A small delegation of Mark Master Masons from the Fortescue Mark Lodge 9, which meets at South Molton in North Devon, travelled to Minehead in Somerset recently to visit one of their Honorary Members, Worshipful Brother Raymond John Organ (more commonly known as John), to celebrate his Sixty Years as a Mark Master Mason. They were led by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Brother Ray McIntosh and included the Secretary, Worshipful Brother Keith Rodulson, and two good friends of John, Worshipful Brother Pete Smith and Worshipful Brother David Stanbury. They were accompanied by the Provincial Grand Secretary, Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, who was representing the Provincial Grand Master, who was unable to attend due to other commitments.

John, who is aged 96, was Advanced into the Fortescue Lodge of Mark Master Masons 9 on 18 March 1966, and he held several offices within the Lodge, including serving as Secretary for several years. He was also a Founder Member of the Devonshire Lodge of Installed Mark Masters No 1750, consecrated in September 1995. In addition, he was a member of the Fortescue Lodge 9 of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner.  Due to his age and his difficulty in attending Lodge, he was consequently made an Honorary Member of the lodge in 2022. John continued to take an interest in the Lodge and attended on occasions when other members were able to bring him and his health allowed.

Sadly, John became severely ill recently, and he was admitted to hospital in Taunton. His condition stabilised fortunately, and he was transferred to a Residential Care Home in Minehead. This allowed his friends and colleagues to attend the home to present him with his Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge Certificates to ‘Mark’ his sixty years' membership of the Degree.

The Provincial Grand Secretary read a letter out to John from the Provincial Grand Master apologising for his absence, congratulating him on his achievement, and wishing him well. Rob then showed him the Grand Lodge Certificate containing the signature of the Grand Master, and then the Provincial Grand Lodge Certificate.

His close friend, Pete Smith, then handed him a Mark Token as a gift from the Province.

  

John was extremely appreciative that people had taken the time to visit him, and he was very grateful for the Certificates, letter, and token. The Care Home and its staff were very welcoming and supportive of the visit by the Mark Master Masons to see John, and they intend to mount the certificates on the wall in John’s room for the benefit of both John and visitors alike.