The members of Lewis Lodge of Mark Master Masons assembled at the Masonic Temple in St Margaret's Road to witness two celebrations. Firstly the presentation of a Jubilee Certificate of Fifty Years Service to Mark Masonry to W.Bro. Martin Smith and then the presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Paul O'Connell.

The Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree, R.W.Bro. David Purdie was accompanied by V.W.Bro. John Clendinning D.P.G.M., W.Bro. Chris Elliott, Provincial Secretary, R.W.Bro. Peter Hawken P.Pr.G.M. and a fabulous following of Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge Officers and visitors for this especial occasion. The room was fully aglow with colour and shining gold!

The W.Master, W.Bro.M.G.Westaway opened the Lodge and after the extended salutations, under the directions of W.Bro. Lee Taylor, D.C. (you might have thought he'd done it before!)  the Master proffered the gavel to the P.G.M. The W.M. was thanked and the Gavel was returned to him. As this was the Christmas meeting, Carols were sung with gusto and with the assistance of W.Bro. Brian Pady A.G.Std.B. at the organ at various points during the evening.

R.W.Bro. David Purdie called for W.Bro. Martin Smith to be presented to him. The PGM then went through a resume of W.Bro. Martins early life and progress in Freemasonry referencing the many orders of which he is a member and in which he holds rank and offices. The PGM paid credit to his dedication and commitment to freemasonry as well as his other works with his Church and community.

W.Bro Smith then responded, thanking all present for their support and companionship through the half century of service. He was greeted with applause!

The next item was to present a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Paul O'Connell. This was done by the PGM in a full and informative manner which was appreciated by Bro. O'Connell.  The photograph shows the concentration and interest he had in the explanation.

The Grand Officers and Provincial Officers were encouraged to retire to relieve the pressure on the bar at the Hotel under the direction of the D.C.

Re assembling at the Anchorage Hotel the company were in fine spirits, renewing acquaintances, making new friendships and having an excellent meal. A surprise occurred in that W.Bro. Brian Julyan presented the P.G.M. with a cheque for £640 pounds which he had raised by a Wine Tasting Evening in September (delayed for Covid reasons for a couple of years). R.W.Bro. Purdie thanked W.Bro Brain for his extreme efforts at arranging the event which had delivered this wonderful sum.

It had turned into a colder and frosty night as we all departed into the night with memories of a great and fulfilling evening in Mark Masonry celebrating a Mark Masons who have indeed Marked Well and one who is starting his journey.

 

The Provincial party

 

P.G.M. with Bro. O'Connell

   

The Festive Board                                                                     W.Bro Brian Julyan - Wine Tasting Cheque £640

(Photographs: W.Bro. R.G.Ware.)