Tuesday 30th July 2024 at Thornfield House, Morley. Perhaps a unique occasion with W.Bro. Ian Cotton W.C.N. of the Lodge installing his successor W.Bro. John E. Green. Ian being the District Grand Recorder for West Yorkshire and John the District Grand recorder for Lancashire in the Order of Royal & Select Masters. Both great friends and both being members of many orders administered by Mark Masons Hall, too many to mention here. It does show though how the orders mix well together and enjoy a common interest in the precepts, principles and traditions we all hold dear.
W.Bro. Alan Oldfield Deputy Provincial Grand Master was in attendance and really enjoyed being back amongst the brethren. It was a great ceremony conducted with dignity but, in the fun and spirit of the order. The enjoyment continued downstairs at the Festive board brethren enjoying the food and each other’s company. Bro. Keith Bradley when giving the toast to the Dep.Prov.G.M., A.Prov.G.M. and, holders of Prov.R.A.M.G.R. confessed to having been a lapsed RAM but, had seen the light and been plucked from the Abyss! This was due to the support and encouragement given him by Provincial officers. Who are always happy to step in and help out even at the last minute as had been shown this evening with a Provincial visitor standing in as J.W.
In responding Alan firstly brought the best wishes of R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton the Provincial Grand Master. Going on to admit he had felt a little nervous this being his first official visit in 18 months. It certainly didn’t show as Alan was his usual busy, happy smiling self and had chatted easily during the evening with everyone. The message he brought was that our new ruler had brought some new initiatives and that as well as the usual 6 escorted visited to Mark Lodges there would now be an additional 3 to RAM Lodges further promoting the order. Finishing by congratulating Ian in installing his good friend John and, that it was indeed a special evening for them they both being District Grand Recorders in the Royal and Select Masters – probably not seen before and unlikely to be seen again.
W.Bro. Barry Massam giving the toast to the visitors said the first five years of this new Lodge had been fun and exciting and that it had attracted many visitors who he hoped had enjoyed their efforts and company this evening. In response W.Bro. Philip Harrison the W.C.N. of Old York T.I. said it had indeed been a super night, a super ceremony with great company and, he for sure, as would the rest of the visitors be back at the next opportunity.
Here’s to the continued friendships developed between all orders be it the Craft, Holy Royal Arch or, as on this occasion The Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner and The Royal & Select Masters.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager