Centurion Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1804

Centurion Lodge Installation
​Saturday 8 July 2023

The members of Centurion Lodge No.1804, marched to the North of the Province on Saturday 8th of July to Brightlingsea Masonic Centre for their Installation meeting.
The meeting started at 09:30Hrs to allow those travelling from the South a little more extra time in bed. As is customary in the Lodge, tea and coffee was served before the meeting commenced.
The meeting was opened by the Worshipful Master, V.W. Bro. David Garston who welcomed everyone to the Lodges first meeting to be held in the North of Essex.
The first item on the agenda was to welcome 3 joining members, one being Vince Bull, who very kindly covered the Office of Director of Ceremonies, whilst our regular D.C. was enjoying a short holiday in Venice.

The next item on the agenda was a presentation by W.Bro. Phil Richardson, Prov.Dep.D.C.  The Lodge Deacons do not carry wands but instead Roman Gladiator Swords, and Phil very kindly designed and manufactured two stands for the swords.
​The gift to the Lodge was received with great applause and the W.M. thanked Phil for his most generous donation.
The Lodge has several other unique Roman characteristics.

The Installation of Andy Sylvester then took place conducted by David Garston in an impeccable manner, with all of the addresses being carried out by Lodge Officers in fine form, with the Working Tools being presented by Peter Alexander a guest and friend of Andy's. Once the Ceremony of Installation was completed, normal business was resumed.
Once the Charity Steward's report was completed, the Lodge's Treasurer, W.Bro. Peter Maloney (who also doubles as the Provincial Charity Steward) surprised the Lodge by informing them that they had qualified for the Mark Benevolent Fund Grand Patron Diamond Level honorific, and asked W.Bro. John Stannard A.P.G.M to present the collarette to the newly Installed Master. John was somewhat taken aback by this request as he was not in attendance in an official capacity but as a visitor. He thanked the Lodge for all their tremendous support for both the MBF and Province with their donations. The Lodge is one of four in the Province with this level of MBF Honorific.

Once the meeting was completed 43 Brethren sat down to a full English buffett breakfast festive board.
This was the Lodges first visit to Brightlingsea Masonic Centre and the friendliness and service provided by the Centre and its members was outstanding.

It is due to the commitment and dedication of the members of the Lodge, that it continues to grow, especially considering that 18 months ago, it was close to surrendering it's warrant, and at their last Installation they had 8 members. This year's membership has now risen to 21, with an Advancement in January, with several more candidates lined up, and a banner dedication planned for April next year.

If you would like to join or visit this unique Lodge, contact their Secretary: [email protected]
They meet three times a year at Fratenity Hall, Leigh-on-Sea on a Saturday morning. Meetings in January, April and July.

                                                                           CENTURIO RENATUS

L to R Vince Bull, Barry Coombes, Andy Sylvester,Colin Kendrick and Kev Bull

Andy Sylvester the newly Installed W.M. wearing the MBF Diamond Lodge collar