The old masonic adage that Freemasonry is universally spread over the earth is often recited in our lodge rooms, but rarely is it witnessed with such profound clarity as in the journey undertaken of Rick Gillett, a member of Ainsdale Samaritan Lodge No 4342.
Rick has travelled to war-torn Ukraine, proving that the tenets of the Craft; Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, remain resilient even in the face of immense adversity. The catalyst for the trip was personal; Rick’s wife hails from Ukraine, and the couple planned a visit to family in Kyiv. However, Rick saw an opportunity to strengthen the ‘mystic tie’ between our two jurisdictions.
Before departing, Rick established contact with the Deputy Grand Master in Ukraine and received a warm fraternal welcome via a letter from Fatih Sahin, the Deputy Grand Master and a member of Immortality Lodge No 8 in Kyiv.
The trek was a testament to Rick’s dedication: The route was a flight to Krakow, Poland, followed by a gruelling 20-hour coach journey across the border into Kyiv. The mission, Rick didn’t travel empty-handed. He carried a collection of donations from the Southport Group, curated by the generosity of Alan Cornes and Eddie Thompson.
The donations, comprising regalia and Masonic jewels were gifted to the Immortality Lodge’s Museum. While the lodge has historically met at the Hotel Gintama, they have recently reached a milestone by purchasing their own building and despite the ongoing conflict, the brethren in Kyiv are busy renovating this new Masonic Hall, which will eventually house a permanent temple and a dedicated Masonic library.
Rick was privileged to be given a tour of the site, describing the experience as ‘humbling’ to see the Craft flourishing despite the surrounding devastation. Even in a war-torn country, brotherly love, relief and truth still remain. “It was a humbling experience to see brothers still united for each other” Rick Gillett commented.
Rick was invited to attend a formal meeting of Immortality Lodge No 8. In a stark reminder of the reality on the ground, the meeting had to be shortened due to the ongoing power outages and infrastructure challenges currently facing the Kyiv region. Yet, the warmth of the fraternal greeting was undiminished by the lack of electricity.
This visit serves as a powerful reminder that the bonds of Freemasonry transcend politics and borders. We look forward to a time of peace when our brethren from Ukraine and across Europe can travel safely to Southport. We eagerly await the opportunity to return the hospitality and offer them a truly warm, West Lancashire welcome.
