Centurion Lodge of M.M.M. No 1804
Saturday13 July 2024
Installation Meeting
The Prov.G.M. with Lodge banner and Barry Coombes installed as W.W. with bespoke apron presented by the Prov.G.M.
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Saturday mornings are traditionally a chance to have a lay in and relax.
Not so for the 42 Essex Mark Men who looked forward to attending the Centurion Mark meeting and tucking into a traditional full English breakfast, along with the chance to meet up with their good friends. The Masonic Centre in Brightlingsea was once again the perfect host for the Lodges Installation meeting. The meeting started promptly at 0900 hrs, and once the dispensation and minutes were read,the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother John Finlay entered the Lodge to much applause from the assembled Brethren. This was the Prov.G.M’s first official visit since becoming the Prov.G.M. He was offered the Gavel by the W.M Andy Sylvester and he occupied the Chair. |
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He started by explaining why he was in attendance making reference to a certain item in the summons! He then revealed the actual reason for his attendance, he then called on his cushion bearer, and presented the W.M with a bespoke W.M’s apron.
The Prov.G.M went on to say that he hoped that the apron would be presented to all the future Masters at their Installation. W. Bro Andy thanked R.W.Bro. John on behalf of all of the members of the Lodge and assured him that it would be worn with great pride by all future Masters. The Installation of Barry Coombes then took place with the Ceremony being carried out by everyone to an exceptionally high standard. The Prov.G.M even worked for his breakfast by carrying out the Address to the Brethren. Once Barry was comfortably installed as Master, the Lodge carried out several business items, one being to confer honorary membership on the Prov.G.M, also to vote on changing the by-laws to allow the installation meeting to be held at Brightlingsea. It was a first-class meeting and the friendship and banter continued at the Festive Board. The Prov.G.M was presented with several gifts, including a Centurion desk weight complete with one of Phil Richardson’s bespoke pens. He also received a nice woolly hat in the guise of a Centurions helmet for him to wear while partaking of his outdoor sports. |
Barry dressed accordingly as Master whilst the Prov.G.M stands by to "do his duty" with the axe
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Barry Coombes presenting R.W.Bro. John Finlay Prov.G.M with a founder's jewel
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Prov.G.M with a Centurion desk weight and pen
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Barry Coombes presenting the Prov.G.M with a Centurion hat wear whilst he is outside
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The top table
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W.Bro. Barry took great delight in presenting John with a Centurion founders jewel. Although John was not an original founder, without his help and guidance the Lodge would have handed its warrant in, hence why he is held in such high regard by Centurion members.
During the response to the visitors toast W.Bro. Paul Firmin spoke of the efficiency of the lodge secretary W.Bro Dave Todd, commenting that he had earned himself a new nickname as he “made Joe Biden look competent” (thanks Paul Firmin for that”).
The brethren parted company looking forward to their meeting in January, where they will be Advancing another Brother into the Lodge.
During the response to the visitors toast W.Bro. Paul Firmin spoke of the efficiency of the lodge secretary W.Bro Dave Todd, commenting that he had earned himself a new nickname as he “made Joe Biden look competent” (thanks Paul Firmin for that”).
The brethren parted company looking forward to their meeting in January, where they will be Advancing another Brother into the Lodge.
CENTURIO RENATUS
Members and guests
Published on 20/07/24
Centurion Banner Dedications
Saturday 27 April 2024
Fraternity Hall, Leigh-on-Sea
New banner with Roger Smith, Prov Chaplin, Prov.G.M Andy Sylvester W.M and John Finlay Dep.Prov.G.M
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The Centurion Lodge No.1804 has had a very busy two years since it was re-purposed as a Roman themed morning Lodge.
Saturday 27 April's meeting was no exception as 50 Mark Men arrived nice and early for the usual 0900Hrs start. Tea and coffee was served before the meeting to welcome everybody to Fraternity Hall, Leigh-on-Sea. The meeting started on time, and saw the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Terence D.Sheern enter the Lodge accompanied by his active Officers to great applause. The Prov.G.M was welcomed by their W.M. Andy Sylvester, who offered the gavel, which he accepted, he then welcomed and introduced his active officers and placed them in their respective offices for the banner dedication. |
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The banner dedication ceremony was carried out by the Prov.G.M and his team in a first class manner, and special mention must be given to W.Bro. Roger Smith Provincial Grand Chaplin for delivering a first class oration of banners in general and of the Centurion banner in particular.
