Mark Masons’ Hall Periodic Newsletter | Summer 2024
OnMonday,9Septemberfamily,friendsandBrethrencongregatedin StJamestheGreaterChurch,Leicester,topaytheirfinaltributesand respectstooneofthegreatgentlemenofFreemasonry,Michael EdwardHerbert.
TheservicewasledbyRevdTonyAvery,assistedbyRevdPaul Paterson,bothFreemasonswhohadknownMichaelformanyyears. Andtheservicewasdeliveredinsuchawaythatpaidwonderful tributetoMichaelthefamilyman,andtouchedlightlybutwarmlyon hisoutstandingandnumerousMasonicachievements.
FittingtributeswerepaidbytheProvincialGrandMasterfortheCraft ProvinceofLeicestershire,PeterKinder;thePastProvincialGrand MasterfortheMarkProvinceofLeicestershireandRutland,Tony Morris;andtheGrandMasteroftheK.B.H.C.,VivThomas.Allofwhom sharedvaryingbutequallypersonalrecollectionsofourdeparted Brother.AndTonyAveryreadaheartwarmingselectionof remembrancesfromMichael’sfamily,whichbroughsmilesand laughterinwhatwasverymuchacelebrationofMichael’slife.
R.W.Bro. Michael Edward Herbert, P.Dep.G.M.
Farewell, Michael Edward Herbert
Michaelwasahugelypopularandwell-likedFreemasonandRuler. HehadakeeneyefordetailinMasonicceremoniesandwasrenown forbeinganexcellentritualist.
Fromhisworkinglife,hebroughtwithhimatremendousabilityto rememberpeople’snames,notjustBrethren,buttheirwives,partners andfamilies.MichaelwasamostdistinguishedFreemasoninmany respects,havingbeen,amongstotherachievements,GrandMaster oftheAlliedMasonicDegreesbetween1996and2011;DeputyGrand MasteroftheMarkfrom2011to2013;DeputyGrandMasterofthe RoyalandSelectMastersin2005;andDeputyGrandSupremeRuler oftheOrderoftheSecretMonitorin1996.
Mostrecently,MichaelstooddownfromhispositionasMostEminent andReverendGrandMasteroftheKnightsBeneficentoftheHolyCity in2022,havingservedtheofficeforelevenyears.Thosepresentat themeetingwillrememberthat,havingInstalledhissuccessor,heleft theGrandTempleatMarkMasons’Hall,unescorted,headheldhigh, withtremendouspoiseanddignity.Itwasaverymovingsight. ThelastbutpossiblyhighestaccoladecameinJune2023when MichaelwasawardedTheGrandMaster’sOrderofServiceto MasonrybytheCraft,athoroughlywell-deservedacknowledgment ofhisdedicationtoFreemasonry.
AndinMayofthisyear,manyRulersofMasonicOrdersenjoyedand eveninginMichael’scompany,helpingcelebratehis60yearsasa MarkMason,andenjoyingwhatfeltlikeafiresidechatbetweenhim andourProGrandMaster,JohnPrizeman,astheysharedtheir recollectionsofMichael’sMarkhistoryinanintimateyetopen exchange.
ManyBrethrenwillhavestoriestotelloftimespentwithMichael,and thesewillnodoubtbetoldformanyyearstocome.Ourthoughtsare withMichael’swife,hismuch-lovedNancy,andtherestofhisfamily.
FarewelldearfriendandBrother.
86Digestshowcasesthesignificantevents,reminiscingoncherishedmemories,notable achievements,andthebondsofourBrethren.EveryoneofourspecialOrdersoffersaunique experiencetomembers.
Heartfeltcongratulationstoeveryonewhoreceivedtheirdistinguishedranksorhonours,and awarmwelcometoournewmembersjoiningtheOrders
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Grand Senatus 2024 (02 May 2024)
TheGrandTemplewasfilledtocapacitywithrepresentativesfromacrosstheConstitution worldwide.TheGrandSummus,M.Dist.Comp.IanStanleyCurrans,VI,presidedoverthemeeting, ablyassistedbyafullteamofGrandOfficers.Followingtheinitialitemsofbusiness,theDeputy GrandSummus,R.Dist.Comp.FrancisCharlesSpencer,proposedthere-electionofIanStanley CurransasGrandSummus Thepropositionwasconfirmedwithacclamationfromthe CompanionspresentandtheGrandSummuswasdulyProclaimedbytheGrandDirectorof Ceremonies,PhillipPurves.TheGrandSummusthenannouncedhewouldbere-appointing R.Dist.Comp.FrancisCharlesSpencerasDeputyGrandSummus,andR.Dist.Comp.HowardSaul MarkhamasAssistantGrandSummus.Thesere-appointmentshavingbeenannouncedand Proclaimed,itwastimetoappointandinvesttheotheractiveGrandOfficersoftheyear,followed bythosereceivingpromotionin,orappointmentto,GrandRank Followingfurtheritemsof business,theGrandSummustooktheopportunitytoaddressGrandSenatus.
HewelcomedeveryonetoGrandSenatus,whichthisyearsawthehighesteverattendance. Membershipgrowthoverthepastyearhasbeenthehighesteverandheremindedeveryoneof theimportanceofourCompanionsalsocontinuingtheiractivityintheOrderoftheSecretMonitor asourrecruitingground.Hecongratulatedallthosehehadappointedorpromotedtoday,aswell asthosewhoreceivedtheir5thand4thGradeson01May2024.Heespeciallywelcomed R.Dist.Comp.TerrySheern,ProvincialGrandSummusforEssex,onhisfirstmeetingofGrand Senatusfollowinghisinstallation.HegavethankstoR.Dist.Comp.RayClareonallhehasdonefor theProvinceofEssexovermanyyears HespokeaboutthemanyConsecrationsheandhisteam haveattendedovermuchoftheworld,andtherearemoretocome
HewentontogreetallouroverseasvisitorsaswellasHeadsofOrders.Hethensaidhehada specialappointmenttomake,tosomeonewhohascontributedmuchtotheOrder.Heaskedthe GrandDirectorofCeremoniestoescortR.Dist.Comp.MikBarnes,PastProvincialGrandSummusof Surrey,tohim HethenhadmuchpleasureininvestingRDistComp MikwithhisChainofOfficeas GrandRegentVicarius Finally,therewerethankstotheGrandDirectorofCeremoniesandhis ceremonialteam,andtheGrandRecorderand‘TribeofDan’atMarkMasons’Hallforalltheirhard workandsupport.Therebeingnofurtherbusiness,GrandSenatuswasclosedandtheGrand SummusgreetedeveryoneonleavingtheTemple.Thethenretiredforrefreshment.Afterthree verysuccessfulmeetings,theGrandSummusandhisteamwerefinallyabletorelaxandreflecton ajobwelldone YoucanreadourGrandSummus’saddresshere
Great Priory 2024 (15 May 2024)
Wednesday,15MaysawanexcellentturnoutofKnightsTemplarfromtheEnglishConstitutionand visitorsfromoverseasattendtheAnnualChapterofGreatPrioryatFreemasons’Hall Thefirst itemsofbusinesshavingbeencompleted,theVeryHighandRightEminentGreatSeneschal, AndrewChristopherRainbow,rosetoproposethere-electionofPaulRaymondClementasMost EminentandSupremeGrandMasterintypicallywarmanderuditefashion.Thiswasgreetedwith acclamationfromtheKnightspresent Inturn,theGrandMasterwasthenverycomplimentarywith hiscommentsabouttheGreatSeneschalandannouncedhisre-appointment Itwasthen announcedthatR.E.Kt.JohnRoberts,ProvincialPriorforMiddlesex,andR.E.Kt.PatrickPeterCrossan, ProvincialPriorforSurrey,weretobeAppointed,ObligatedandInvestedasKnightsCommanderof theUnitedOrdersandtheyweredulypresentedtotheGrandMaster.
