News

March Quarterly Communication of Mark Grand Lodge 2024

GLMMM March

On Tuesday, Mark Brethren from across the Constitution arrived at Freemasons’ Hall for the March Quarterly Communication of Mark Grand Lodge. M.W.Bro. John Herbertet Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, was the Presiding Officer, accompanied by R.W.Bro. Fancis Charles Spencer, Dep.G.M., and R.W.Bro. Prof. Denovan Keith Wilson, A.G.M. The meeting having been opened, and the Memoriam to Brethren called to higher service having been marked, the next item of business was for the Pro Grand Master to invest V.W.Bro. Dan Heath, P.G.J.O., as Grand Secretary. Following further items of business, it was then time to Elect the Most  orshipful Grand Master and Worshipful Brother Sebastian Daly, Prov.G.D.C. of Cheshire, rose to propose the re-election of Most Worshipful Brother His Royal Highness, Prince Michael of Kent, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales
and its Districts and Lodges Overseas. This was seconded by the President of the General Board and greeted with acclamation, and the Proclamation by the Grand Director of Ceremonies followed. R.W.Bro. James Hilditch, Past Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire, was then elected as Grand Treasurer. And then we embarked on what has become the highlight of the March meeting, a review of the work of the Mark Benevolent Fund over the past twelve months. The President of the M.B.F., R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance, outlined the recent grants made by the M.B.F.,
which totalled £400,446. Grand Lodge was called off and the President of the M.B.F. retired, with other representative Trustees, in order to be readmitted in procession, bearing the ‘Portal Jewel’, the symbol of, and link to, the Founder of the Mark Benevolent Fund, Reverend George Raymond Portal. The Brethren then rose to welcome representatives from two selected charities. From the Irene Taylor Trust, an organisation bringing music tuition into prisons: Funding and Communications Director, Luke Bowyer; Projects and Progression Coordinator Kitya Mark; and singer and songwriter, Darren Clugg. And from ShelterBox, the charity providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid, Trustee James Sinclair Taylor.

Also processing into Grand Lodge was the 2024 M.B.F. Festival team, led by the Festival President, R.W.Bro. Gary Horstman, Prov.G.M. for Cheshire. There were several addresses given, relating to the progress of the M.B.F., its activities in 2023, and how to go about securing grants for funding of worthy causes. Also an update on the 2024 M.B.F. Festival, and the formal launch of the Grand Masters Keystone Fund. You can read the text of these addresses here We then heard from ShelterBox Trustee James Sinclair Taylor who received a cheque for £50,000.00 for
their efforts in the current troubled regions of the world. And Darren Clugg, from the Irene Taylor Trust, entertained us with two of his own compositions, and the story of how the music project had helped him through his time in prison, and kept him on the straight and narrow following his return to the community. At the meal afterwards a cheque for £500 was presented to the Irene Taylor Trust, which we hope to follow up with a full funding exercise for one of their projects. The guests then retired and Grand Lodge was called on. The Pro Grand Master rose to address the Brethren, starting with another cheque presentation, to W.Bro. Sir Michael Snider, P.G.Swd.B., Craft Metropolitan Grand Master, this time for £100,000.00 to go towards the London Freemasons’ support
for London’s Air Ambulance Charity. This was greeted with great acclamation by the Brethren. M.W.Bro. Prizeman then introduced his counterpart in the Craft, R.W.Bro. Jonathan Spence, P.G.S.W.,
Pro Grand Master of UGLE. R.W.Bro. Spence talked about the strong bonds now developing between the Craft & Royal Arch and the Mark and other M.M.H. administered Companion Orders. The message is very clear, we are all Freemasons and, working together and choosing a path of Masonic progression through the Royal Arch and Companion Orders is a strength and benefit for all concerned. To succeed, we must nurture our Craft Lodges and keep them fresh and vibrant with new members, and the retention of existing members, delivering high quality ceremonies, at well-attended meetings and, above all, a happy, warm and welcoming environment for like-minded Brethren to enjoy the fraternal bonds that Freemasonry has to offer. These members then promulgate through the other Orders, bringing with them enthusiasm and freshness, which helps them grow and flourish as a result. R.W.Bro. Spence then informed Brethren that, for the first time ever, he had invited the Pro Grand Master of the Mark to similarly address the Quarterly Communication of UGLE the following day. More on this later. M.W.Bro. Prizeman thanked the Craft Pro Grand Master for his address and concluded his own address, welcoming guests from other Constitutions, Brethren from overseas, and Heads of Orders. He then thanked W.Bro. Darren Coleman-Heald, P.G.S.D., Charities Manager, and the rest of the team at M.M.H. who had put so much work into the charitable side of the day’s meeting. And the G.D.C. and his team for the ceremonial arrangements for the day. The Brethren then retired to a very enjoyable meal in great numbers at the Grand Connaught Rooms, and the buzz around the dining hall paid testament to the thoroughly enjoyable time Brethren had experienced during this annual celebration of the fantastic achievements of the Mark Benevolent Fund. You can read a full transcript of the Pro Grand Master’s address here
And find videos relating to the M.B.F. presentation here - Part 1, Part 2 & The ShelterBox Video. We mentioned the Pro Grand Master being invited to address the meeting of UGLE on Wednesday. This he did, with a powerful and passionate speech highlighting the importance of our continued and ever-improving working relationship with the Craft which brought the full-house attendance in the Grand Temple to its feet in warm and appreciative applause as he returned to his seat. You can read a full transcript of that address here.

