Monday 11th of December 2023 and another bright and sunny day as Brethren from West Yorkshire and around the world made their way to Grand Lodge for the Annual RAM Assembly. A special day for everyone with the presence of M.W.Bro. HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, Grand Master. It was a colourful and full Grand Temple. Once opened the Most Worshipful Grand Master spoke of the important links between Craft and Royal Arch Masonry and the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees as well as all of the other Companion Orders. In recognition of this and for his services to Mark and RAM Freemasonry R.W.Bro. Jonathan Spence Pro Grand Master of the Craft was appointed to the rank of Grand Masters Royal Ark Council (Honoris Causa) which received great applause.
Then on to the appointment of 115 Brethren to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank which included 3 Brethren from our own Province; W.Bros. Mark Holland, Mark Kenyon, and Gary Parker. Congratulations to all. A great honour for them and the Province. The Most Worshipful Grand Master then addressed the meeting and spoke of how important it is to see such an appointment as the start of a new passage in their Masonic journey. He then went on to highlight some of the many charitable achievements of the year by the MBF and the generosity of the Brethren.
After which R.W.Bro. Richard Gan, P.Prov.G.M. of Middlesex was called on to present a short and informative talk about it being 150 years since the Degree had been taken under the protection of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons.
Closing the Grand Master welcomed the many Brethren visiting from foreign constitutions and Districts overseas. Going on to thank everyone involved in arranging the meeting, wishing everyone a happy Christmas and New Year. The Brethren then retired many taking the opportunity to dine at the Grand Connaught rooms and, others making their own plans to celebrate a wonderful day. There were a good number of West Yorkshire Brethren dining in Connaught rooms who enjoined the company of friends old and new. Our Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. Trevor Bolton leading a posse of West Yorkshire Brethren to the tables of our close friends in the Province of North and East Yorkshire to raise a toast to their health. A fantastic day. Congratulations once again to W.Bros. Mark Holland, Mark Kenyon, and Gary Parker holders of RAM Grand Rank.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager