It was a packed house at the Masonic Temple in Exmouth recently, with more than 70 brethren attending the installation meeting of the Amity Mark Lodge 849. Presiding at this meeting was Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, the Provincial Grand Master. He was accompanied on this occasion by Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom, Past Provincial Grand Master, and Very Worshipful Brother John Eaton, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master. Joining them were Right Worshipful Brother Philip Voisey, the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Somerset, who was visiting the Province for one of the last occasions before he retires later this year, and Worshipful Brother Nicholas A. Ball, the Provincial Grand Master of the Craft and Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch.

  

Other brethren accompanying the Provincial Grand Master included Very Worshipful Brother Martin Smith, Provincial Grand Chaplain, Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, Grand Steward, Worshipful Brothers Barry Purdy and Robert Hendy, the Provincial Grand Senior and Junior Wardens, along with Worshipful Brothers Robert Truesdale and Jon Webber, the Provincial Grand Senior and Junior Overseers respectively. They were joined by a host of Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge officers both present and past.

After being welcomed into the lodge, the Provincial party joined with the brethren for a period of “In Memorium” for our late Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman. The Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Christopher Potter presented the Devon Mark Charity Association with a cheque for £849, which corresponds with their lodge number.

Next came the main event of the evening where Worshipful Brother Potter installed his successor, Worshipful Brother Jason Dixon, into the chair of Adoniram in what was an excellent ceremony. The Worshipful Master then went on to appoint and invest his officers.

Following the meeting, the brethren retired to the refectory and enjoyed an excellent festive board, whilst enjoying the comradery and friendship that goes with the Mark degree.