Worshipful Brother Jon Webber, the Assistant Provincial Grand Secretary and Provincial Grand Junior Overseer (Designate), made a long journey up to the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight recently to witness an auspicious occasion.

Friendships made in other Provinces can last a lifetime, as do the bonds of friendship outside Freemasonry, and this is where these two paths meet. Worshipful Brother Jon, who had previously served in the military in the late 80’s and early 90’s, had served alongside a close number of friends who subsequently became Freemasons. One of his closest friends from 1989 was Andrew Dennis, who became a regular visitor to the Devonshire Emergency Services Craft Lodge and was present when Jon was installed as their Master. For 10 years, Jon has been promoting the Mark degree to Andy, and finally, after many hours of gentle persuasion and missionary work, Andy agreed to join a lodge locally to where he lives in Portsmouth.

Recently Jon was invited to join the brethren of the Clanfield Lodge of Mark Master Masons 1385 in Horndean, to witness the Advancement of his good friend into the degree. The welcome received by Jon was excellent, and he stated that the well-known phrase “in Mark Masonry you will always find friends” was true in all aspects, by reception he received that evening.

The ceremony carried out by the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Paul Lillington, and his team, was exemplary, and an excellent demonstration that brethren can enjoy the ceremony with great acting skills, whilst also undertaking the near word-perfect ritual that evening.

The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother George Deacon, who was present throughout the evening as a member of that lodge, asked Jon to join him on the floor to welcome Brother Andy into the degree after his ceremony had been completed, which again was a great honour to all involved.

Before the lodge closed, the Provincial Grand Master also presented the lodge with their Diamond Collarette and Grand Masters Keystone Jewel for contributions made to the Mark Benevolent Fund. An excellent achievement by a great lodge. An excellent festive board followed the meeting with great humour and fun, as is found across the order.