English Freemasons to celebrate their 300th year in Jamaica

English Freemasons from the Americas, that include the Caribbean, North and South America, and Canada, will join English Freemasons in Jamaica for the regional celebration of the tercentenary of the United Grand Lodge in Jamaica, from May 25 to 28.

District Grand Master for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Walter Scott, who made the announcement recently, said that the festivities will begin with a cocktail party on May 25, at which a publication dedicated to the tercentenary will be launched.

This book, titled Masonic Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, was written by the historian Jackie Ranston and will chronicle the history of English Masonry in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

A Masonic Academic Conference at the Montego Bay Conference Centre, headed by world-renowned Masonic researchers and speakers, will dominate the activities on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27.

The major entertainment, a 'Jamaica Night' celebration, will be held at the Rose Hall Great House on the evening of Friday, May 26.

The grand Masonic celebration at which Masons in regalia will sit with their guests, is scheduled for the Montego Bay Conference Centre, on Saturday, May 27, followed by a banquet.

The celebration will conclude with a church service at the St James Parish Church on Sunday, May 28, at which all Masons will appear in formal regalia.

The Bishop Emeritus of Jamaica, the Rt Rev Alfred Reid, will be the chief celebrant.