The Portal Lecture

The Portal Lecture

The Provincial Grand Wardens Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 2035, which was Consecrated on 26 February 2022, will hold its First Regular Meeting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, 17 September 2022 at Alderson House, Warwick CV34 4AX.

Membership of the Lodge is limited to Brethren who are or have been active Wardens in any Province or District under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and its Districts and Lodges Overseas.

The Portal Lecture will be delivered at this meeting by V.W.Bro. Dr Rod G. Taylor, P.G.J.O. All proceeds from the meeting will be in support of the current Mark Festival that is being held in 2023, by the Province of West Yorkshire.

The Lecture is entitled “The First Royal Mark Mason”.

Rev Canon Portal 

The meeting will be followed by a Festive Board at 1.00 p.m. Details can be obtained from the Lodge Secretary.

Attendance at the meeting is limited so if you wish to attend please contact the Secretary, W.Bro. Christopher R. Denley, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

March Quarterly Communication of Mark Grand Lodge 2024 Meeting

GLMMM March

On Tuesday, Mark Brethren from across the Constitution arrived at Freemasons’ Hall for the March Quarterly Communication of Mark Grand Lodge. M.W.Bro. John Herbertet Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, was the Presiding Officer, accompanied by R.W.Bro. Fancis Charles Spencer, Dep.G.M., and R.W.Bro. Prof. Denovan Keith Wilson, A.G.M. The meeting having been opened, and the Memoriam to Brethren called to higher service having been marked, the next item of business was for the Pro Grand Master to invest V.W.Bro. Dan Heath, P.G.J.O., as Grand Secretary. Following further items of business, it was then time to Elect the Most  orshipful Grand Master and Worshipful Brother Sebastian Daly, Prov.G.D.C. of Cheshire, rose to propose the re-election of Most Worshipful Brother His Royal Highness, Prince Michael of Kent, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales
and its Districts and Lodges Overseas. This was seconded by the President of the General Board and greeted with acclamation, and the Proclamation by the Grand Director of Ceremonies followed. R.W.Bro. James Hilditch, Past Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire, was then elected as Grand Treasurer. And then we embarked on what has become the highlight of the March meeting, a review of the work of the Mark Benevolent Fund over the past twelve months. The President of the M.B.F., R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance, outlined the recent grants made by the M.B.F.,
which totalled £400,446. Grand Lodge was called off and the President of the M.B.F. retired, with other representative Trustees, in order to be readmitted in procession, bearing the ‘Portal Jewel’, the symbol of, and link to, the Founder of the Mark Benevolent Fund, Reverend George Raymond Portal. The Brethren then rose to welcome representatives from two selected charities. From the Irene Taylor Trust, an organisation bringing music tuition into prisons: Funding and Communications Director, Luke Bowyer; Projects and Progression Coordinator Kitya Mark; and singer and songwriter, Darren Clugg. And from ShelterBox, the charity providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid, Trustee James Sinclair Taylor.