TheGreatVice-Chancellorwasthencalledupontoreadthenamesofthe137Knightsreceiving appointmentto,orpromotionin,GreatRankandthosepresentwereinvestedbytheGrandMaster. FollowingsomefurtheritemsofbusinesstheGrandMasterthenaddressedGreatPriory.Hebegan bywelcomingeveryoneandthankingthemfortheirattendance,andforre-electinghimastheir GrandMaster.HethenpraisedtheworkoftheKingEdawrdVIIPreceptoryofImprovement WorkshopsandpresentedthetwonewlyqualifiedPreceptorandMarshalKnights,EKt Edward LinesandEKt AdrianMoseley,withtheircertificates
AwarmwelcomewasthenextendedtovisitorsfromforeignConstitutions,ourownKnightsfrom ProvincesandPreceptoriesoverseas,andtheHeadsofotherMasonicOrders.Anthenwereceived anupdateontheworkbeingcarriedoutbytheStJohnofJerusalemEyeHospitalGroup,muchof whichisbeingdoneunderverydifficultcircumstances TheGrandMasterfinishedbythankingthe teamatMarkMasons’Hall,theGreatMarshalandhisteam,hisBodyguard,andthestaffat Freemasons’Hall,whohadallworkedtirelesslytoensurethemeetingwasasuccess.Inclosing,the GrandMasterremindedusofourdutytotheCraftasFreemasonsandtherenewedvigourwecan directtowardstheRoyalArchtoensurethatthereareagoodnumberofcandidatescoming through,therebyqualifyingthemtocomeandjoinusinthisfabulousOrder Withnootherbusiness toconduct,AlmswerecollectedandtheKnightsretiredfromtheTemple,manyjoiningtheGrand MasterandGreatOfficersforthemealthatfollowed.Ourcongratulationsgotoallthosewho receivedprefermentthisyear,alongwithourthankstoallwhoattendedandhelpedmakethis suchadaytoremember.YoucanreadtheGrandMaster’sAddresshere.
Click here to get a taste of what it was like at the Great Priory 2024
Grand Lodge - June Investiture 2024 (11 June 2024)
OnTuesday,11June2024,MarkBrethrenfromacrosstheConstitutionandvisitorsfromaroundthe worldfilledtheGrandTempleinFreemasons’Hall,GreatQueenStreettocapacityfortheJune CommunicationandAnnualInvestituremeeting PresidingwasMWBro HRHPrinceMichaelof Kent,GCVO,GrandMaster,whoenteredinprocessiontogreatapplauseandtookhischairinthe East.AftertheinitialitemsofGrandLodgebusinesshadbeenconducted,theGrandDirectorof Ceremonies,V.W.Bro.ChrisDavies,ProclaimedtheGrandMasterinallhisstylesandtitles,as GrandMasterfortheensuingyearbeforecallingtheBrethrentoordertoofferthecustomary salute
TheGrandMasterthankedtheBrethrenforre-electinghimandfortheirsalutation.Hethen proceededtocongratulateandpaytributetoM.W.Bro.JohnPrizeman,ProGrandMaster;R.W.Bro. FrancisSpencer,DeputyGrandMaster;andR.W.Bro.Prof.DenovanWilson,AssistantGrandMaster, forthewayinwhichtheyhadperformedtheirdutiesoverthepasttwelvemonths,andannounced eachasbeingre-appointedtotheirrespectiveRankbeforetheywereindividuallyproclaimedand saluted
Followingthis,over200BrethrenwereannouncedasbeingrecipientsofActiveGrandRankorfirst appointmenttoPastGrandRankandthosepresentwereeachinvestedbytheGrandMaster himself,withawarm,fraternalhandshakeandsomekindwordsofpersonalcongratulations A verymemorableexperience,asmanycommentedonthroughouttheafternoon TheGrand MasterthendeliveredanAddresstotheassembledBrethren,thefulltextofwhichcanberead here.
Therebeingnootherbusinesstoconduct,theGrandMasterclosedGrandLodgeandretiredin processiontowelcomethemanyvisitorsfromoverseasandotherdistinguishedguestsatashort drinksreceptionbeforemovingthroughtotheGrandConnaughtRoomstodine Thefourdining roomswerealsofilledtocapacitywithover1000Brethrendining Astheafternoonprogressed,it felltoW.Bro.GurdeepVirdee,G.Stwd.,Presidentofthe2023/2024BoardofMarkGrandStewards, representingtheProvinceofLondon,toproposetheToasttotheGrandMaster.Hepaidtributeto theGrandMaster’sdedicationtoserviceandthebettermentofhumanity,hischaritableworkand GrandPresidencyoftheMarkBenevolentFund,andhisleadershipandinspirationthrough Freemasonry
TheGrandMasterthenresponded,thankingW.Bro.Gurdeepforhiskindwords,andtheBoardof GrandStewardsfortheirpatronageoftheGrandFestivalDinner,beforemovingontoproposethe ToasttotheBoardofGrandStewards2023/2024 Lastly,WBro JohnBetts,GStwd,Treasurerofthe BoardofGrandStewards,representingtheProvinceofDevonshire,hadthehonourofreplyingon behalfoftheBoardofGrandStewards.HethankedtheGrandMasterforbeinginattendance, expressinghowmuchithadmeanttohimandhisfellowBoardmemberstoservetheGrand MasterandGrandLodgeasGrandStewardsoftheyear,andwishedthenewlyappointedGrand Stewardsthesameenjoymentandsuccessintheiryear.
Withthespeechesfinishedanddinnerplatescleared,theGrandMasterretiredfromthedining roomtoappreciativeapplauseandtheMarkBrethrenmadetheirwayhome,somestoppingfor furtherrefreshmentalongtheway,andwithmanycommentingonwhatathoroughlyenjoyable dayithadbeen.OurcongratulationstoallthosewhoreceivedprefermentinGrandRankandour thankstoeveryonewhocametosupportthemeeting Ifyouweren’tabletojoinusthisyear,we hopetoseeyounextyear
Grand Imperial Conclave 2024 (02 July 2024)
OnTuesday,02July2024,WorthyKnightsfromacrosstheEnglishConstitutionoftheRedCrossof Constantine,anddelegationsfromotherSovereignGrandConclaves,arrivedatFreemasons'Hall fortheAnnualAssemblyofGrandImperialConclave.
MostIllustriousKnightGrahamLesleyFlight,G.C.C.,GrandSovereign,presidedoverthemeeting and,aftertheinitialbusinessofGrandConclavehadbeenundertaken,hewaspleasedtoreappointRIll &EmKt ChristopherJohnMacdonald,GCC,asDeputyGrandSovereign,andRIll &Ven.Kt.TheRevdTimothyJohnNicholasL'Estrange,G.C.C.,asGrandEusebius.
AttentionthenturnedtotheappointmentoffourKnightsCommanderofConstantine,inthe personsof:R.Ill.Kt.DavidJohnPalmer,Intendant-GeneralforSomerset&Bristol;R.Ill.Kt.Samuel JohnManby,PastIntendant-GeneralforEastMidlands;RIllKt DenisDixonLeigh,IntendantGeneralforMiddlesex;andRIllKt DavidJohnRoach,Intendant-GeneralforNorth&EastYorkshire
TheappointmentofalltheseKnightswasmetwithgreatenthusiasmastheWorthyKnightsbelow thatranksalutedtheminthetraditionalmanner.Thenfollowedtheappointmentto,orpromotion in,GrandRankof133WorthyKnightsandthosepresentwereinvestedbytheMostIllustriousGrand Sovereign
TheGrandSovereignthenaddressedthemeeting.Youcanreadhisaddressinfullbyclicking here.TheremainingbusinessofGrandImperialConclavewasconcluded,themeetingclosed, andattendeesretiredtorefreshment
Congratulations to all those who received appointment or promotion this year. Thank you to the several hundred Worthy Knights who supported the meeting There was a tremendous buzz around both the Grand Temple and in the dining Room afterwards. Having such great support makes the day so much more special for everyone who attends. We hope you enjoyed the day and, if you weren’t able to be there, please come along next year
Click here to get a taste of what it was like at the Grand Imperial Conclave 2024
Installations On27April2024,theInstallationofthe ProvincialPriorfortheProvinceofFarEastwas heldatZetlandHall,HongKong.TheMost EminentandSupremeGrandMaster,Right EminentKnightPaulRaymondClement,GCT, accompaniedbytheGreatPrelate,Right EminentKnightTheRevd.MalcolmLane,JP, K.C.T.,andtheGreatMarshal,RightEminent KnightTimothyWheelerG.C.T.InstalledR.E.Kt. TrevorGrayastheProvincialPriorforthe ProvinceofFarEast
TheRightEminentProvincialPriorthen appointedE.Kt.BrendanShuChungBongas theProvincialSub-PriorandEKt AnthonyHao KeiKwong,OStJ,astheProvincialViceChancellor.
