Aurelius Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.814
Centenary Celebration
Saturday 3 March 2025
Colvin Memorial Temple, Clacton
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Many dates in the history of our Lodges have significance to us as Mark Men but when a Lodge celebrates its existence for 100 years, then the most appropriate celebrations are earned by those who currently cosset its’ legacy.
On Saturday 3 March 2025, that honour fell to Aurelius Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 814, their centennial existence commencing by Consecration on 24th April 1925 celebrated at Colvin Memorial Temple, Clacton by 60 Mark Men including the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. John Finlay escorted by the Provincial D.C. and his Asst.Prov.G.M’s W.Bro’s. John Stannard and Geoff Newman together with a retinue of Active Provincial Officers.
Brethren, it was a most fitting occasion of celebration, but how to define that? More of that later….
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The Lodge was opened at 2.30 prompt with the Dispensation being read by the Secretary allowing the meeting to proceed within due protocols. Minutes read, confirmed and dispatched as due business, the assembled Brethren were delighted to receive the Prov.G.M and his escorting party who were greeted by rapturous applause of due respect; saluting the Prov.G.M in like manner as befits esteemed distinction.
Duly seated in the Masters Chair, the Prov.G.M expressed his delight at being with the Lodge and its’ many visitors to celebrate the occasion together and called upon the Provincial Grand Secretary (on this occasion W.Bro. Andy Sylvester) to read the Warrant Issued on Consecration; this being done with great clarity and sentiment by W.Bro. Andy.
The minutes of the Consecration Meeting were read by W.Bro. Les Morgan, an Aurelius member, also with great clarity such that our minds-eyes could imagine the occasion!
W.Bro. Andy Sylvester read the Centenary Warrant which gave the assembly the distinction of being the proud recipients of Centenary Jewels presented to each Aurelius member present, by the Prov.G.M.
The Prov.G.M rose and gave the Brethren a very poignant and thought-provoking address perfectly themed on the legacy of our Lodges, “…..our responsibilities as Guardians, and the further responsibility that we pass on the history, legacy, distinction and honour of being a member, to future generations, pure and unsullied as we received it”.
At this point the Patriarchal Prayer was led by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, W.Bro. Norman Eastbrook M.B.E.
The Prov.G.M relinquished the Chair, returning it to the Master, W.Bro. Terry McConnell and then presented the Worshipful Master with the Lodges’ Centenary Warrant.
The Lodge was Called Off and after a short break, returned to business being Called On with the Proclamation of the Worshipful Master for his second year in Office; proceeding to Appoint and Invest his Officers for the ensuing year.
As is the custom on an Installation, addresses to the principal Officers and Brethren were carried out. To the Master, W.Bro. Ken Headworth delivered a wonderful address which was made even more special given that W.Bro. Ken is a spritely 91 years young who, I’m reliably informed, can play a mean round of golf when he’s not hiking the local countryside! To the Wardens, W.Bro. Len Chaplin, to the Overseers, and again, special mention to Bro. James Drury, performing the address for the first time!
A special agenda item was undertaken by the Prov.G.M who presented two recent Aurelius Advancees with their Grand Lodge Certificates, Bro’s Roy Newcombe and Simon Rollings being the recipients on this special occasion.
The Prov.G.M addressed the Brethren and again, gave a very succinct talk on the benefits of the M.B.F. and the essence of Masonic Giving encapsulated by the ethos which generated its structure and culture today, “….He who gives promptly, gives twice”.
Brethren, how ingrained in our hearts is that……
Lodge business concluded, the Prov.G.M and his escorting Officers retired and Aurelius Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.814 drew the curtain on its’ Centenary Meeting.
On to the Festive Board, and how special and fitting was that.
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Chatter in the bar area and thirsts duly slaked together with some curious interaction with a Roman Centurion selling raffle tickets for the many generous prizes donated by the membership! This perfectly illustrating the links with Centurion Lodge; both Lodges being administered by the Secretarial skills of W. Bro. Dave Todd!
A fitting Festive Board held in customary Mark friendliness, punctuated by the ticketed raffle which raised £400 for Charity, the first ticket out being held by the Prov.G.M who duly received packets of sweets!
Definitely no fiddling there Brethren! The conclusion of the evening being a ‘Progressive Auction’ for the prize of Green Fees for 4 players at Clacton Golf Club.
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It may come as no surprise that our ‘Golfing Asst Prov.G.M’ W.Bro. Geoff Newman was the winner, and it was very clear that he, in true Masonic form ‘did not recede from it hastily but pursued it steadfastly’ which he will no doubt enjoy with friends!
The Master addressed the Brethren and presented the Prov.G.M with some mementos of the occasion, he expressed thanks, and his Grandchildren were sure to enjoy them, although some of which were for the over-18’s! Thanks, were also given by the Master to the Secretary, W. Bro. Dave Todd and W. Bro. Tony King. Director of Ceremonies
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Also, every attendee was gifted a memorial tankard and slate coaster inscribed with the Lodge name which was blessed by the circulation of bottles of whisky for a celebratory dram (or 2).
Brethren, at the beginning of this report I mentioned the occasion of celebration. If you take the time to look at the definition of a Centennial Celebration, it will tell you that it is a ‘special social event, such as a party to celebrate’ and Brethren, did we have a party, so appropriate for all, and a very special social event indeed……
My final words are of appreciation and thanks to all those who made the special occasion run so well and most importantly, made it such a fitting token of respect to the Founders of Aurelius who, on 24 April 1925 had such foresight to bequeath the Lodge to future generations of Mark Men who enjoy and cosset its’ legacy to this day, and beyond.
To W.Bro. Dave Todd, Secretary of Aurelius for the swan-like work behind the scenes who made the day possible.
To W. Bro. Rob Sandy, Provincial Grand Secretary for his work with the Centenary Warrant and associated administrations and W. Bro. Geoff Waddoups for his research into the Lodge history.
To W. Bro Tony Goater, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies who worked with the membership to ensure the processive elements of the day were delivered perfectly.
If anyone has been missed than please accept my apologies but, rest assured every attendee is grateful for everyone that made the day such a resounding success.
To W. Bro. Rob Sandy, Provincial Grand Secretary for his work with the Centenary Warrant and associated administrations and W. Bro. Geoff Waddoups for his research into the Lodge history.
To W. Bro Tony Goater, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies who worked with the membership to ensure the processive elements of the day were delivered perfectly.
If anyone has been missed than please accept my apologies but, rest assured every attendee is grateful for everyone that made the day such a resounding success.
GALLERY
Posted on 04/05/25