Also processing into Grand Lodge was the 2024 M.B.F. Festival team, led by the Festival President, R.W.Bro. Gary Horstman, Prov.G.M. for Cheshire. There were several addresses given, relating to the progress of the M.B.F., its activities in 2023, and how to go about securing grants for funding of worthy causes. Also an update on the 2024 M.B.F. Festival, and the formal launch of the Grand Masters Keystone Fund. You can read the text of these addresses here We then heard from ShelterBox Trustee James Sinclair Taylor who received a cheque for £50,000.00 for
their efforts in the current troubled regions of the world. And Darren Clugg, from the Irene Taylor Trust, entertained us with two of his own compositions, and the story of how the music project had helped him through his time in prison, and kept him on the straight and narrow following his return to the community. At the meal afterwards a cheque for £500 was presented to the Irene Taylor Trust, which we hope to follow up with a full funding exercise for one of their projects. The guests then retired and Grand Lodge was called on. The Pro Grand Master rose to address the Brethren, starting with another cheque presentation, to W.Bro. Sir Michael Snider, P.G.Swd.B., Craft Metropolitan Grand Master, this time for £100,000.00 to go towards the London Freemasons’ support
for London’s Air Ambulance Charity. This was greeted with great acclamation by the Brethren. M.W.Bro. Prizeman then introduced his counterpart in the Craft, R.W.Bro. Jonathan Spence, P.G.S.W.,
Pro Grand Master of UGLE. R.W.Bro. Spence talked about the strong bonds now developing between the Craft & Royal Arch and the Mark and other M.M.H. administered Companion Orders. The message is very clear, we are all Freemasons and, working together and choosing a path of Masonic progression through the Royal Arch and Companion Orders is a strength and benefit for all concerned. To succeed, we must nurture our Craft Lodges and keep them fresh and vibrant with new members, and the retention of existing members, delivering high quality ceremonies, at well-attended meetings and, above all, a happy, warm and welcoming environment for like-minded Brethren to enjoy the fraternal bonds that Freemasonry has to offer. These members then promulgate through the other Orders, bringing with them enthusiasm and freshness, which helps them grow and flourish as a result. R.W.Bro. Spence then informed Brethren that, for the first time ever, he had invited the Pro Grand Master of the Mark to similarly address the Quarterly Communication of UGLE the following day. More on this later. M.W.Bro. Prizeman thanked the Craft Pro Grand Master for his address and concluded his own address, welcoming guests from other Constitutions, Brethren from overseas, and Heads of Orders. He then thanked W.Bro. Darren Coleman-Heald, P.G.S.D., Charities Manager, and the rest of the team at M.M.H. who had put so much work into the charitable side of the day’s meeting. And the G.D.C. and his team for the ceremonial arrangements for the day. The Brethren then retired to a very enjoyable meal in great numbers at the Grand Connaught Rooms, and the buzz around the dining hall paid testament to the thoroughly enjoyable time Brethren had experienced during this annual celebration of the fantastic achievements of the Mark Benevolent Fund. You can read a full transcript of the Pro Grand Master’s address here
And find videos relating to the M.B.F. presentation here - Part 1Part 2 & The ShelterBox Video. We mentioned the Pro Grand Master being invited to address the meeting of UGLE on Wednesday. This he did, with a powerful and passionate speech highlighting the importance of our continued and ever-improving working relationship with the Craft which brought the full-house attendance in the Grand Temple to its feet in warm and appreciative applause as he returned to his seat. You can read a full transcript of that address here.

 

 

Grand Assembly Lodge Meeting in Spain

Spain 1

 

There were 375 Mark Master Masons from our District and from other Provinces, other Districts and other Mark Grand Lodges worldwide at the Grand Assembly Lodge Meeting on the Saturday morning in the “Crystal Auditorium” of the Hotel Gran Bali. The meeting was directed with experience and in perfect form in the east by the Right Worshipful District Grand Master, Barrie Roy Mansell. The ceremony also ran smoothly thanks to the fine work floor of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother David Wynn and his Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother Richard Teff along with numerous Assistant District Directors of Ceremony.

The business of the day flowed thanks to the leadership of the District Grand Master and the confidence he places in myself; Worshipful Brother Chris Langley as the District Grand Secretary but, most of all, because of my Secretariat team, who are indispensable to me, are the key to the success of the whole weekend. All the Officers, promotions and ranks were invested in due form. Quite an achievement!

Though reserved by nature, the Lodges of the District must also thank the District Grand Registrar, Worshipful Brother Adrian Brooks for so efficiently organising the distribution of the new dual language ritual books which were gifted by the District Grand Master to all our members between 9am and 10.30am on the morning of the meeting. Of the 375 attending the Grand Assembly, after the ceremonial meeting 335 retired for refreshments in the “Bar Illa” (Island Bar) and at 2pm attended the District of Spain Grand Assembly Festive board. There was a fantastic fraternal spirit during the Festive Board where new friends were made and old acquaintances re-united. The success of the Festive Board was a certainty thanks to the dedication of the Assistant District Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Terry Porter, assisted by Brother Paul Mansell and the enthusiastic young Mark Man, Brother Hiten Patel.

At the “Mark Smith Talk” and the District Grand Master’s “Greet and Meet” Cocktail reception, held on the Friday afternoon and evening, there were over 300 Mark Men and their partners in attendance. Again a record breaking figure for the District of Spain. Mark Smith reviewed brilliantly with amusing stories and anecdotes his career in television and particularly the “Antiques Roadshow”.

Talking about friends and partners, the increase in attendance of the partners of the Mark Men attending the Grand Assembly meeting on the Saturday morning meant that, for purely logistical reasons, we had to “Cap” attendance to 90 for the “Friends of Mark Excursion'' to the largest shoe factory in Spain and a well known typical restaurant for lunch.

Thanks to the excellent organisation skills of Julie Mansell and Wendy Porter, the excursion was great fun and very enjoyable for the lucky partners of Mark Men who were allocated places on the trip on a “first come first served” basis.

Rulers

M.W.Bro. His Royal Highness
Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO
Grand Master

M.W.Bro. John H. Prizeman
Pro Grand Master

R.W.Bro. Francis C. Spencer
Deputy Grand Master

R.W.Bro. Prof Denovan K. Wilson
Assistant Grand Master

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