On04May2024,150AlliedMasons,attended RochdaleMasonicHalltosharethedaywith GrahamalongwiththeMostWorshipful BrotherThomasFirthJackson,ourGrand Master.Thedistrictmeetingwasopenedby thePresidingOfficerandPastDistrictGrand PrefectAlexanderSillarsMcLaren TheGrand Master,wasescortedtothechairbytheGDC Inamostsinceremanner,Tomproceededto InstallGrahamasthenewDistrictGrand PrefectforEastLancashire.Grahamwas warmlysalutedbeforeturningtohispartof theproceedingstoinvesthisDeputyDistrict GrandPrefect.Theescortformeduponce moreandpresentedMarkWilliamDavisto Grahamforinvestiture.Followingthemeeting theBrethrenretiredforsometraditional Lancashirefayre
Installation of Trevor Gray as Provincial Prior for Far East
Installation of Graham Newton, as District Grand Prefect for East Lancashire
On09May2024,TheGrandSovereign,M.Ill.Kt. GrahamLeslieFlight,G.C.C.,wasdelightedto beinLeicestertoInstallIll.Kt.TimothyJohn Barrett,PGStB(L),asIntendant-Generalfor EastMidlands,insuccessiontoRIllKt John Manby.
TheGrandSovereignbeganbypayingtribute totheworkofRIllKt Manbyduringhiselevenyeartermofoffice Hethenturnedhis attentiontothenewincumbentand complimentedhimonhisverymodest appraisalofhisownCVwhich,intruth,was verydistinguished
TheceremonyproceededwiththeOrder’s usualhighlevelofceremonialpanacheand thenthenowR.Ill.Kt.TimBarrettappointed IllKt MarkThompson-O’ConnorashisDeputy, beforeDivisionalConclavewascalledoffso theassemblyofWorthyKnightscouldenjoy luncheontogether.
CongratulationsandthankstoTimandall involvedinputtingonsuchanenjoyable occasion
n Robert White as ial Prior for Ox,
sofCygnet witnessournew tWhitebe Installed.
Over230KnightsattendedtoseetheGrand Master,MostEminentandSupremeKnight, PaulRaymondClementandhisteamfrom GreatPrioryperformtheceremonywith militaryprecision.
NickWilsonparadedthenpresentedour bannertotheGrandMasteralongwithallthe other16PreceptoriesintheProvince.
ThenewPriorwasthendulyInstalled,after whichheproceededtoInstallthenewSubPrior,MalcolmGeorgeWoolgar
Oneofournewestmembers,DannyPeacock, isalreadyontheProvincialBodyguardand didabrilliantjob.Weallhadafantastictime, withthefestiveboardbeingfulloffriendship andlaughter
Installation of John Finlay as Provincial Grand Master for Essex
On30May2024,330MarkMengatheredat ChelmsfordCityRacecoursetoassistthePro GrandMaster,M.W.Bro.JohnHerbertPrizeman, andtheteamfromGrandLodgetoInstall WBro JohnFinlayasthe13thProvincialGrand MasterofEssex,followingtheretirementof R.W.Bro.TerrySheern.TheProGrandMaster, M.W.Bro.JohnHerbertPrizeman,wasadmitted totheLodgeandhisteamofGrandLodge OfficerswereAppointedtotheOfficesofthe Lodge. Followingthecustomaryandrespectful salutations,M.W.Bro.Johnexplainedtothose presentthepurposeofthemeetingand requestedthattheGrandDirectorof CeremoniesascertainthattheProvincial GrandMasterDesignatewasinattendance. Havingreceivedareplyintheaffirmativethe mainworkofthemeetinggotunderway.
WiththeProvincialGrandMasternowsafely InstalledintotheChair,heproceededtoInstall hisDeputy,W.Bro.RichardGoodwin,followed byhistwoAssistantProvincialGrandMasters, W.Bro.JohnStannardandW.Bro.Geoff Newmaninamagnificentceremony,rarely seenbutthoroughlyenjoyedbyall
Installation of Benjamin Dykes as District Grand Master for
Monmouthshire On04June2024,TheProvincialGrandMaster, RightWorshipfulBrotherDavidC.Purdie,and someofhisteamhavebeenoutandaboutin Wales,attendingsomeoftheirProvincial Meetings
Thefirstportofcallontheirtravelswastothe HolidayInninNewporttotheAnnualmeeting oftheMarkProvinceofMonmouthshire,where hewasjoinedbyhisDeputyVeryWorshipful BrotherJohnP Clendinning,hisAssistant WorshipfulBrotherBrettVarkerandhis ProvincialGrandSecretaryWorshipfulbrother ChrisElliott.Theyweretheretowitnessthe InstallationoftheirnewProvincialGrand Master,RightWorshipfulBrotherBenjamin WilliamDykeswhichwasundertakenbythe ProGrandMaster,MostWorshipfulBrother JohnHerbertPrizemaninaverymoving ceremony.AfterbeingInvestedoneofhisfirst dutieswastoinvestthoseOfficersbeing appointedandpromotedwithintheProvince, whichwasdonesuperbly.
Followingthemeeting,theBrethrenretiredto enjoyawonderfulfestiveboard,whereold friendsmeetandenjoytimetogether,and eventheProvincialGrandMasterandhis Deputyfromourneighbours,theProvinceof Cornwall,evenjoinedinthefun.Itwasalso wonderfultoseenotjustthefriendshipof thosewithinthedegree,buttheconnections thatexistexternallyfromaroundthecountry werestillprominent,asourProvincial AssistantGrandSecretaryfoundout,asthe oldmilitarybondscametogether.
Installation of David Handley as Provincial Prior for Warwickshire
After10yearsofloyalservicetotheProvinceof Warwickshire,R.E.Kt.RogerEDixon,K.C.T.retired fromhisroleasProvincialPrior Underthe bannerofPeter-de-ErdingtonPreceptoryNo 229attheWarwickshireProvincialPriory meetingon15June2024andwithinthe MasonicTempleinKingsHeathBirmingham, ProvincialPriorNominateEKt DavidHandley wasInstalledbytheMostEminentand SupremeGrandMaster,PaulRaymond ClementK.C.T.
