The youngest lodge within the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity in Devonshire, namely the Cornerstone Lodge of Royal Ark Mariner 1992, held its seventh Installation meeting at the Masonic Hall in Uffculme recently.
Travelling to the meeting were the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, who was accompanied by Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master and the Presiding Officer for the evening. Both brethren are not only members of the lodge but also past Worshipful Commanders within it. Joining them were Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom, Past Provincial Grand Master, who officiated at the consecration of the Lodge and is also an Honorary Member, Worshipful Brother Roger Farrow, the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and Worshipful Brother Peter Brewer, RAMGR.
The Worshipful Commander, Worshipful Brother Alan Dummitt, installed his successor, Brother Keith Banwell, in an excellent manner. Worshipful Brother Banwell then appointed and invested his officers, all of whom were present at the meeting. Worshipful Brother Julian Turner, another member and past Commander of the Lodge, delivered the address to the newly installed Commander beautifully and sincerely. The Scribe sadly reported four resignations from the Lodge, but at the next meeting, the Lodge has a Candidate for Elevation, with two others waiting in the wings. This amply demonstrates the evolving nature of the Lodge membership as it matures, which is drawn from across Devon and parts of Somerset.
More than thirty brethren attended the meeting and afterwards joined together for the Festive Board. The dining room was filled with much mutual friendship and relaxed humour so prevalent in this Degree. The newest member of the Lodge commented that he is enjoying being a member of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner, and the Cornerstone Lodge in particular, and that he wishes he had joined earlier. A positive endorsement on a pleasant evening of Masonic fellowship.
