Very Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, joined the brethren of the Charity Lodge of Mark Master Masons 76 in Plymouth recently. He was accompanied by Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Provincial Grand Secretary, and Worshipful Brother Gilson Rowe, the Asiststant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.
The reason for the visit was to celebrate the remarkable achievement of 50 Years in Mark Masonry by a member of their lodge.
Worshipful Brother Peter Brookshaw became a member of the Charity Lodge on the 19th of September 1974, and after progressing through the offices within the lodge, he became the Worshipful Master in 1988. Whilst continuing as a member of the Charity Lodge, he also joined the Spencer Lodge of Mark Master Masons 1495 in 1999, where he became Worshipful Master in 2007. In 1991, Worshipful Brother Peter was honoured to receive his first appointment with an active rank as the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, with subsequent promotions to Past Provincial Grand Master Overseer and Past Provincial Grand Junior Warden throughout his career. He is a proud Freemason, with both his son and grandson also being Freemasons as well.
The Provincial Grand Secretary then read eloquently both the Grand Lodge and Provincial citations before they were presented to Worshipful Brother Peter, who gave a few words of thanks in reply to the brethren.
The evening was described by many present to show many similarities to an episode of “This is your life”. It was hosted by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who did an excellent job at reminding Worshipful Brother Peter of many events that he had forgotten over his long career.
The brethren of the Province of Devonshire congratulate Worshipful Brother Peter Brookshaw on this remarkable achievement,and wish him many more years of happiness as a Mark Man.