TheRightEminentProvincialPriorthen appointedandinvestedEKt DavidJ Satchwell astheProvincialSub-Priorandtheother ActingOfficersandPromotionsforthe ProvinceofWarwickshire. Over175KnightsfromWarwickshireandmany otherProvinceswereinattendanceforthe ceremony Thosewhoattendedwitnessedan excellentceremonyperformedbytheGrand MasterandhisGreatPrioryteamafterwhich atLuncheon,a£2000donationwaspresented totheMostEminentandSupremeGrand MasterfortheStJohnofJerusalemEye Hospital
Installation of Glyn Edwards as Intendant-General for North Wales
On29June2024,theMasonicandMilitary OrderoftheRedCrossofConstantine DivisionofNorthWaleshelditsAnnual DivisionalMeetingattheMasonicRooms, ParcPlace,Bangor.AtthemeetingtheGrand Sovereign,MIllKt GrahamLeslieFlight,GCC, assistedbyOfficersofGrandConclave, InstalledIll.Kt.GlynArwynEdwards, P.G.Chamb.,asIntendant-Generalofthe Division.TheIntendant-Generalthen InstalledIllKt SamuelJamesKeery, PGChamb,asDeputyIntendant-General FollowinganexcellentlunchtheIntendantGeneralAppointedandInvestedthe DivisionalOfficersfor2024-25.Avery enjoyabledaywashadbyall
Installation of Hilton Oates as the District Grand Master for S.A. (Cape)
On13July2024,WBro HiltonOates,theDeputy inChargeandDist.G.M.Designate,wasmost impressivelyInvestedandInstalledasthe21st Dist.G.M.ofS.A.(WesternDivision)inthe PinelandsMasonicCentre,CapeTownby MWBro JohnH PrizemanProGM,assistedby theotherfiveGrandOfficerspresentfrom London.Thiswasthenfollowedbythe126th AnnualMeetingoftheDistrictGrandLodgeof theMark/RAM ofSA (WesternDivision),when theRW DistGM investedWBro DesmondM BuckinghamasDeputyDist.G.M.,followedby W.Bro.HaikoRuperti-CampbellasAssistant Dist.G.M.,aswellastheremainderofhisDistrict GrandOfficers
AlsoinattendanceweretheDistGM'sand theiraccompanyingDelegationsfromthe otherS.A.Districtsandalargearrayof RepresentativesfromtheIrish,Scottishand SouthAfricanConstitutions,aswellas numerousfurthervisitorsfromlocalLodges andfurtherafield TheCeremonywasthen followedbyaformalandverysuccessful Luncheon,attendedbymorethan60Brethren.
Installation of Leslie Martin as Provincial Prior for SA (Cape)
On15July2024,attheLordRobertsMasonic HallinSomersetWest,WesternCape,South Africa,thePriorywassetforyetanother milestoneinmyMasoniccareer.Wewere delightedtoreceiveMostEminentand SupremeGrandMasteroftheKnights Templar,PaulRaymentClementGCT into thePriory.AccompanyinghimwereJohn HerbertPrizemanK.C.T.,KessickJohnJones K.C.T.,AndrewChristpherSweeneyK.C.T., ThomasFirthJacksonKCT andGraham LeslieFlightKCT
Itwasacoldandwetnightoutside,butthe warmthoftheBrotherhoodwithinmadeup forit.Whatadelightitwastohaveallbartwo localKnightsfromtheSouthAfricaCape Provinceinattendance
TheGrandMastertookchargeofthe Obligation,ablyassistedbyhisentourageof well-versedGrandKnightsandKnightsof Provinceinattendance.Thereafter,Leslie MartinwasInvestedandInstalledasthe5th ProvincialPrioroftheCapeProvinceofSouth Africa.
Lesliethenhadthehonourandpleasureof InstallinghisSub-Prior,along-standing friendandbrotherMason,Capt HiltonOates AftertheclosingofthePriory,theyretiredto theRefectoryforaCommonBoardanda ‘cinnamonmampoer’(ofnote)tofurther warmtheBrotherKnightsfrominsideout
Installation of Phillip Purves as District Grand Master for Ox, Berks & Bucks
On18July2024,therewasatreatforanyone withanappreciationforMasonicceremonial ondisplayattheBerkshireMasonicCentre, Sindlesham.IntheabsenceoftheMost IllustriousGrandMaster(wasabroadonother Masonicbusiness),R.Ill.Comp.PaulAnthony Norman,IX,Dep.G.M.,andPastGrandDirector ofCeremoniesoftheOrder,tooktheChairas InstallingOfficerfortheInstallationofthenew DistrictGrandMasterforOxfordshire,Berkshire &Buckinghamshire,R.Ill.Comp.PhillipJohn Purves.
Atthestartofthemeeting,theInstallingOfficer paidwarmtributetoR.Ill.Comp.TimHancock, thepreviousDistrictGrandMaster,bywhose sadandunexpectedpassingearlierthisyear thevacancyhadbeencreated Whatfollowed wasaceremonydeliveredwithdignity,elan, andgoodhumour,bothbytheInstalling OfficerandthenewDist.G.M.followinghis Installation.R.Ill.Comp.Purveswaspleasedto appointIllComp MalcolmRobertSummers, PGCaptGd,asDeputyDistrictGrandMaster, andIll.Comp.TimothyWeller,P.G.Capt.Gd.,as DistrictGrandPrincipalConductoroftheWork, beforetheGrandCouncilteamretired,leaving theCompanionsoftheDistricttoundertake theirDistrictbusinessbeforeweallsettled downtoaveryenjoyablemeal
Installation of Nigel Thomson as Provincial Grand Summus for Surrey fourthProvincialGrandSummusofthe ProvincialGrandSenatusofSurrey.The InstallingOfficeraddressedtheCompanions anddirectedtheGrandRecordertocallthe rollofConsistoriesintheProvince TheInstallingOfficeraddressedtheProvincial GrandSummusdesignateandrequestedthe GrandRecordertoreadthePatentof Appointment.TheGrandEpiscopusoffereda prayerandthenProvincialGrandSummus designatewasobligated,Investedand InstalledastheProvincialGrandSummusof theProvincialGrandSenatusofSurrey.The ProvincialGrandSummuswasproclaimed andsaluted TheProvincialGrandSummus announcedtheappointmentofDistComp ChrisEley,asDeputyProvincialGrand SummusandDist.Comp.SimonMcCarthy,as AssistantProvincialGrandSummus. DistComp ChrisandDistComp Simonwere obligated,InvestedandInstalledasthe DeputyProvincialGrandSummusand AssistantProvincialGrandSummusofthe ProvincialGrandSenatusofSurrey.Theywere thenproclaimedandsalutedunderthe directionoftheDeputyGrandDirectorsof Ceremonies
WiththeresignationofourpreviousSupreme Ruler,RightWorthyBrotherJosephMarzouk ourplannedAnnualConclavebecamean InstallationwhichtookplaceatKing’sHeath MasonicHall,nearBirmingham,on20July 2024.
Around130Brethrenincluding25Supreme Rulersfromaroundthecountryattendedto witnessandassistantintheInstallationof VeryWorthyBrotherRobert(Bob)Vaughan. Theconclavewasopenedbyourprevious ProvincialDeputyGrandSupremeRuler, WorthyBrotherMikeSaxonwhothenhanded overtoMostWorthyBrotherMichaelGuest, himselforiginallyoftheMasonicProvinceof Worcestershire,toconducttheceremony
HavingbeenInstalled,VeryWorthyBrother BobthenappointedtheProvincialDeputy GrandSupremeRuler,HowardCarlton,who tookofficeforhissecondyearandtheythen collectivelyappointedtheirProvincial Officersfortheyearahead Thefestiveboard wasattendedby121Brethrenwhoenjoyed greatcompanyandgreatfood. VeryWorthyBrotherBobwastheprevious ProvincialGrandMasterforCraft FreemasonryinWorcestershireandsoitis hopedthathisappointmentwilldeepenthe linksbetweenthecraftandO.S.M.and facilitateincreasedmembershipofthis often-overlookedorder
TheInstallationmeetingwasheldon20July 2024,atFreemasons’Hall,ParkLanein Johannesburg.M.Ill.Kt.GrahamL.Flight, GCC GrandSovereignwastheInstalling Masteralongwithotherdistinguished visitorsfromotherConstitutions-M.E. CompanionJohnGrant,Hon.Grand Chancellor,PGSuperintendent,District GrandSupervisoroftheDistrictGrandRoyal ArchChapter-CentralSouthAfricaandME CompanionDinoKyriazis,DeputeProvincial GrandSuperintendent-NorthernDivision (GrandChapterofSA)M.ECompanion JustinDaweProvincialKingNorthernDivision IrishConstitutionandWBro Prof Guy CharlesworthProvincialGrandMasterofthe RoyalOrderofScotlandTransvaal. DistinguishedVisitorsfromotherOrdersEC wereDistrictGrandMastersoftheMark, WayneJohnstonNatal,IanFraserTransvaal andHiltonOatesWesternCape Provincial PriorsKarlMichelNatalandLeslieAlexander MartinWesternCape.LeslieAlexanderMartin isalsoDistrictGrandPrefectoftheAllied MasonicDegreesDistrictofSouthAfrica Apartfromthefirsttwodistinguishedvisitors John&Dinoalltheothersaremembersof theDistrictofSouthAfricaR.S.M.
