Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, attended the Installation meeting of the Friendship Lodge of Mark Master Masons 16Ti recently, where he joined more than 40 brethren at the Province’s last installation meeting of 2025. Accompanying the Assistant Provincial Grand Master on this occasion were a host of Grand officers including Very Worshipful Brother Martin Smith, Past Grand Junior Overseer and Provincial Grand Chaplain, Worshipful Brother David Eldridge, the Grand Inner Guard and Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, Grand Steward and the Provincial Grand Secretary.

Joining them were a plethora of Provincial Grand Officers including Worshipful Brothers Barry Purdy and Robert Hendy, the Provincial Grand Senior and Junior Wardens, together with all three Provincial Grand Overseers in the persons of Worshipful Brothers Andy Hall - Master Overseer, Robert Truesdale - Senior Overseer, and Jon Webber - Junior Overseer.

  

After being welcomed to the meeting by the outgoing Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Barrington Sowden, he went on to present a Cheque for £250 in aid of the Devon Mark Charity Association. After thanking his officers, who had supported him throughout his year in office, he then proceeeded to undertake the main business of the evening. Worshipful Brother Sowden installed his successor, Worshipful Brother Mark Rodd, in an excellent ceremony who then went on to appoint and invest his officers in a warm and sincere manner. Brethren from the Province gave their addresses to the Master, Wardens, Overseers and Brethren in a similar eloquent fashion.

Before the meeting was closed, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master was invited to present a Grand Lodge certificate to one of the brethren, Brother Bary Attrill, followed by a short lecture on one of the lodges most precious pieces of memorabilia, namely the “Loving Cup”, excellently delivered by Worshipful Brother Cyril Whittaker. Although this item is no longer used practically, it is still presented at each installation for the brethren to admire.

After the meeting, the brethren retired to an excellent festive board, which was filled with the happiness and warmth that are always present in a meeting of Mark Master Masons.