The Province
Welcome to the OSM Province of Staffordshire & Shropshire. Originating in the Province of Midland Counties (formed in 1973), we were formed in 2005 with R.Wy.Bro. David Hill as our first Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler.
Currently, the Province is made up of 118 subscribing members, meeting in 10 active Conclaves in the following locations:
-
Stafford
-
West Bromwich
-
Penkridge
-
Shifnal
-
Church Stretton
-
Oswestry
-
Whitchurch
-
Burton on Trent
The current Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler is Right Worthy Brother Ian Pritchard Bennett.
Our Core Values
Guiding our actions and fostering the bonds that define our Province.
Friendship & Loyalty
The Order’s primary ethos is derived from the "selfless friendship" between David and Jonathan as recorded in the Bible. This bond serves as a blueprint for members, emphasizing loyalty and a covenant of eternal friendship made in the presence of a supreme being, whom Secret Monitors refer to as the "Almighty Friend of all friends"
Watchful Care
Unlike many other Masonic bodies, the OSM prides itself on "watchful brotherly care" that is practiced rather than just preached. This is manifested through the unique role of the Visiting Deacons, whose specific duty is to maintain regular contact with every member to ensure their well-being between meetings. The Order's purpose is the practical expression of the "paramount importance of each individual human being"
Self Sacrifice
The OSM is described as a society framed upon principles of self-sacrifice and mutual trust. Members pledge themselves to support one another in various practical ways, including:
-
Warning in time of danger: Acting as a "Secret Monitor" to caution a brother against harm.
-
Solace in time of sorrow: Providing emotional and fraternal support during difficult times.
-
Skillful and effective friendly advice: Offering guidance in "every circumstance of life"
Service
While the Craft teaches brotherly love, relief, and truth, the OSM places a greater emphasis on these fundamental virtues by making them a dominant part of its ceremonial ritual. The core value here is practicality; members are encouraged to be "doers of the word and not hearers only," turning Masonic knowledge into a "unifying consecration of purpose"
The Province's History
Originally formed as part of the Province of Midland Counties in 1973 under R.Wy.Bro. C. Hinit, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Herefordshire seperated into its own Province in 1995.
R.Wy.Bro. M. Rawlinson ruled this Province 10 years at which point, it had grown sufficiently to merit a further reorganisation in 2005, when Herefordshire split and joined Gloucestershire, and Staffordshire & Shropshire remained.