TheDistrictGrandRecorderthenInstalledhis DeputyIll.CompJustinDaweaswellasmy PCWIll CompJohnDixon
Atthemeetingwere50membersofthe DistrictofSouthAfrica.
Installation of Paul Stewart Knight as District Grand Recorder for South Africa
Installation of Robert Vaughan as Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler for Worcestershire
Installation of Silverio Ostrowski as Intendant-General for Middlesex
Installation of Rajiv Shridhar Naik as District Grand Summus for western India
SaturdaysawateamfromtheGrand ImperialConclaveoftheRedCrosso ConstantinemaketheirwaytoColeC MasonicCentreinTwickenhamforth InstallationofthenewIntendant-Gen Middlesex,RIllKt DrSilverioOstrowski MIllKt GrahamLeslieFlight,GCC,Grand Sovereign,wasinattendancewithan impressivedelegationofactiveGrand Officers,extendingwellbeyondthosewith ceremonialdutiestoperform Plus,sixteen membersofhisGrandSepulchreGuard HavingbeenInstalled,R.Ill.Kt.Ostrowski proceededtoAppoint,Obligate,Investand InstallhisDeputyIntendant-General,M.P.Kt. SteveVanhinsbergh,inanimpressive,warm andfriendlymanner Followingthemeeting, weallenjoyedaverypleasantmealwhich wasfinishedoffwithslicesofdeliciousrum cakebakedbyIll.Kt.JerryGangadeen speciallyfortheoccasion
Installation of Amit Jyoti Sen as Grand Inspector for Eastern & Northern India
TheInstallationMeetingofDistrictGrand SummusofWesternIndiawasheldon20 August,2024,atFreemasons'Hall, Maharashtra,India.ItwasdonebyTheMost DistinguishedGrandSummus,IanStanley Curransinanimpeccableceremony accompaniedbyhisDeputyGrandSummus, R.Dist.Comp.FrancisCSpencer,R.Dist.Comp. TrevorD.Currans,Dist.Comp.ScottJ.Dunn, RDistComp DerekSLLoandRDistComp GeoffreyR Gill RightDistinguished CompanionRajivShridharNaikwasInstalled asDistrictGrandSummus.Distinguished CompanionRajeshJayantSampatwas InstalledasTheDeputyDistrictGrand Summus DistinguishedCompanionAnil ChristopherNairwasInstalledasThe AssistantDistrictGrandSummus.Therewere otherDistrictGrandOfficerswhowere investedwithActiveRanks,Promotions,Past RanksandFirstappointments
FollowingtheConsecrationoftheUttarBharat,Consistory whichwhilstConsecratedinKolkata,willactuallymeetinNew Delhi,itwasstraightintoconsecratingthenewInspectorateof Eastern&NorthernIndiawithV.Dist.Comp.AmitJyotiSen,as GrandInspector.Aspectacularbanquetfollowedthemeetings wherewewerejoinedbytheGrandMasterofEasternIndia CraftandthewivesandfamiliesoftheCompanions
Consecrations (01May2024-31August2024)
Consecration of the River Thames Consistory of O.S.C. No. 152
On16May2024,TwickenhamMasonicTemple wasnearcapacityasCompanionsassembled towitnessandcelebratetheConsecrationof the152ndConsistoryintheAncientand MasonicOrderoftheScarletCord Amongst theFoundersweretheProvincialGrand SummusofMiddlesex,R.Dist.Comp.Jonathan Wallis,theProvincialGrandSupremeRulerof LondonandMiddlesexO.S.M.,Dist.Comp.Cliff SturtandtheProvincialGrandSupremeRuler DesignateforKentOSM,DistComp,Scott Dunnshowingthestronglinksandsupport acrossthesetwoOrders.
TheassembledCompanionsweretreatedto anexemplarydisplayofritualfromtheGrand Summusandhisteam.
On31May2024,wegatheredattheUnion JackClubWaterloofortheMiddlesexArmed Forces,RoyalArkMarinerConsecration ceremony,amomentousoccasionforour LodgeNo 1999 TheProvincialGrandMaster, R.W.Bro.EddyGartyenteredtheprocession witharetinueofactiveOfficers.
TogetherwithhisConsecratingOfficers,he performedtheConsecrationoftheLodge withprofoundhumilityanddeepmeaning, evokingadeepsenseofrespectand admirationforalltheBrethrenpresent.The ProvincialGrandChaplain,WBro IanWassell, deliveredamostinterestingoration,which wasreceivedwithsimilarexcellence.The DeputyProvincialGrandMaster,W.Bro.Peter Hyde,occupiedtheChairtoinstallR.W.Bro. TerrySheern,theimmediatePastProvincial GrandMasterofEssex RWBro Terrythen installedthenewLodgeOfficers
Consecration of the Middlesex Armed Forces Lodge of R.A.M. No. 1999
Consecration of Hibernia Conclave of O.S.M. No. 637
OnFriday,21June2024,theConsecrationof theHiberniaConclaveNo 637tookplaceat MarkMasons’Hall.At11am,thedeputationof GrandOfficerswasannounced,processedin andseated.TheGrandSupremeRuler, MWyBro AndrewChristopherSweeney,took hisrightfulseatintheEastandinvitedthe GrandOfficerstocarryouttheirrespective duties.Salutationswereofferedtothe ConsecratingOfficerandafterwardshe addressedtheBrethrenontheobjectofthe meeting TheConsecratingOfficercarriedout theceremonyofConsecrationinan impeccablefashionwithassistancefrom Chaplain,GrandCounsellor,GrandGuide, ActingGrandDirectorofCeremoniesandthe DeputyGrandDirectorofCeremonies On conclusionoftheConsecration,the ConsecratingOfficercalledupontheDeputy GrandSupremeRuler,R.Wy.Bro.KeithBerwick Fergussontocarryonwiththeceremonyof installingthePrimusSupremeRulerWyBro ScottAJ Cargill RWyBro KeithBerwick Fergussonaskedallthosebelowtherankofa SupremeRulerwereaskedtoretiresothata ConclaveofSupremerulerscouldbeformed. Theceremonywascarriedoutimpeccablyby RWyBro KeithBerwickFergusson The appointmentofConclaveOfficerswasthen conductedbythePrimusSupremeRuler, Wy.Bro.ScottA.J.Cargill.Anelectiontook placetohonourallGrandOfficerspresentat theConsecrationashonorarymembers whichwasnotexpectedbuthumblyreceived byall.TheGrandteamretiredfor refreshmentsandawaitedtheremainderof Officersandvisitingbrethrentojointhem aftertheConclavewasclosed
Consecration of First Light Consistory of O.S.C. No. 153
FirstLightConsistoryNo 153was Consecratedon21June2024atGreat Yarmouth.Theproceedingsstartedwiththe GDC'srehearsalofthepetitioners,followed byarehearsaloftheprocessionforthe GrandTeam TheConsecrationproceededin accordancewithancientcustomandthe petitionersfinallybecameFoundersofthis newConsistory,the7thintheProvince,and the1sttobeConsecratedsincethe amalgamationoftheProvincesofNorfolk andSuffolktobecometheProvinceofEast Angliain2016
AftertheConsecration,theDeputyGrand SummustookthechairasInstallingOfficer andInstalledEmComp StuartOfford (ProvincialGrandSupremeRulerforNorfolk intheO.S.M.)asthePrimusPresident.The Officerswereappointed,theby-laws approvedandtheConsecratingteam togetherwiththeother06Right DistinguishedCompanionspresentandthe P.G.S.R.forSuffolkwerevotedashonorary members.
