A healthy attendance at the Masonic Temple, Dewsbury but hardly surprising given that the Commander elect was Brother Jason Cunningham; it presented an opportunity for a gathering of the Secretariat and they did not let him down.
The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Commander, W.Bro. Steven Broadbent and the first item of business was to welcome Worshipful Brother Richard Boswell Puttrell, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and Chairman of the Festival Committee, but not for too much longer!! Salutations were given, Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and apologies noted.
The Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother Andrew Brown presented the Commander Elect, Bro. Jason who answered the questions posed and gave his assent to the Ancient Charges. W.Bro.Steven then thanked the Officers for their support, at which point those below the Rank of an Installed Commander withdrew for a short while.
An Assembly of Installed Commanders was then opened and Bro. Jason was obligated by W.Bro..Steven and Invested with the badge of an Installed Master, the collar and jewel, and placed in the Chair of the Lodge. The Sceptre, which shows his authority, to the Lodge was then placed in his hand whereupon he was duly saluted Commander and the Assembly of Installed Commanders closed; those below the Rank of Installed Commander then admitted; W.Bro. Andy Brown then proclaimed W.Bro.Jason, Worshipful Commander for the ensuing year, W.Bro Steven completed his duties when handing over the volume of the Sacred Law, entrusting the Warrant to his successor together with the Regulations for the Government of the Royal Ark Degree. W.Bro. David Taylor then delivered a very clear explanation of the Key Stone Collarette before it was transferred to W.Bro. Jason who also received the Grand Patron Diamond Award, after which W.Bro. Warren Marsden presented a Past Commanders Collarette to W.Bro.Steven, for a job well done over the past year.
Finally , the Address to the Worshipful Commander in the very safe hands of Worshipful Brother Edwin Pugh. This is a wonderful piece of ritual which Past Provincial Grand Master Philip Birch readily discharged, in superb fashion, at Portal RAM No.127. Congratulations W.Bro. Edward, your performance certainly warranted comparison.
Appointment and investiture of the Officers followed, nothing of great moment but a strong team. The Senior and Junior Junior Deacons, respectively W.Bro’ John Fitzpatrick and Martin Charlesworth were Elected to the Lodge committee and W.Bro’s Philip Oldfield and David Taylor as Auditors for a further year,
A ballot then took place for Brother Jake Lowell of Dewsbury Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 641. An emergency meeting has been arranged for Monday 21st August, ergo if you are free, go along and support him and the Lodge. All done the Lodge was closed and all adjourned for a well earned repast.
A succulent Chicken breast sufficed at the Festive Board and W.Bro. Andy soon had the Toasts in full swing, no hanging about. W.Bro.Jason proposed the Toast to the Provincial Officers emphasising the work they do for the Province and the Lodges, frankly without them we would be in a pickle, a big thank you to them all. This was echoed in the response from W.Bro. Richard who also congratulated W.Bro Jason on taking the helm at such a prestigious Lodge. He hoped that all were looking forward to the Festival Gala Dinner and the subsequent proceedings. A warning, this is not the end, the Cleeves and Whitehead Trust, our Charity, now expects us to concentrate our charitable thoughts at home, I am sure that we will. Finally he reminded all of the efforts of Sean McParland and his partaking in the round the World Clipper Race later in the year, a fantastic effort.
Steven then had the Toast to Jason in his brief and assured him that he would have the support of all the Brethren. Jason acknowledged that would be the case and that he was looking forward to the challenge and the the candidate in two months time.
W.Bro. John Fitzpatrick gave the toast to the visitors, a good number, and thanked them for their attendance and trusted that both the ceremony and Festive Board had been enjoyed. Responding W.Bro. Colin Middleton, Bramley Morley Lodge of RAM confirmed that was the case and he gave an open invite to anyone present to join the brethren, of the Bram Morley Lodge on the 5th July at Blenheim House Batley, commencing at 11 a.m for the Installation of Brother Simon Linley as Worshipful Commander.
Another wonderful evening of Royal Ark Mariner Masonry. Smile , Be happpy!
W.Bro. Duncan Smith R.A.M,G.R.