The Lewis Lodge N^o.391 of Royal Ark Mariners celebrated its centenary in Lewes, Sussex on Tuesday 24 September.

Lewes is a Saxon town built where a track along the Downs crosses the River Ouse; an important site where the Normans built a castle and a priory. The town boasts what many claim to be the oldest surviving purpose built Masonic Hall to have remained in continuous use in England, having been built in 1869.

It was to this delightful building that members and guests of Lewis Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners flocked to celebrate 100 years of the Lodge. They welcomed the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, John Prizeman and the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Martin Wilson.

The Temple was filled to capacity and all enjoyed a similarly packed agenda which included the Installation of W.Bro. Chris Farrow, A.Prov.G.M., as Worshipful Commander, propositions of Candidates, a presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate, a presentation of the Lodge’s MBF Grand Patron Gold collarette and of course the celebration of the Centenary, during which the Brethren were enthralled and entertained by a précis of the Lodge History from W.Bro. Rod Barker, RAMGR.

Afterwards, with no dining facilities in the hall itself, the brethren meandered merrily down the ancient Hight Street to the John Harvey Tavern where they dined in typical Royal Ark Mariner conviviality. One could easily see what has kept this Lodge going for a century and, if this evening was anything to go by, there’s a good chance a similar event might take place in another hundred years’ time.