BeforetheGrandSummusretired,he presented3rdgradecertificatesto03 Founders,whohadbeenbroughtintothe Ordertobecomepetitionersofthenew Consistory.Outofthe21petitionersofthe Consistory,07hadbeenbroughtintothe Orderforthatpurpose,04havingachieved theirthirdgrade Averyconvivialfestive boardfollowedwhere54Companionsdined inHarmony,theusualtoastswereobserved.
Consecration of Siam Consistory of O.S.C. No. 158
Bangkok,city,capitalandchiefportof Thailand.Knownforitsstreetlife,richcultural heritage,majestictemples,GrandPalace,Wat Arunandnow-ScarletCord
on10August2024,aGrandTeamconsistingof M.Dist.Comp.IanCurrans,(GrandSummus), R.Dist.Comp.FrankSpencer,(DeputyGrand Summus),RDistComp TrevorCurrans,(Acting GDC),DistComp ScottDunn,(Acting Dep.GDC)andProvincialGrandSummi, R.Dist.CompanionsGeoffGill,ChrisBarkerand DerekLo-travelledtoBangkoktoConsecrate thenewestConsistoryintheInspectorate
Theaptlynamed,SiamConsistory,willmeetin thefamous‘BritishClub’andgivesaccessto ScarletCordMasonrytolocalsandex-pats acrosstheregionbeingfedfromanextremely successfulOSM base
FollowingtheConsecrationawonderfulfeast wasprovidedbythememberswithadistinctly Britishtheme-infactthestickytoffeepudding wasthatgoodthattheGrandSummuswent backfor2nds
Therewassometimeforsightseeinginthe busyscheduleandthefoundersmadetimeto taketheteamtoseethemainsightsand embarkonacoupleofrivercruises
OurthanksgotoGeoffGill,ChrisMooreand therestofthefoundersfornotonlygettingthe unitupandrunningbutforlookingafterusso well
KolkataisoneofthelargestcitiesinIndiaand aswellasbeingthecountry’smainportfor tradeisregardedbymanyasthecultural capitalofIndia-Itisnowthecapitalofthe newlyConsecratedEasternandNorthern InspectorateofIndianScarletCord.
On14August2024,Ourintrepidteamleft BangkokmakingthetriptoKolkata,forthefirst of7ceremoniesinIndia.Firstupwasthe consecrationoftheUttarBharatConsistory whichwhilstConsecratedinKolkata,will actuallymeetinNewDelhi ThisConsistory bringsthetotalnumberofConsistoriesacross EasternandNorthernIndiatofourandshows theenthusiasmforScarletCordMasonryin India.
FollowingtheConsecrationoftheConsistory,it wasstraightintoConsecratingthenew InspectorateofEastern&NorthernIndiawith V.Dist.Comp.AmitJyotiSen,(AJtothosethat knowhim),asGrandInspector.AJisapopular andrespectedmemberofanumberofOrders inKolkataandnonemoresothanScarletCord giventhenumberswhoturnedouttosupport him.Aspectacularbanquetfollowedthe meetingswherewewerejoinedbytheGrand MasterofEasternIndiaCraftandthewivesand familiesoftheCompanions
Consecration of Doctor K. P. George Consistory of O.S.C. No. 154
Kottayamisalsocalled“AksharaNagari” whichmeansthe“cityofletters”considering itscontributiontoprintmediaandliterature KottayamTownwasthefirsttowninIndiato haveachieved100%literacybackin1989a remarkablefeatatthetimeandisoneofthe 14districtsintheIndianstateofKerala.
On7August2024,whilstthejourneywaslongit waswellworththetravelasweweremetbya hostofenthusiasticScarletCordCompanions eagertotakeScarletCordMasonryinthispart oftheworldforward;soitwasquicklytowork astheGrandSummusConsecratedthe ConsistoryandtheDeputyGrandSummus Installedthefirstpresident,Dist.Comp. AbrahamMarkos.
TheConsistoryisnamedafterawellbeloved FreemasonlocallyinKottayam,howeverit couldjustaseasilybeennamedafter Abrahamwhoisjustasbelovedandhasheld manyseniorpositionsacrossallof Freemasonryinthearea Infact,youwillseein thepictureofhimwiththeGrandSummus,his portraitbehindkeepingawatchfuleyeonthe proceedings,(andtheCompanions).Before themeetingwasclosed,theGrandSummus bestowedGrandRankandpromotionsona numberofCompanions
Withtimerunningon,weheadedtoalocal hotelforafabulousfestiveboardoflocal Keraladelicaciesbeforethe40minutedrive backtoourhoteltogetsomesleepbeforethe nextstageofourjourney.
Consecration of Queen Victoria of M.M.M. No. 2060
On30August2024,19Foundersandother Brethrenmetinfellowshipandunityto witnesstheConsecrationofQueenVictoria LodgeofMarkMasterMasonsNo.2060,the 18thMarkLodgewithintheDistrictofBrazil.
Theoccasionwasgreatlyenjoyedwhen AssistantDistrictGrandMaster,W.Bro.Jayme BarbozaDeFreitasFilhowasinstalledasthe inauguralMasterofthenewLodge, accompaniedbyWBro LuizAdivePalmeira andWBro NelsonDeCamargoRosaasthe firstSeniorandJuniorWardensrespectively, bothpledgingtheirdedicationtotheLodge’s future.
Theeventwasimbuedwithaspiritof camaraderie,leavingallinattendancewith cherishedmemoriesofatrulysplendidday.
Charities Manager MeetDarrenColeman-Heald,theCharitiesManagerat MarkMasons’Hall Darrenoversees5charitablefunds administeredfromMarkMasons’Hall,whichare;theMark BenevolentFund,theO.S.M.andK.T.BenevolentFunds,the R.C.C.GrandSovereign’sCareforChildrenFundandthe GrandMaster’sKeystoneFund.
Darrenisthepersontoreachouttoforhelporguidance regardingvariousaspectsofcharitablework,including processingapplicationsforcharitiesliketheMark BenevolentFund,O.S.M.&K.T.BenevolentFunds,andR.C.C. GrandSovereign’sCareforChildrenFund Hecanalso assistwithgrants,petitions,MBF festivals,almoners’ inquiries,organisingM.B.F.seminars,aswellasaddressing anyqueriesfromLodgeorProvincialalmoners.
Darren’s contact details: d.coleman@mmh.org.uk
ForinquiriesregardingthepurchaseofM.B.F.,O.S.M.orGrandMaster’sKeystoneFund’s JewelsandtheKnightsTemplarSwiftPins,pleasecontactourFinanceCharities Department,atcharitiesfinance@mmh.org.uk
Major Capital Grant 2024 ThePresidentoftheMarkBenevolentFund(M.B.F.),R.W.Bro.ArchieTorrance,isproudto announceamajordonationof£1.7milliontosupportWheelchairRugbyClubsacross GreatBritain.ThissignificantgrantreflectstheFund’songoingcommitmentto fosteringinclusionandprovidingopportunitiesforathleteswithdisabilities,witha particularfocusonthenextgenerationofwheelchairrugbyplayersaimingforthe 2028ParalympicGamesinLosAngeles.
Thisnewinitiativehasinvitedallregisteredwheelchairrugbyclubstosubmit applicationsforgrantsofupto£50,000,whichcanbeusedforcapitalexpenditures suchaswheelchairs,sportskits,vehicles,andfacilityimprovements.Grantswillnot coveroperationalcosts,travel,oraccommodationexpenses.TheGreatBritain NationalWheelchairRugbyTeamwillalsoreceiveagrantofupto£30,000toassist withpreparationsforthe2028ParalympicGames.
Mark Benevolent Fund Announces £1.7m Donation to Support Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Clubs
Click here to listen to the message from the President of M.B.F., Archie.
Read the full press release here.
