Over one hundred Mark Master Masons were at Southwood Halifax on Thursday 27th February 2025 to witness Andrew installed as the Dep.Prov.G.M. and Philip installed as Asst.Prov.G.M.
It really was a super day, and the D.C. team can be justly proud of the work they had put in to see such a successful ceremony. With the spectacle and colour amazing. We certainly know how to put on a first-class show in West Yorkshire. The secretariat also deserve credit for the slick day they had organised. These things don’t just happen, congratulations to everyone involved.
Eland Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.493 who are a relatively new and young team did a super job opening and closing, no mean feat with all the blue and gold present. There must have been some nerves, but you need that to keep you sharp and on your game.
Then it was the turn of the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. J. Trevor Bolton do his part for the day. This he did in style once he had been escorted into the Lodge with the Provincial officers of the year. Trevor being offered the gavel by W.Bro. Ian Shaw-Peters took his place and put all his officers in their respective positions. The salutations were many and with hands burning, the Brethren took their places and Trevor’s work began. First Andrew was installed as Dep.Prov.G.M. and then Philip as Asst.Prov.G.M. the ceremony done in style and dignity. R.W.Bro. Alan Oldfield now P.Dep.Prov.G.M. acting as chain cushion bearer for both, which must have been a very moving day for him.
Many good things were said about Andrew and Philip and their great achievements not only in Mark and the Craft but, across the orders in general. Tributes were paid to Alan for what he had brought over the last twenty-two years and no doubt what he will continue to bring.
Andrew on behalf of himself and Philip gave thanks and praise to the many Brethren who had made the day so special and to their individual mentors who had shaped them both as Masons. Finally thanking Trevor for the fantastic opportunity given to them saying they both looked forward to visiting and supporting lodges in the future.
It was a truly fantastic West Yorkshire Mark Master Mason’s Day and the skill and dedication of everyone taking part shone through. It was also and very importantly a fun and enjoyable day which as we all know is what Mark Masonry is all about.
Many congratulations W.Bro. Andrew J. Brown Deputy Provincial Grand Master and V.W.Bro. Phillip Oldfield Assistant Provincial Grand Master. We look forward to seeing you around our wonderful Province and are excited to see what you will bring to our ever-developing Province.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager