Sadly in 2023, the Athelstan Lodge of Mark Master Masons put down their working tools for the last time and the warrant went into abeyance, held by the Provincial Grand Master. Following a number of ideas being put forward, it was decided that the Province should form a new lodge entitled "The Devon Mark Rugby Lodge", using the warrant of the former Athelstan Lodge.

On the 28th March 2024, The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Purdie, accompanied by a host of Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge officers, including Very Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and Worshipful Brother Nicholas A. Ball, also the Provincial Grand Master of the Craft Degree travelled to Exmouth for this special occasion.

The lodge was opened in due form by the Provincial Grand Master, who then installed Worshipful Brother Brett Varker into the chair of Adoniram. 

The Worshipful Master then invested his wardens, following which the remaining 32 joining members of the lodge were proposed and accepted into the lodge. The Master then went on to appoint and invest his officers, according to ancient custom.

  

 After the Master had appointed his officers, the Provincial Grand Master then presented each brother with a gift bag containing their first cap, to be worn at the festive board, and other items related to the lodge.

   

  

The meeting then closed and the brethren retired to the refectory and were treated to an excellent 6 course festive board.

It was wonderful to see the laughter and joviality that befits a Mark Masons meeting, and even those Provincial and Grand officers who participated and were not members were presented with head-dress, which they all wore with pride and joviality as befitted the occasion.