The Benevolence Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners 1264 held their Installation meeting recently in Bideford. The Presiding Officer for the meeting was the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, who was accompanied by the Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother Gilson Rowe.
It was noted from the outset that Very Worshipful Brother John and Worshipful Brother Gilson had been attempting to emulate a pair of Scottish performers, as this was their 4th consecutive evening out that week, and with Devonshire being a Province with such a large geographical area, they had travelled almost “500 miles” to support the brethren within the province that week. The constant support of the Provincial Grand Master, his Executive and the Active Grand and Provincial Officers, travelling to all the Lodges to support their brethren, is never underestimated and always admired.
The Worshipful Commander, Worshipful Brother Werner Lothmann, opened the meeting and after welcoming their distinguished guests, went on to present a cheque for £150 to the Devon Mark Charity Association.
The next agenda item was to install the new Commander. Worshipful Brother Werner and his team, then installed his successor, Worshipful Brother Tony Farrell, in what can only be described as an immaculate ceremony without books or prompts. After such a sincere ceremony, the new Commander invested his team of officers for the year.
Following the meeting, the brethren retired to their refectory and enjoyed a wonderful festive board together.
