It’s always an enjoyable day at Freemasons’ Hall and this meeting was no different. Brethren from across the Constitution gathering happily together before and, after the meeting to enjoy the sun, company, and stories from other Mark Provinces.
There were a considerable number of members from our own Province there to support our four friends and colleagues receiving promotion. They were of course also there to support R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton our Prov.G.M.
R.W. Bro.James H. Newman Prov.G.M. for the Craft in the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding, or is it V.W.Bro. James H. Newman of Britannia Lodge No.53? was also there to enjoy the day. It really does show the strong relationship Craft and Mark have as they continue to work closely together to promote Craft, Holy Royal Arch and ALL the Companion Orders.
The Presiding officer for the Quarterly Communication of Mark Grand Lodge was M.W.Bro. John Herbert Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, accompanied by R.W.Bro. Francis Charles Spencer, Dep.G.M., and R.W.Bro. Prof. Denovan Keith Wilson, A.G.M. The colour and spectacle was superb as the Brethren processed in. The ground floor of the Grand Temple at Great Queen Street was virtually full of recipients, supporters, Provincial and District Representatives and Brethren from our own Constitution and those oversees.
Grand Lodge business dealt with a precis of grants by the MBF given since June was given and a further announcement on the latest capital grants scheme re-establishing our links with blood bike organisations across the UK.
The President of the General Board, R.W.Bro. Bill Divall, then rose to give notice that at the March Communication, he will propose the re-election of our Grand Master, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO.
The main event of the day of course was to announce the 95 Brethren receiving promotion in Grand rank and, to invest Brethren present. The Brethren from our Province were:
V.W.Bro. Richard B. Puttrell P.G.S.O Integrity No.110
V.W.Bro. Gerald A.G. Barker P.G.J.O. St. Chad No.374
W.Bro. Michael Nowell P.G.S.D. IntegrityNo.110
W.Bro. G. Gary Parker P.G.S.D. BeaumontNo. 1523
Many congratulations. All thoroughly deserved.
Following which, the Pro Grand Master addressed the meeting, extending the personal greetings from our Grand Master, together with his best wishes for a happy meeting. A full report of the meeting can easily be found on the Mark Grand Lodge website and in Freemasonry@86 contained in there.
The day ended with many dining at the Connaught rooms others, having their owncelebration in the various places in and around Great Queens Street. Either way a thoroughly enjoyable day with great company. Brethren, if you have never been then why not but a date in your diary for the next meeting. You will most certainly have a wonderful day as the many who were there for their first time will confirm.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager