The recently appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, undertook his first duties as a presiding officer at the recent installation meeting of the Devon Mark Lodge 215 in Newton Abbot. He was accompanied on this occasion by Right Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother David Eldridge, Grand Inner Guard and Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, Grand Steward and Provincial Grand Secretary.

They were further joined by a host off supporting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, many of whom were on their first visit as an active officer within the Province, including Very Worshipful Brother Ronald Smerdon, Past Grand Junior Overseer, Worshipful Brothers Barry Purdy and Robert Hendy, the Provincial Grand Senior and Junior Wardens, and Worshipful Brother Andy Hall, the Provincial Master Overseer.

The main event of the evening was to see the installation of the new master. Worshipful Brother Eldridge took to the chair of the lodge and delivered an excellent ceremony, installing the new Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother David Gerry, in fine form, who then went on to appoint and invest his officers for the year. The address to the Master, which undertaken by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was delivered in an excellent manner on the first occasion of doing so. The addresses to the Wardens and Overseers were also delivered in a similar exemplary manner by the newly appointed Junior Warden and Master Overseer. Worshipful Brother Eldridge, who having already undertaken a lot of work that evening, still went on to perfectly deliver the address to the brethren at the end of the ceremony.

Following the meeting, the brethren retired to a packed refectory, to enjoy a wonderful festive board which was laid on by the caterers. The atmosphere of happiness and fun was seen throughout the evening, with the active team enjoying each other’s company, which was the start of what will be a full year of visiting for them.