Address by The Most Worshipful Grand Master - June 2018

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Category: Mark Master Mason

Address to the Brethren at the Annual Investiture meeting of Mark Grand Lodge to be held at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London on Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Brethren

I am delighted to be with you today and to welcome you to this annual investiture meeting – the first in the new format.

In recent years the success of the June meeting has exceeded all expectations with over 2,000 Brethren regularly in attendance. This level of support is very encouraging but with more Brethren attending than can be accommodated here in the Grand Temple, the General Board has decided that a better experience could be achieved by moving the investiture of Brethren receiving promotions in Grand Rank to the September Communication.

As you know, Brethren, the September Communication has traditionally been a short business meeting but I hope that by giving it a new purpose you will feel able to support it in greater numbers not least as an encouragement to those Brethren receiving preferment on that occasion.

There can be little doubt, that today’s attendance is proof of the esteem in which Mark Masonry is held by all its participants and when I look around I experience a feeling of great pleasure that so many of you have travelled great distances to be present.

Brethren, I am now pleased to congratulate all those whom I have had the pleasure of investing with Grand Rank this afternoon. The award of a Grand Honour is not something that is given without consideration and is a positive reflection and reward for the dedicated work that each of today’s recipients has carried out. I have no doubt that their preferment will stimulate them still further to promote the Order at every opportunity.

The reports of the General Board this past year have recorded the steady growth of our Order at home and abroad and the Grand Secretary tells me that this trend looks set to continue. I was particularly pleased to note that our Order has expanded into Romania this year and that in the last three months two new Lodges have been consecrated – both of which will meet in Bucharest. Further consecrations are planned and I must thank Right Worshipful Brother Radu Balanescu, Past Grand Junior Warden, the Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Romania for supporting this initiative with such enthusiasm.

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Admiral Beatty Lodge - Banner Dedication

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Category: Royal Ark Mariner

Admiral Beatty Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 594 
Celebrates its Centenary with a Banner Dedication Ceremony

Right Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman, Deputy Grand Master (centre left, holding the Centenary Warrant), was delighted to make a visit to Wellingborough Masonic Hall on Thursday 3 May 2018; to take the Chair and preside over the celebration of the Lodge’s Centenary.

Following this he handed the gavel to Right Worshipful Brother Robert Andrew Stokes, Provincial Grand Master for Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire (3rd from right), who led the Banner Dedication Ceremony.

A full, informative and entertaining history of the Lodge was delivered by the Worshipful Commander, David Snape, R.A.M.G.R. (centre right), which was followed by an equally captivating Oration from Worshipful Brother Reverend Tony Avery, R.A.M.G.R. (2nd from right).

In-line with the nautical connection of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree, the Lodge is named after one of the important naval figures of the day: Admiral Sir David Beatty, who had been appointed First Sea Lord in November 1916. It was Beatty’s part in the battle of Jutland in 1916 which cemented his reputation in the British psyche.

After the meeting closed the Brethren retired to dinner which included fabulous roast beef joints carved at the dining table, echoing the serving of the beef 100 years ago at the Consecration meeting in 1918.

Consecration of Captain James Cook Council of Installed Masters No. 342

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Category: Royal & Select Masters

On Wednesday 23 May 2018, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones, Grand Master, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Master and a team of his Grand Officers, arrived at the historic Castlegate House, a striking 18th Century town house fronted by distinctive railings, a stone’s throw from the well know medieval landmark of Clifford’s Tower.

They were there to Consecrate the newest Council in the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters - Captain James Cook Council of Installed Masters No. 342.

Bearing the name of Yorkshire's most famous maritime son and under the mastership of R.Ill.Comp. Neil Thomas Woodward, District Grand Master for North and East Yorkshire, there can be no doubt that this Council will quickly become a shining light in the District and somewhere for Installed Masters of the Order to convene and enjoy their Cryptic masonry.

Introducing Lawson - Puppy Partner

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Category: Mark Masons’ Hall's Charities

At just eight weeks old, Lawson is starting to show some of the characteristics that we require in a fully trained dog: confidence, an interest in people and in playing. On arrival in Banbury, Lawson was given a health check by the vet, along with his first vaccination. Life is tiring when you are a small puppy, so Lawson was given time to have a nice sleep, in a comfortable basket, before Puppy Coordinator Vicki took him to his new home in the West Midlands, to meet socialiser Alison and her family.

Until Lawson has had his full set of vaccinations, Alison will carry him when they are out and about. It is important for Alison to introduce Lawson to a variety of environments from a very young age, so that he becomes accustomed to the world around him. Once his vaccinations are complete, Lawson can begin to go for short lead-walks. Walks will initially be on quiet roads, so that he is introduced to passing traffic from a safe distance. Then, as his confidence grows, he will be introduced to busier roads, so he learns not to be startled by cars rushing by and any unexpected loud noises. Alison will make sure that Lawson has lots of opportunities to meet other dogs, people and children, so he learns not to be scared or anxious, and how to behave politely when he is meeting and greeting someone new.

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