From left: Rt. Hon. Errol G. Collins, Most Worshipful Grand Grasp, Sis. Jerrel Radix, Hon. Herald Saunders,
District Grand Grasp – Advert Interim, Composite District Grand Lodge #2, Rt. Hon. Francisco Bethune, Sr.,
Government Grand Tyler, Rt. Hon. Leighton Dingwall, Government Grand Secretary, Rt. Hon. Neville S. Reid,
Government Grand Trustee, Det. Christopher Kenny, Sis. Hyacinth Robinson-Goldson, Neighborhood Liaison.
Photograph by H. Robinson-Godson
Members of the Grand Council of the Unbiased United Order of Mechanics, Pleasant Society of North, Central and South America, Islands of the Seas and the Whole Western Hemisphere, Inc., their households, supporters and associates braved the inclement climate on Dec. 1 and travelled from the 5 boroughs in New York Metropolis and Lengthy Island for the annual Christmas tree lighting on the Order’s headquarters, often called The Temple, on Putnam Avenue, within the Bedford-Stuyvesant part of Brooklyn.
Panamanian-born Rt. Hon. Winston George, government grand prelate, throughout the invocation learn from Holy Scriptures, within the Ebook of Isaiah, which speaks to an consciousness of the “purpose for the season.”
He additionally prayed for prayed for international peace, love and therapeutic for nations which can be at battle, particularly the moms and kids who’ve change into victims within the midst of chaos and strife.
“Christmas brings the ‘reward of sunshine’ to the world,” he mentioned, “and, by instance, the best reward we may give throughout this festive season is the reward of a smile, peace, love and forgiveness.”
Rt. Hon. Gary S. Miller, newly elected government grand trustee, flipped the change to “Mild up the Temple,” signifying the start of this yr’s Mechanics’ vacation celebrations.
“This has change into an annual custom,” mentioned Jamaican-born Rt. Hon. Glenver R. Jones, deputy grasp of the order, who welcomed company to the occasion.
“I’m more than happy to see the turnout this night, and, regardless of the inclement climate exterior, I’ve watched the attendance at this occasion get bigger and bigger yearly, and, due to that purpose, we could have to search out one other spot within the constructing to accommodate the tree-lighting subsequent yr,” he added.
He additionally mentioned that it was a privilege, because the latest closing of the 27th Triennial Worldwide Conference in Brooklyn, to introduce the Jamaican-born chief of the Order, Rt. Hon. Errol G. Collins, who was re-elected for a 2nd time period because the Most Worshipful grand Grasp.
In his very quick remarks, Rt. Hon. Errol G. Collins recommended the organizers and company. He additionally acknowledged the chief grand councilors who had been current, with particular point out to newly-elected Government Grand Trustee, Rt. Hon. Gary Miller, whom he gave the privilege of lighting the tree for this yr, and launched Rt. Hon. Joseph Morgan, government grand councilor, who has been appointed commissioner of the Useful resource & Finance Fee, because the closing of the 27th Triennial Worldwide Conference held in October.
“Peace profound” he mentioned to all. “We should give thanks that we are able to meet once more, despite the various trials and tribulations, to offer thanks and rejoice one of many particular seasons of the yr.
“I hope and pray that this festive season will deliver peace, love and pleasure amongst you and your households, and that we proceed to benefit from the many blessings which can be bestowed upon us,” Collins added.
He additionally launched different Government Grand Councilors current together with, Rt. Hon. Leighton Dingwall, Government Grand Secretary; Rt. Hon. Casper Edwards, Government Grand Treasurer, Rt. Hon. Francisco E. Bethune, Sr., Government Grand Tyler, Rt. Hon. Neville S. Reid, and Rt. Hon. Verol Gill, Government Grand Trustees.
Representing the assorted District Grand Jurisdictions in New York Metropolis had been: Hon. Kenneth Ponder, District Grand Grasp (Advert-Interim) of the King Solomon District Grand Lodge #1; Hon. Herald Saunders, District Grand Grasp (Advert-Interim) from the Composite District Grand Lodge #2; Ven. Waldron DaSilva, Deputy Grasp of Brooklyn District Grand Lodge #1; Hon. Sylvester Gibson, Deputy Grasp of Alpha District Grand Lodge #1; and Hon. Federico Beaumont, Deputy Grasp of Ben Hur District Grand Lodge #1.
Everybody joined within the singing of outdated conventional Christmas Carols, together with “Oh Come all ye Devoted,” “Deck the Halls” and “Do You Hear What I hear.”
Members of the Mechanics Choir, who got here decked out of their vacation colours, led the singing.
Santa Claus (Hon. Beaumont) made a grand entrance throughout the singing of carols, ringing within the vacation spirit, a lot to the shock of attendees.
“Unwrapped toys collected and had been meticulously positioned underneath the tree throughout the ceremony, mentioned Sis. Hyacinth Robinson-Goldson, the Jamaican-born group liaison.
She mentioned these toys can be turned over to members of the NYPD 88th Precinct for his or her annual Vacation Neighborhood Deal with.
“As a corporation, these acts of kindness are a few of the extra methods during which we give to households in want,” Robinson-Goldson mentioned. “We recognize and specific our honest because of Cpt. Michael E. Goodchild, 88th Precinct Commanding Officer; and particularly Det. Christopher Kenny and P.O. Evita Poole of the 88th Precinct Neighborhood Affairs Division, who’ve labored with us as group companions to accommodate this annual toy drive.
“Our members stay up for bringing an unwrapped toy yearly as a result of they notice that our united kindness and generosity have change into blessings in offering items for needy youngsters throughout this particular time of the yr,” she added.
