The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, joined the brethren of the Lodge of the West Gate of Mark Master Masons 1180 at their recent installation meeting in Barnstaple. He was accompanied by Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the presiding officer for the evening, along with Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom, the Past Provincial Grand Master.
Also travelling to North Devon were a plethora of Grand Officers, including Very Worshipful Brother Martin Smith, Past Grand Junior Overseer and the Provincial Grand Chaplain, alongside Worshipful Brother Simon Wills, the Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. They were also accompanied by Worshipful Brother David Eldridge, Grand Inner Guard, on what would be his last appearance in the Province as an active Grand Officer.
They were further joined by an array of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers, including Worshipful Brother Barry Purdy, the Provincial Grand Senior Warden, together with Worshipful Brother Robert Truesdale, the Provincial Grand Senior Overseer, and Worshipful Brother Jon Webber, the Provincial Grand Junior Overseer, who was standing in as the Lodge Director of Ceremonies for the evening.
The lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Michael O’Meara, who, after welcoming the Provincial Party, went on to present a cheque to the Provincial Grand Master for £500 as a donation towards the Devon Mark Charity Association.
The next labour of the evening was for the Worshipful Master to install his successor. Worshipful Brother Michael then conducted an exemplary, meaningful ceremony, which Worshipful Brother Paul Willerton enjoyed immensely. The new Worshipful Master, assisted by the Acting Director of Ceremonies, then went on to appoint and invest his officers for the year.
Upon completion of the meeting, more than brethren retired to the dining room where they enjoyed an excellent festive board, full of fun and laughter, and befitting the warmth of the Mark Degree.
