The Haywra Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 525 in Harrogate conducted an outstanding Advancement ceremony in a packed lodge room, with no books in sight. The evening was made even more special with the presence of W. Bro Andrew Brown, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, along with his team of escorts W.Bro Ed Wilkinson, Steve Spooner, David Key, and Rob Barton from the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge. This is part of an initiative that the Provincial Grand Master has brought in, that a ruler will try and get to the Advancements that are taking place thick and fast throughout the Province.
The Worshipful Master, W.Bro Jason Cunningham, our very own Assistant Provincial Grand Secretary, opened the Lodge and attempted to pass the gavel to W.Bro Andy, but it was quickly returned. The formalities of scroll night included the election of Bro Darren Bush as Master Elect, followed by the Advancement of Bro Clinton Howard.
The ceremony was flawless, striking the perfect balance between humour and seriousness that our order is known for. Bro Gary Clarke the SD did an excellent job escorting the candidate around the Lodge room.
The various parts of the ceremony were expertly handled by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro Nigel Dyson, W.Bro John Dennis, who made a welcome return after an illness, and W.Bro Roy Schofield.
Bro Lee Grayshon then proposed a joining member, bringing the total of new members in the Lodge to 5 in just over a year, which is a fantastic achievement.
The festive board that followed the ceremony at Harrogate Masonic Hall was, as always, of a fabulous standard. The raffle raised £150 for the Cleeves and Whitehead trust. The response for the Visitors was given by the Provincial Grand Junior Warden, W.Bro Kevin Lloyd, who incidentally will be the Provincial Representative at the Installation meeting in November along with W.Bro Stuart Prince as his D.C who was also present.
Brethren we are part of an amazing order that never fails to bring us joy.
Smile and remember that we have the Magic that is the Mark.