Devonshire hold their Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting

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A blowy and overcast day on the English Riviera was the setting for the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Devonshire Province of Mark Master Masons, being held under the banner of the Devon Mark Rugby Lodge 958. The event, held in the Riveria Conference Centre, saw brethren attending from all corners of the Province, joining together to celebrate the achievements of the Province over the previous year, whilst congratulating those receiving first appointments and preferments on the day.

Joining the brethren of Devonshire on the day, with some travelling great distances to support our Provincial Grand Master, were a great number of Provincial Grand Masters, together with numerous other distinguished guests and visitors.

The lodge was opened in ample form by the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, who was accompanied by his officers, Right Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and Very Worshipful Brother Bill Humphries, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who was acting as the Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

A deputation of 16 representatives from the Royal Ark Mariners was then received into Provincial Grand Lodge, led by Worshipful Brother Bill Phillip carrying the standard of the Province.

A moment was then taken by all present, as the names were read, to remember those who had been called to higher office since the last meeting.

Following the initial business of the meeting, the Provincial Grand Master then proceeded to thank his Deputy, Right Worshipful Brother John for his outstanding service and contributions to the Province and wished him well in his retirement from the role as the Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Master then undertook the appointment of his new executive. The new executive, namely Worshipful Brother Brett Varker as the new Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott as the new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, were received in due form with their respective escorts, and recited their solemn obligations. Each in turn was then escorted to the Provincial Grand Master, who then invested them with their chains of office and their patents. The assembled brethren from the Province of Devonshire then gave their salutations accordingly.

Following the normal reports and items of business, the Provincial Grand Master then went on to appoint his active officers for the year, followed by preferring promotions and first appointments to Past Provincial Rank. He then congratulated those who had been appointed to Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank.

The Provincial Grand Master then addressed the meeting, during which he defined the accomplishments of the Province whilst thanking key brethren who had supported him through the year. The Provincial Grand Master then asked for Right Worshipful Brother George Deacon, the Provincial Grand Master for Hampshire and Isle of Wight to be presented to him. After wishing him well for their upcoming festival, he presented him with a cheque for over £22,310. Right Worshipful Brother George appeared speechless for a few moments before thanking those assembled for their contribution.

The Provincial Grand Master then presented Right Worshipful Brother John Clendinning with an envelope containing a gift following a collection made from brethren of the province. He also then presented a gift to Very Worshipful Brother Michael Daniels who was retiring as the Provincial Grand Treasurer.

The Provincial Grand Master then closed the meeting in due form and the brethren then retired to the dining room, where they all participated in a wonderful festive board, with fun and laughter throughout.

The day being over, the brethren made their way home, full of the happiness and warmth that always comes with the degree of Mark Master Masons.