Advancement Ceremony Wednesday 3rd December 2025.
The Lodge was opened in due form following which several agenda items were dealt with when an Alarm brought forward, the Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother Stuart Prince who announced that the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Trevor Bolton was without and demanded admission. Without delay he, entered supported by an Escort, was welcomed by the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother George Randall, and took his seat. He then received appropriate salutations which he acknowledged.
All then stood in due respect to our dearly beloved Past Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Brian Morris Batty. He will be sorely missed, a man who epitomised the precepts of Mark Masonry, a lesson to us all.
Attention then turned to the Advancement of Brother Paul Jones who entered the Lodge under the guidance of the Deacons, Brothers Graham Robin, Senior Deacon and Brother Mark Wood, Junior Deacon. The meeting then gathered pace lead by Worshipful Brother Kelsall Nunn who is most competent in the workings of the Deacons This culminated in Bro. Paul being Obligated by W.Bro. George. The Overseers then undertook their duties which resulted , eventually, in Bro Paul being shown the Signs and Secrets by W.Bro. John Madigan with the Investment, Badge and Jewel undertaken by Worshipful Brother Andy Fairburn of Eland Lodge No.493. The Working Tools of a Mark Master Mason were explained in detail by W.Bro. John Todd and finally the address, In Conclusion, by Worshipful Brother Alan Hines, a wonderful ending to a fine piece of Ritual.
This was not the end for W.Bro. Alan who was brought out before the Provincial Grand Master, at the request of the latter, and presented with the Mark Distinguished Service Award, very appropriate to someone who is a Past Grand Junior Deacon and has been the Provincial Treasurer for many years, a stalwart of the Province , well done W.Bro. Alan.
As time was pressing, the remaining agenda items were efficiently despatched, the Lodge closed in due form. And all adjourned for welcoming sustenance.
The Toast list was dealt with expeditiously given that time was passing quickly and the item of note was the response by R. W. Bro. Trevor to his toast. He drew attention to the Provincial Carol Service which took place at Brighouse on Sunday , 14th December and was well attended. Of great interest is the weekend in the Lake District from the 27th to the 29th of March 2026 staying at the Cumbria Grand Hotel at Grange-Over Sands. It is likely to be well attended, get your bookings in now.. Finally he congratulated Brother Paul Jones, the newest Mark Master Mason in the Province, well he was for a day or two!!! One thing for sure he thoroughly enjoyed his advancement and told me so, many more Mark Masonic occasions to enjoy Bro. Paul.
Another wonderful Mark Masonic celebration, Smile and be happy.
V.W.Bro. Duncan Smith PGJO