The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, travelled up to North Devon recently to join the brethren of the Fortescue Mark Lodge 9 for a special celebration evening. He was accompanied by Right Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, Grand Steward and the Provincial Grand Secretary.

The main event of the evening was to recognise 50 years service to Mark Masonry by one of the brethren in the lodge, namely Worshipful Brother David Stanbury. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master gave a short precis of Worshipful Brother David’s Masonic history and life, before the Provincial Secretary read out the certificates from both Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge. They were then presented to him by the Deputy Provincial Grand master, following which he made a short response thanking everyone for their support and how much he had enjoyed his Mark Masonry so far.

Worshipful Brother David was advanced into the degree of Mark Masonry in November 1975 within the Fortescue Lodge of Mark Master Masons 9. He progressed through the offices and became the Worshipful Master, for the first time in 1984. He continued to support the lodge after this and became Worshipful Master again in 2021, shortly after the resumption of lodge meetings due to the pandemic. He remained as the Worshipful Master for 2 years and is still undertaking an active role within the lodge to this day, as the Junior Overseer. In 1987, Worshipful Brother David was recognised for his service to the lodge and received his first appointment to Past Provincial Grand Junior Deacon. In 1995 he was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Senior Overseer, and in 2000 he received his promotion to Past provincial Grand Junior Warden.

During the meeting, Worshipful Brother Colin Day presented the lodge with the music system, as part of the Provincial Grand Masters Music for Lodges initiative. It is designed to bring music and harmony into lodges, where they are unable to secure an organist for their meetings.

Following the meeting, the brethren retired to the refectory and enjoyed a superb festive board with great company.