REVEILLE THE KOHIMA EPITAPH ... Lt Col. N. S. Bagley MBE RE When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today. PRAYER Led by Rev'd Christopher Morgan-Jones HYMN: I vow to thee my country, all earthly things above Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; The love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice And there's another country, I've heard of long ago, Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.






ACT OF COMMITMENT: ... Padre Murray-McBride Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God and our fellow men and women; that we may help, encourage , and comfort others, and support those working for the relief of the needy and for the peace and welfare of the nations. Then (all say together) Lord God our Father, we pledge ourselves to serve you and all mankind in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering and for the praise of your name. Guide us by your Spirit; give us wisdom; give us courage; give us hope; and keep us faithful now and always. Amen THE LORD'S PRAYER: ... Led by Padre Murray McBride Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. For ever and ever. Amen
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen: Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the Queen.	Thy choicest gifts in store, On her be pleased to pour; Long may she reign: May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice God save the Queen.
BLESSING: ... Rev 'd Christopher Morgan-Jones
LAYING OF WREATHS: His Worship the Mayor Quartermaster, 36 Engineer Regiment Gurkha Major, Queen's Gurkha Engineers Commanding Officer, B Medical Squadron Representative, Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Chief Superintendent, Maidstone Police The Salvation Army Dignitaries The Royal British Legion Remaining wreaths in order of march by two's. Any wreaths from parties not represented in the march should follow the last march contingent. Wreaths were laid by W. Bro Peter Smith of Douglas Lodge No. 1725 and W. Bro Keith Corder of Agricola Lodge No. 4501. Other Lodges that took part in the Parade were the Duke of Kent No. 5818 ... Maides Stana No. 7868 ... Fleur de Lis No. 8969 ... Garden of England No. 6583 ... The Monckton Lodge No. 9236 and Robinson No. 2046.

MAIDSTONE MASONS PAY THEIR RESPECTS Maidstone's parade was again very well supported by the town's Masonic Lodges. A record 50 members of the thirteen Lodges, most wearing their Masonic collars, marched proudly together behind Agricola Lodge's banner, which was borne by Bro Neil Sadler. The Parade set off from Week Street at 10.30am, wended its way down the High Street where crowds lined the route, and over the bridge to the war memorial where a service of Remembrance was Conducted by The Rev'd Canon Christopher Morgan-Jones and Major Wesley Dinsmore (Salvation Army) Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Brethren by ... ****** The Parade afterwards marched back to Week Street for dispersal, saluting the Mayoral and Civic Dignitary party en-route. The event Manager on behalf of the Maidstone Masonic Centre Ltd was WBro Geoff Hart (Bearsted Lodge) and the contingent's "Director of Ceremonies" was former Royal Marine, Bro Neil Sadler (Agricola Lodge) whose commanding presence was keenly felt by all.


For more photos please click here


Sunday 11th November 2007
Why not have a look at Palace Barracks Memorial Garden situated in Northern Ireland ... Click Here