Red Cross Divisional Church Service 2023
 
On Sunday the 11th June 2023, R. Ill. Kt. Graham Edwin Williams, our Intendent General, along with a goodly number of Knights of the West Lancashire Division, with their wives and friends, attended St Michael and All Angels Church in Croston for the Annual Divisional Church Service.
Banners of the Divisions Conclaves
St Michaels is Croston Parish Church and records from 1075 record Church activity in Croston. The oldest stonework at St Michaels dates to 13th Century with many restorations over subsequent years due to the Church standing on the banks of the River Yarrow and the land frequently saturated by its repeated flooding. Suffice it to say, St Michaels is a magnificent setting for the Church Service of a Christian Masonic & Military Order.
Video of Procession into Church
During the service, readings were given by Graham and his Deputy, V. Ill, Kt Stephen Gregory. The Divisional High Prelate Gratten William delivered a Sermon befitting the occasion which reflected on the readings from both Old and New Testaments. He went on to draw comparisons from both those readings and the expectations and aspirations of members of society today which don’t often show much empathy with Christian life.
Gratten and Graham
Following the Service, we all retired to the Church Hall where our Ladies had provided a super buffet help along with a cup of tea or coffee. A magnificent cake which is pictured towards the end of this report, formed the centre piece of the buffet.
Joined by the Banner Bearer P.Kt. David Hickman
If you are a member of the Red Cross, and haven’t attended the Church Service previously, put the date in your diary for next year now! 9th June 2024 - You won’t regret it.
The Magnificent Cake
If you are not a member of the Red Cross, why aren’t you? You would, however, still be made welcome to join us in our devotions.
 
Words and Photographs by Mike Beesley