The Centurion banner was designed by the Lodge Director of Ceremonies W.Bro. John Finlay Prov.G.M Desiginate, the banner stand was made by W.Bro. Phil Richardson, and is resplendent with a golden Roman eagle watching over the banner.
It is a fantastic work of art, and the Prov.G.M stated that it will probably be the cause of "Banner envy" around the Province and that the members of 1804 should be incredibly proud of their banner and he had no doubt that it would be on display at the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting in May, he then handed the gavel back to the Worshipful Master for the normal business to continue. |
Andy Sylvester W.M . with Steve Verlander Banner Bearer waiting to enter the Lodge.
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The Provincial Grand Master thanked the Lodge for its support of the Province, and had no doubt that the Lodge would continue to grow and flourish.
The business of the meeting continued by Barry Coombes being elected as Master for the ensuing year.
The Prov.G.M was called upon to present Grand Lodge Certificates.
During the Charity Stewards report, the Prov.G.M was presented a cheque form £250.00 in favour of the 2030 Festival.
The Prov.G.M then went on to present MBF collarettes to V.W.Bro. David Garston, W.Bro's. Terry Birdseye and David Rootkin and Brother Alan Penney and thanked them for their support of the festival.
The business of the meeting continued by Barry Coombes being elected as Master for the ensuing year.
The Prov.G.M was called upon to present Grand Lodge Certificates.
During the Charity Stewards report, the Prov.G.M was presented a cheque form £250.00 in favour of the 2030 Festival.
The Prov.G.M then went on to present MBF collarettes to V.W.Bro. David Garston, W.Bro's. Terry Birdseye and David Rootkin and Brother Alan Penney and thanked them for their support of the festival.
Festive Board
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Once the meeting was closed it was "organised chaos" whilst the Temple was transformed into the dining area in preparation for lunch.
This meeting was an exception to normal dining, as lasagne and salad was served to everyone, well nearly everyone, the Provincial Grand Master was served his favourite full English breakfast complete with fried bread. Rank defiantly does have its privilege's, although Peter Maloney also had the same..... |
Prov.G.M receives his specially cooked English breakfast, much to Andy's surprise.
Compulsory presentation of chocolates
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Prov.G.M with Andy Sylvester showing letter opener
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The Prov.G.M was presented with the compulsory tin of chocolate's, providing he returned all of the wrappers.
The main farewell gift was a handcrafted wooden version of the Deacons sword stands, in the form of a desk-top letter opener made by Robin Morley from the wood from the Late Rodney Bass's tree, and was completed with a pewter Centurion and Roman coins.
The Prov.G.M thanked everyone for the warm welcome and although this was his last working meeting, he had a few more Lodges to visit before standing down and handing over to John.
A special mention must be given to Lesley and her staff of Lady Masons who are all volunteers at Fraternity Hall for helping to make Centurion Lodge the success it has become.
The main farewell gift was a handcrafted wooden version of the Deacons sword stands, in the form of a desk-top letter opener made by Robin Morley from the wood from the Late Rodney Bass's tree, and was completed with a pewter Centurion and Roman coins.
The Prov.G.M thanked everyone for the warm welcome and although this was his last working meeting, he had a few more Lodges to visit before standing down and handing over to John.
A special mention must be given to Lesley and her staff of Lady Masons who are all volunteers at Fraternity Hall for helping to make Centurion Lodge the success it has become.
CENTURIO RENATUS
Members of Centurion with Prov.G.M, Active Officers and guests
Published on 12/05/25
Centurion Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1804
Regular Meeting
Saturday 20 January 2024
Saturday 20th of January 2024 saw over 40 Mark men brave the cold temperature and early start to attend the Centurion Lodge No 1804 meeting at Leigh-on-sea.
W.Bro. John Stannard P.A.G.D.C, Asst.Prov.G.M. was received with high acclamation on his first official visit to the Lodge.
There followed an invitation from the Worshipful Master to W.Bro. Colin Kendrick to uncover the items on the Wardens pedestals and Secretaries desk. W.Bro. Colin had hand sewn all the items and took great pleasure in presenting them to the Lodge as part of the Lodge furnishings. This was also meet with great applause from both the Lodge members and visiting Brethren. The Worshipful Master thanked Colin on behalf of those present and that the members should be very proud of the items.
There then followed a Triple Advancement Ceremony, of which a great deal of hard work by the acting Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Vince Bull had previously taken place along with several L.O.I's, where the ceremony had been adapted accordingly.
