Lodge of Loyalty Celebrates Unique Initiation and Platinum Festival Success
Article by Kevin Stones:
A Historic Night for the Lodge of Loyalty – Thursday 5th February 2026
Thursday 5th February 2026 proved to be a truly memorable evening for the brethren and guests of the Lodge of Loyalty in Ashford. It was an historic occasion for two significant reasons.
A Unique Initiation
Under the watchful eye of APGM WBro Trevor Carter—who was attending to present a Platinum Award—the Lodge conducted the initiation of Brother Luiz David Szilagyi, a Brazilian Freemason. What made this moment unusual was that Brother Luiz had already completed his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees under the Grande Oriente do Brasil. Now settled in Ashford with his family, he sought to rejoin Freemasonry under the English Constitution and therefore took his 1st degree once again.
Many might ask: “Couldn’t he simply have become a joining member?”
Unfortunately not. Although he held a clearance certificate, the Lodge he had belonged to in Brazil had since become unrecognised by the Grande Oriente do Brasil, and therefore by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). When Brother Luiz contacted the Province via the website in March 2025, Area 6 Advisor Kevin D. Stones was tasked with investigating his case.
After extensive correspondence between UGLE and Brazilian Masonry—and once an updated clearance certificate was issued—Brother Luiz agreed to formally sever ties with the now‑unrecognised Brazilian jurisdiction. With this requirement met, and with the blessing of Grand Lodge, our Provincial Grand Master Neil Hamilton Johnstone personally authorised his initiation into the Lodge of Loyalty No. 9494.
Reflecting on the process, WBro Kevin said:
“A long haul but well worth the effort as we got there in the end. My special thanks to WBro Colin Tunbridge and WBro David Graeme.”
Celebrating Festival Success
The second reason for celebration was equally uplifting. Despite a significantly reduced membership following Covid—nearly a third fewer brethren—the Lodge once again demonstrated its commitment to the Province and the 2025 Festival. What once seemed an almost unattainable target was surpassed through determination, teamwork, and generosity.
That evening, Trevor conveyed the thanks and best wishes of the PGM before presenting the Lodge’s Platinum Award. Lodge Charity Steward WBro Anton Banham proudly accepted the certificate on behalf of the brethren, recognising an outstanding total of £31,144 raised—an impressive £11,344 over the Lodge’s target. A remarkable achievement for such a small Lodge.
A Night to Remember
The celebrations continued at a warm and convivial festive board, enjoyed by all present. It was an evening that perfectly captured the spirit of the Lodge of Loyalty: dedication, unity, and the joy of shared achievement.
Notes:
PGM: Provincial Grand Master, Head of East Kent
APGM: An Assistant Provincial Grand Master
WBro: Worshipful Brother, a mason who has taken the post of the Worshipful Master, (the Chair)
Bro: Brother, a mason who has not obtain the office of Worshipful Master.
UGLE: United Grand Lodge of England