Provincial Grand Lodge 2019, Report
Thursday the 30th of May saw the 2019 Essex Mark Provincial Grand Lodge take place, once again, at the picturesque setting of Felsted School. On what was, as before, a fine day, over 350 Mark Masons from Essex and across the Country gathered together to attend the meeting and enjoy the festive board afterwards.
Of note, again, was the significant support in the number of displays and information stalls of other Orders meeting in Essex, not just those under the auspices of Mark Grand Lodge, but from Essex Craft and Royal Arch and all those that have an Essex footprint. By supporting and encouraging membership of other Orders we all ensure that Essex Freemasonry will flourish.
Many took the time to speak to the representatives of the Orders, ask questions and, in many cases, take away joining forms.
Our own Regalia Store was also there with a significant amount of pre-loved regalia sold to members not only saving them a significant amount but also raising a significant amount for the Essex Mark Welfare Fund.
With Provincial Lodge opened, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Terence D. Sheern, formally welcomed our guests who numbered over 40 from other Provinces and Heads of other Essex Masonic Orders- a splendid attendance and a measure of the success of our Province. We were also introduced to the "father" of the Province, W.Bro. Clarence "Dick" Caldwell (a sprightly 96 years young) as well as the newest member, "fresh from the quarries", Bro. Tony Hicks who was Advanced into the Beriffe Lodge just two weeks ago.
The full text of the PGM's address is published below, but he warmly congratulated all those to be appointed to or promoted within Grand Rank as well as those receiving first appointments and promotions at PGL today.
One surprise to us all was the announcement of the retirement of V.W. Bro. Anthony Latham, APGM and that he was to be replaced by our current Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. John Finlay, AGDC. He will be invested at the meeting of the Essex Installed Mark Masters Lodge on Thursday, 12th September, to which all Mark Masons are welcomed.
The thanks of the Province for his years as APGM go to V.W.Bro. Latham as well as our warmest congratulations to W.Bro. Finlay for an honour well deserved (pictured right).
Of note, again, was the significant support in the number of displays and information stalls of other Orders meeting in Essex, not just those under the auspices of Mark Grand Lodge, but from Essex Craft and Royal Arch and all those that have an Essex footprint. By supporting and encouraging membership of other Orders we all ensure that Essex Freemasonry will flourish.
Many took the time to speak to the representatives of the Orders, ask questions and, in many cases, take away joining forms.
Our own Regalia Store was also there with a significant amount of pre-loved regalia sold to members not only saving them a significant amount but also raising a significant amount for the Essex Mark Welfare Fund.
With Provincial Lodge opened, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Terence D. Sheern, formally welcomed our guests who numbered over 40 from other Provinces and Heads of other Essex Masonic Orders- a splendid attendance and a measure of the success of our Province. We were also introduced to the "father" of the Province, W.Bro. Clarence "Dick" Caldwell (a sprightly 96 years young) as well as the newest member, "fresh from the quarries", Bro. Tony Hicks who was Advanced into the Beriffe Lodge just two weeks ago.
The full text of the PGM's address is published below, but he warmly congratulated all those to be appointed to or promoted within Grand Rank as well as those receiving first appointments and promotions at PGL today.
One surprise to us all was the announcement of the retirement of V.W. Bro. Anthony Latham, APGM and that he was to be replaced by our current Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. John Finlay, AGDC. He will be invested at the meeting of the Essex Installed Mark Masters Lodge on Thursday, 12th September, to which all Mark Masons are welcomed.
The thanks of the Province for his years as APGM go to V.W.Bro. Latham as well as our warmest congratulations to W.Bro. Finlay for an honour well deserved (pictured right).
W.Bro. John Finlay, APGM "elect"
With PGL closed, all retired to a fine festive board an the final formalities.