The Mark Benevolent Fund Team Flies High! ItwasanextraordinarydayforArchie,ourM.B.F.President,Ian,ClarkourM.B.F.Deputy President,andtheCharitiesTeamfromMarkMasons'Hall,astheywereinvitedbythe London'sAirAmbulanceCharitytotourthehelipad.Theywereluckyenoughtogetan up-closeviewofthehelicopteraswell!Thestunningviewsandtheopportunityto watchthedoctorsinactionduringtheirtrainingmadethevisittrulyunforgettable. TheywerethankfultotheLondon'sAirAmbulanceCharityTeamfortheirwarm hospitalityandforprovidingsucharemarkableexperience Weareimmensely gratefulforthelife-savingworktheydoandproudthatour£1,00,000grantinMarch 2024,aspartof£3mtowardstheLondonAirAmbulance'UpAgainstTime'Appeal contributestothiscriticalmission.Wewishthemeverysuccessastheycontinuetheir vitalefforts!
Clickheretosee thevideo
Documents to Download Clickonthedocumentsforindividualdownloads,orthedocumenticonstoexploreotherformsofthefund
Grand Master’s Keystone Fund
IndividualDonationApplicationForm Unit/ProvinceDonationApplicationForm
St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group
Sovereign's Care For Children Fund GSCFCFRegularGivingForm-APRIL24
StJohnofJerusalemEyeHospitalGroupRegularGivingForm
StJohnofJerusalemEyeHospitalGroupSingleDonationForm
KTFundofBenevolencePetitionApplicationForm
KnightsTemplarSwiftAppealForm GiftAidDeclarationForm
Secret Monitor Benevolent Fund
OSMBFPetitionForm
OSMBFHonorifics(ApplicationFormOnly) -VersionSep17
OSMBFRegularGivingFormMay24
OSMBFGiftAidForm
OSMHonorificsGuide&Annual Review2022-23
OSMBFMatchFundingGuidelines
OSMBFMatchFundingApplication Form
MBFGiftAidDeclarationForm
MBFRegularGivingForm-Version March21
MBFWorthyCausesApplication Guidelines
MBFHonorifics(ApplicationForm Only)
MBFBankAccountDetails
MBFPetitionApplicationForm (Interactive)
MBFGuidetoHonorifics-02.07.2024
MBFWorthyCausesApplication Form
MBFOneOffIndividualDonationForms MBFOneOffLodgeDonationForms
MBFOneOffProvinceDonationForms
Grand Master’s Keystone Fund M.B.F. Festival Oxfordshire 2024 Thenew-lookM.B.F.StewardshipJewelshavenowbeendesignedforthefollowingFestivals
PleaseclickonthefestivalortheimagesabovetoaccesstheForm.Wehaveaddedthebankaccount nametoalltheformssopleaseusethelatestformanddetailsasfoundinthelinksabove.
Thestardenotesthecurrentyear’sfestival.Inordertobookyourplace,pleaseclickhere.
WereportedrecentlythatthenewstyleM.B.F.FestivalStewardshipisaimedprincipally,but not, exclusively, at members of each host Festival Province. In return for a qualifying donationof£100,eachStewardwillbeentitledto:
AdistinctiveStewards’breastjewel,yearbarandpocketjewelholder
InclusionoftheirnameintheFestivalStewards’RollofHonourintheFestivalbooklet Andforindividualsmakingtheirfirstdonationunderthescheme,qualificationasaLife Governor oftheMarkBenevolentFund–thefirststepontheladderofhonorifics
Monies raised by the take-up of Festival Stewardships will, of course, be included in eachrespective Festivaltotal
LondonOpenHouseFestival Mark Masons’ Hall regrets that it has had to withdraw from the 2024 London Open House event where we were due to open our doors to the public on Sunday, 22 September 2024. We fully intend to participate in the 2025 program of events and look forward to seeing you all.
Mark Masons’ Hall | 86 St James’s Street, London, SW1A
ROMANIA DISTRICT MEETING 12 OCTOBER 2024 TheSecondAnnualCommunicationoftheDistrictGrandLodgeofMarkMaster MasonsofRomaniawillbeheldatthe“HOTELCARO”EventsCenter, locatedinStr.BarbuVacarescu,near164A,Bucharest,Romania,onSaturday,12 October2024at11:00pm,followedbyafestiveboardat2:00pm.
Brethrenwishingtoattendthemeeting,diningand/oranyothereventsfromthe programarerequestedtocompletetheformbelow,until15September2024thelatest.
https://ordinulmark.ro/produs/district-annual-communication-2024/
ReservationsCANNOTbeguaranteedafterthatdate.Ifyouhaveany questionsregardingthereservationspleasecontactBro.Teodor Calimanescuviamobilephone:+40722507657oremail: reservations@ordinulmark.ro
Clickhereortheiconontheright,toreadthe InvitationforDistrictAnnualMeeting,Romania.
Clickhereortheiconontheright,toreadthe ProgramforDistrictAnnualMeeting,Romania.
Clickhere ortheiconontheright,toreadthe additionalprogramforDistrictAnnual Meeting,Romania.
Provincial Senatus Province of North & East Yorkshire On12October2024forthefirsttimeinits38yearhistory,theOrderoftheSecretMonitor ProvinceofKentwillholditsProvincialMeetingoutsideoftheProvince.
EvenmorespecialisthatthisisthefirsteverO.S.M.meetingtobeheldinthemagnificent Temple10atFreemasons’Hall,London(alsoknownastheEgyptianTemple),intheOrder’s history.
ThebusinessofthemeetingistoInstallWy.Bro.ScottJamesDunnasProvincialGrand SupremeRulerfortheProvinceofKentalongwithahostofProvincialOfficers.
Followingthemeeting,achampagnereceptionwillprecedelunchwhichwillbeheldinthe magnificentGallerySuiteinFreemasons’HallsurroundedbyportraitsofpastGrandMaster’s andotherprominentFreemasons.
Asthisissuchauniqueevent,theBrethrenoftheProvinceofKentinviteAllSecretMonitors fromacrosstheconstitutiontojoinintheircelebration.Theywelcomeyoutojointhemforthe meetingortoattendthereceptionandlunchwhichispricedatthespecialpriceof£25.00per personincludingwine,(worththetrainticketalone!!!).
Thefinalmenuisjustbeingfinalised,butrestassuredthiswillbepremiumdiningasis befittingourlocationwithinthehomeofEnglishFreemasonryandthoseattending.
Wearerestrictedto240inthetempleand210diningandwithexpecteddemandforthis showcaseeventtobehigh,weareaskingforinitialexpressionsofattendanceand/ordiningto beemailedtothebelow:
october24@kentosm.org.uk
PleasedetailyourFullName,RankandProvinceandifyouwishtodine,wewillthenemailyou ortheleadnameonyourbulkbookingwithalinktotheformalbookingformwithmenu choicestowardstheendofAugust.
Starttimeis10:45hrs(seated),lunch13:30hrswithanaimedfinishof15:30hrs
ThisoffersallSecretMonitorstheopportunitytoattendaonceinalifetimeO.S.M.eventata veryspecialpriceandwesincerelyhopeyoucanjoinusinourcelebration.
TheEpicCentre,
Saturday,09November 2024,commencingat 5.30pm.
5.30pm:DrinksReception
630pm:CelebrationBanquet
830pm:Speeches&Presentations
9.00pm:GaryWilliamsCabaretEntertainment
10.00pm:Carriages
Dresscodefortheeveningis: BrethrenandGentleman:DinnerJacket/Black Tie
BrethrenwhoareMarkMasterMasonsshould wearCollarsorChainsoftheirRankorOffice (noapronsorjewels,noHallStone,Charityor RoyalArkMarinercollarettes)
Ladies:CocktailDressorEveningGown
Participateinourexcitingcontestforachancetowinanincredibleprize!One ofourgenerousmembershasdonated10solarpanels,completewithancillary equipmentandfreeinstallation. Entriesfortheprizedrawarejust£2.00each,andyoucanpurchasemultiple entriesviaourwebsite: https://www.essexmark.org.uk/store/p1293/Solar_Panel_Draw.html. Thiscontestisopentoeveryonewithina100-mileradiusofSouthend.Ifyou're unsurewhetheryou'rewithintheeligiblearea,feelfreetoemailusat essexmarkcomms@gmail.com. Don'tmissoutonthisfantasticopportunity!ThedrawwilltakeplaceonFriday, 29November2024andoneluckywinnerwillbeannounced.
