Thursday 5th February 2026 will long be remembered by the brethren and guests of the Lodge of Loyalty, Ashford. It was, in fact, a historic evening for not one but two significant reasons.

A Most Unusual Initiation

Under the attentive eye of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Trevor Carter—who was present to deliver a Platinum Award—the Lodge conducted an initiation quite unlike any other. Brother Luiz David Szilagyi, a Brazilian Freemason, was initiated into the English Constitution despite already having completed his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees under the Grande Oriente do Brasilia. Yes, you read that correctly: he took his First Degree… again. Some people collect stamps; Brother Luiz collects initiations.

Naturally, one might ask: “Couldn’t he simply have joined as a member?”
Alas, no. Although he held a clearance certificate, the Lodge he originally belonged to in Brazil had, since his resignation, become unrecognised by the Grande Oriente do Brasilia—and therefore by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). Bureaucracy, it seems, is a universal language.

Having settled in Ashford with his family, Brother Luiz reached out through the Provincial website to rejoin Freemasonry in East Kent. Area 6 Advisor Kevin D. Stones was assigned to investigate his application in March 2025. What followed was a lengthy journey involving red tape, cross‑continental correspondence, and enough paperwork to fell a small forest.

Eventually, after consultation between UGLE and Brazilian Masonry, an updated clearance certificate was accepted—on the condition that Brother Luiz formally sever ties with the now‑unrecognised Brazilian body. With this requirement satisfied, and with the personal authorisation of our Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro Neil Hamilton Johnstone, Brother Luiz was finally able to begin his Masonic journey anew under the English Constitution.

Bro Kevin reflected:
“A long haul but well worth the effort as we got there in the end. My special thanks to WBro Colin Tunbridge the Provinical Grand Secretary and WBro David Graeme, the Previous Provincial Grand Secretary.”

Centre of the picture are, Trevor Carter, left, and Luiz David Szilagyi in the plain white apron, shaking hands.

A Triumph for the 2025 Festival
The second cause for celebration was equally momentous. Despite the Lodge’s modest size—and the significant impact of Covid, which reduced membership by nearly a third—the brethren of Loyalty once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the Province and the 2025 Festival.
What once seemed an almost unreachable target was not only met but surpassed with remarkable determination. During the evening, Trevor Carter conveyed the heartfelt thanks and congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master. Lodge Charity Steward Anton Banham proudly accepted the Platinum Award, recognising the Lodge’s extraordinary contribution of £31,144—an impressive £11,344 above their original target. A truly outstanding achievement from such a small but dedicated Lodge.

A Night to Remember
The celebrations continued at a convivial and thoroughly enjoyable festive board, where the sense of pride, unity, and accomplishment was shared by all present.

Trevor enjoys the meal with members of the Lodge