News

Mark Communication September 2020

It’s a little more than two years since we took the decision to give over the September Communication to those Brethren being honoured with a promotion in Grand Rank.

The fact that so many of you have supported this meeting in the last two years, and in such large numbers, testifies to it being the right decision and I hope that, in more normal circumstances, you will feel able to continue that support in the future.

We stand on the brink of a new masonic year at a time when Freemasonry faces perhaps its greatest trial. The lifting of the General Suspension of Masonic Activity just six weeks ago, signalled the start of a process aimed at creating an environment in which Lodges could resume their activities properly and safely.

Where this cannot happen, we have made it possible for administrative business to be conducted remotely, keeping things ticking over until face to face meetings can take place.

Communication has never been more important if we are to minimise the impact the pandemic will have on our numbers. Keeping in touch with one another; maintaining our interest in our craft; and demonstrating that Freemasonry is still relevant even in these unprecedented times, must be at the forefront of our actions.

 Amid the difficulties we are all facing right now, we must look for hope and opportunities to celebrate Mark Masonry. Today, that hope exists in the achievements of those whom the Most Worshipful Grand Master has been pleased to promote in Grand Rank. Their preferment recognises their past contribution and is a reward for future efforts.

To you all, I send my warmest good wishes and to those for whom today is a special occasion, I offer you hearty congratulations on your preferment.

In his goodwill message last June, the Most Worshipful Grand Master charged each of us not to let the past dictate what we are, but to let it shape what we will become – perhaps a leaner organisation than before but one that is fitter and stronger.

In the spirit of that message, let us continue to look forward together to brighter days when we can resume our masonry safely and confidently.

Raymond John Smith

Pro Grand Master

2021 MBF Festival Forms

We’re pleased to announce that the 153rd Mark Benevolent Fund Annual Festival is now underway, being hosted by the Mark Province of East Lancashire.

We hope that you will consider supporting East Lancashire by making a donation to qualify as a Festival Steward and also purchasing a Festival Badge.

All donations and orders for badges must be made directly to Mark Masons’ Hall by completing the forms here.

2021_MBF_Festival_Complete_Forms_Pack.pdf

2021_MBF_Stewardship__Badge_Form.pdf

Goodwill Message

A Message from the Grand Master, Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO Goodwill_Message_to_Mark_Brethren_09062020.pdf

A List of the Recipients of Grand Rank today: 2020_June_appointments.pdf

Mark Master Masons’ around Britain answer the call and swing into action.

During the week commencing Monday 27th April, Provincial Grand Masters were invited to take part in an initiative to supply Provinces in England, Wales, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man with PPE (personal protection equipment) full-face visors and to distribute within their local community to those on the front line of fighting coronavirus (COVID-19). A week later (5th May) over 70 orders for around 9000 visors have been received. Members of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons General Board have been delighted to witness the way in which the initiative has been received. Asked for a comment, the member who set the initiative up and who continues to manufacture the visor said, “It’s just Mark Men Marking Well!’

Since the demand has outstripped initial supplies, things are now back ordered. Therefore, on review of the logistics and production, priority will be focused on delivering initial orders from Provinces. Around 3000 visors have already been shipped and 100’s continue to be sent daily.

The member producing the visor has applied for approval to BS EN 166:2002 quality status through the BSI (British Standard Institute). This will provide our front-line health workers the comforting reassurance that the visors are fit for purpose.

The General Board would like to thank Provinces for responding to this initiative. To those waiting for delivery, thank you for your patience as work continues to get these much needed items of protection out as quickly as possible, so those who desperately rely on them may continue to maintain their excellent service provided to our country.