Mark Grand Assembly 2025, District of Spain TheDistrictofSpainMarkispleasedtoannouncethedetailsofourGrandAssemblyweekend whichwillbeheldonFriday,31January&Saturday,01February2025attheGranBaliHotel,La Cala,PlayaPoniente(Benidorm),Alicante,Spain.Tomakethemostoftheevent,theDistrict recommendsthatattendeescheckinattheGranBaliHotelaroundmiddayonFriday,31 January,andstayuntilatleasttheeveningofSaturday,01February,ifpossible.Thehoteloffers preferentialratesforattendees,applicableregardlessofthelengthofstay Bookingdetailsare includedinthebookingconfirmationandcanalsobefoundatthebottomofthispage
Theweekend’sactivitiesstartonFriday,31Januaryat4:30pm,withanillustratedandinformative talkbyW.Bro.MikeNevilletitled“Masons&theEvolutionofForensicScience.”AretiredDetective ChiefInspectorfromNewScotlandYard,Mikehasunparalleledexpertiseinusingimagery,such asCCTV,tocatchcriminals Hefoundedtheworld’sfirstSuperRecogniserunit,revolutionising offenderidentification,andnowassistslawenforcementagenciesinlocatingtheirownSuper Recognisers.
FollowingW.Bro.MikeNeville,theDistrictGrandMaster,R.W.Bro.BarrieRoyMansell,invitesallMark menandtheirfamiliesandfriendswhoareattendingtheDistrictweekendtoawelcomecocktail &canapésreceptionwithintheGranBaliHotel Thisisaninformalgettogetherandwillbea greatchancetocatchupwitholdfriendsaswellasmakenewones.
Saturday1stFebruaryisthemorningoftheofficialGrandAssemblyoftheMarkDistrictofSpain meeting.Thiswillbeheldinthe“CrystalAuditorium”oftheGranBaliHotel.Brethrenareaskedto beseatedforthemeetingnolaterthan1030am Tea,coffeeandwaterwillbeavailablefrom 9:30amintheareareservedfordressingbeforethemeeting Afterthemeetingtherewillbea FestiveBoardheldintheGranBaliHotelstartingat2pm.Brethrenwillenjoyatapasselectionof Iberianhamandcuredcheese,scallopswithratatouille,yakitorichickenskewerswithsoysauce, beefcarpacciowithparmesan,Idiazábalcroquetteswithboletus,andsalmonbliniswith guacamole Thiswillbefollowedbyalemonsorbetwithcava,beforeamaincourseofbeef sirloinsteakwithsautéedasparagusandgratinpotatomillefeuille,orafishoptionofsolefilled withshrimps.Themealwillconcludewithathree-chocolatedessertandcoffee.Water,soft drinks,beer,andredandwhitewinearealsoincluded.
WhiletheBrethrenenjoytheirmeetingandFestiveBoardon Saturday,partnersandfriendsareinvitedtojoinadelightful excursionandmeal DepartingfromHotelGranBaliinthe morningandreturninglaterintheafternoon,thiseventpromises awonderfuldayoutforall.PreferentialratestostayatGranBali Hotelaresetoutbelowandcanbeaccessbycontacting directlySr.CarlosFernandezcarlosfernandez@grupobali.com andquotingMarkMasonry2025Eventwherethefollowing optionscanbeaccessed:
40€perpersonperdayinadoubleroomwithbreakfast
42€perpersonperdayinadoubleroomhalfboard
47€perpersonperdayinadoubleroomfullboard
69.50€perpersonperdayinadoubleroomallinclusive (Namebranddrinksincluded)
*Thereisan21€supplementforasingleoccupancyroom
Burns Recitals Entertainment Cricket St Thomas Golf Club (nr Chard on the A30) Scottish Piper Address to
A shot of Whisky on arrival
Starters: Scotch Broth Soup - Roasted Root Vegetables in Pearl Barley (G F)
Scottish Cullen Skink - A traditional Smoked Haddock
Soup Chicken Leek and Celeriac Tart on Dressed Leaves
Mains: Rid of Beef - Prime Rid of Aberdeen Angus beef with all the trimmings (Gluten Free available)
Tweed Kettle - Roasted Scottish Salmon Fillet served with a Mushroom, Dill and Shallot Sauce and Clap-Shot (G.F)
Haggis - Macsween’s: Haggis served with Neeps, Taties and Rich Gravy (Vegetarian available)
Desserts: Raspberry Cranachan (G F)
Classic Clootie Pudding served with Whiskey Cream. Glasgow Apple Frushie and het pint (Apple Pie with spiced Custard)
Cheese Board: a selection of Scottish Cheese served with Grapes, Chutney and a variety of Biscuits
Coffee or Tea
Saturday, 01 February 2025
5.30pm for 6.30pm (carriages at 11.30pm)
Friends, Family, Masons and non-Masons cheques dated 16 December 2024 accepted.
Dress code: Black Tie Kilts are Optional To book: send completed booking form ‘with payment’ and your Menu choices (before 16 Dec 2024) to:
Mrs Elizabeth McNally Northover House Furnham Road Chard, Somerset TA20 1AE
email: emcn000078@aol.com
Curry Night Saturday, 22 February 2025
Oxfordshire FestivalBanquet 157thMarkBenevolentFundFestivalwillbeheldintheProvinceof OxfordshireovertheweekendofFriday,18July-Saturday,19July2025.
OurFestivalwillbeaneventlikenoother,achancetoseebehindtheveilofthehistoricUniversityofOxford Now,to enableeveryonetoexperiencethisevent,weareofferingtheopportunitytospreadthecost,payingbymonthly installments.
TheBanquetwillbeheldintheOxfordUniversityExaminationSchools Thiswillbeauniqueopportunitytodineata grandandhistoricvenueattheheartoftheUniversity Itisrarelyopentovisitors,andyouwillbesurroundedby portraitsoftheKings,Dukes,Lords(andMasons)whohavegovernedtheUniversityforcenturies.Fridayeveningwill beanopportunitytowelcomeyou,andmeetfriends,andseebehindcloseddoorsatTheOxfordUnion,thedebating societywhereourpoliticianshavecuttheirteethfor200yearsinaminiHouseofCommons,amidstspectacularPreRaphaeliteart
FridayeveningwillbeanopportunitytogiveanOxfordshire welcometoourguests,andmeetfriendsoldandnewfrom aroundthecountry.
WehavearrangedauniqueprivatewalkingtourforFestival attendees,conductedbyahighly-qualifiedOxfordGreenBadge guide,andhighlightingsomeoftheparticularconnections betweenOxfordandFreemasonry.
The Shop at 86 | Suppliers of Masonic Regalia & Publications Theshop@86istheidealdestinationforrituals,regalia,andawiderangeofaccessories cateringtoalltheOrdersadministeredatMarkMasons’Hall.Additionally,weofferregalia andpublicationsforvariousotherMasonicOrders.Whetheryoupreferonlineshoppingor visitingusinpersonatMarkMasons’Hall,wehaveyoucovered Website:https://www.shopat86.co.uk/
Thecarveryisexclusivelyopentomembersandtheirguests.Therestaurantoperateson selectedweekdaysfrom12pmonwards.Youdon'tneedtobeaMasontoenjoyatour CarveryRestaurant Bookinginadvanceisstronglyadvisableastherestaurantmaybefully bookedorclosedduetolargereventstakingplaceattheHall Youcanbookviathecontact detailsprovidedbelow.Pleaseensureyouadheretothedresscodetoavoidanydining restrictions.
Ourbarisopentomembersandthepublicfrom12pmonwards,andwealsoprovidea selectionoffingerfoodsalongwithhotbeverages IfyouarenotamemberofMarkMasons’ Hall,youcanfilloutasimpleformandreceiveaspecialdiscountof20%atourbar!Itisa placewherepeoplecometomakenewfriendsorconnectwitholdones!
The Carvery | Hospitality at 86 St James
