What was supposed to be special turned out to be “extra special”. It was the luncheon at Freeemasons Hall, Reid Street, Hamilton on Sunday honouring Senior Brethren, widows and wives of Abercorn Lodge No 123 on the Grand Registrar of Ireland.Reigning Master of Abercorn, Wor Bro Charles Webb, was at his ebullient best, hosting the luncheon and welcoming his guests, including the Rt Wor Provincial Gand Master of Irish Lodges in Bermuda, St Clair (Brinky) Tucker; the Grand Superintendent of Scottish Lodges. Wor Bro Travis Gilbert and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of England, deputising for District Grand Master Bro. Robert Rego.All were served a delectable, four-course feast, from soup, through to a dessert of fresh fruit topped by a variety of sherberts, all accompanied by the free flow of the finest of wines.Wor Bro Webb beamed as he said: “People think we at Abercorn have caterers. Not so,” he added, “we have in-house talent, and brethren experienced at rendering friendly super-service.”Abercorn celebrated its Centennial Year in 2008. Prov Grand Master Tucker was fulsome in his praise of the Wor Master and his staff. They had set a great example in saluting those seniors who had devoted so unselfishly their time and energy to Abercorn and Freemasonry in general. And there were many wives, and widows of “dearly departed brethren who have gone on to the the Grand Lodge above” who had done outstanding work, some participating up front, and others behind the scenes.“These brethren and women were people of great integrity and vision. We salute you all for sharing your love ones with us for so many years, enabling them to attend may local and overseas meetings and functions,” said the Prov Grand Master.He added: “Usually I am advised not to call names, but forgive me on this special occasion for citing two distinguished brethren, RW Bro Hubert Simmons and RW Bro Clarence James. Dr James was at the luncheon with his wife Shirley. Despite his health challenges, he continues to assist many masons through their masonic journey.”RW Simmons, described by the Prov GM as “a ‘Mason’s Mason”, has been in hospital for two years. He was a geat inspiration to me and many others over the years, always ready to listen and give good sound advice."“Dr James was the first Provincial Grand Master of Bermuda under the Irish Constitution. He was highly respected both in Bermuda and abroad. He recomended me for Grand Lodge Honours and for the position of Deputy Provincial Grand Master.. In 2003, Dr James presented me to the Grand Master of Ireland in the Grand Lodge of Ireland in Dublin, to be installed as the Provincial Grand Master of Bermuda. Over the years I have tried my best to uphold the obligations I took and to reward Dr Clarence James and the Bermudian Masonic family with the confidence that was placed in me.”Prov Tucker went on to say he was due to retire from his office next June, but he had received a letter from the Grand Master strongly inviting him to remain in office for another year and possibly two years.“I am now due to retire in 2014 or possible in 2015,” he said.