The Ceremony ran with incredible precision, likened to a military parade by several of the guests. Full credit must be given to all the Officers who took part in the Ceremony, especially our friends from Love and Remembrance Lodge who assisted in the Ceremony, making it a most memorable welcome into this Friendly Degree for Bro’s Bob Broughtwood, Mark Whitehead and Steve Verlander.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, then went onto present a Grand Lodge certificate to Bro. John Gunner in fine form.
After the Charity Stewards report the Worshipful Master W.Bro. Andy Sylvester presented the Asst. Prov.GM with a cheque for £250 for the E.M.W.F.
Once the meeting was complete the brethren retired to the Festive Board, where a Centurions traditional full English breakfast was served.
The festive board was a very friendly and lively event and saw the Asst. Prov. GM. John Stannard presented with an alarm clock to ensure he didn't oversleep at any future official visits.
The three candidates all expressed their thanks for such a superb meeting and looked forward to becoming an active part of the Lodge and the Province.
The Brethren parted company, looking forward to their next meeting in April which would include their banner dedication, at which the Provincial Grand Master will be in attendance for his last official engagement.
CENTURIO RENATUS
W.Bro. John Stannard P.A.G.D.C, Asst.Prov.G.M. was received with high acclamation on his first official visit to the Lodge.
There followed an invitation from the Worshipful Master to W.Bro. Colin Kendrick to uncover the items on the Wardens pedestals and Secretaries desk. W.Bro. Colin had hand sewn all the items and took great pleasure in presenting them to the Lodge as part of the Lodge furnishings. This was also meet with great applause from both the Lodge members and visiting Brethren. The Worshipful Master thanked Colin on behalf of those present and that the members should be very proud of the items.
There then followed a Triple Advancement Ceremony, of which a great deal of hard work by the acting Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Vince Bull had previously taken place along with several L.O.I's, where the ceremony had been adapted accordingly.
The Ceremony ran with incredible precision, likened to a military parade by several of the guests. Full credit must be given to all the Officers who took part in the Ceremony, especially our friends from Love and Remembrance Lodge who assisted in the Ceremony, making it a most memorable welcome into this Friendly Degree for Bro’s Bob Broughtwood, Mark Whitehead and Steve Verlander.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, then went onto present a Grand Lodge certificate to Bro. John Gunner in fine form.
After the Charity Stewards report the Worshipful Master W.Bro. Andy Sylvester presented the Asst. Prov.GM with a cheque for £250 for the E.M.W.F.
Once the meeting was complete the brethren retired to the Festive Board, where a Centurions traditional full English breakfast was served.
The festive board was a very friendly and lively event and saw the Asst. Prov. GM. John Stannard presented with an alarm clock to ensure he didn't oversleep at any future official visits.
The three candidates all expressed their thanks for such a superb meeting and looked forward to becoming an active part of the Lodge and the Province.
The Brethren parted company, looking forward to their next meeting in April which would include their banner dedication, at which the Provincial Grand Master will be in attendance for his last official engagement.
CENTURIO RENATUS
W. Bro. John Stannard APGM, Bro. Steve Verlander, W. Bro. Andy Sylvester, Bro. Bob Broughtwood and Bro. Mark Whitehead.
Secretary's Desk covering.
Senior Warden's Pedestal covering.
W. Bro. John Stannard APGM showing off his "Alarm Clock".
Overseer's Square and Mallet.
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Junior Warden's Pedestal covering and Tracing Board.
All 3 Candidates at the Festive Board with the Past Master's Swords in front of them.
Alms Collection Purse.
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Published 29/01/24
Centurion Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1804
Emergency Meeting
Saturday 19 August 2023
Yet another early start for members of Centurion Lodge and their visitors to see the Advancement of Darren Smith at Fraternity Hall, Leigh-on-Sea.
The Lodge was honoured with an unofficial visit from the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Terence D. Sheern, whom the members suspected had only attended for the fried bread.
The Ceremony was carried by V.W.Bro. David Garston, as their Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Andy Sylvester was enjoying the rugby in Dublin.
Although on an unofficial visit, the Prov.G.M took great delight in presenting the Lodge with the Grand Masters Keystone fund collar. Informing those present, that Centurion Lodge is the first to qualify for the collar in the Province, and thanked the members for their continued support of the MBF.
The Ceremony was carried out in a most excellent manner by David, with the signs being explained a faultless manner by W.Bro. John Finlay Dep.P.G.M ( the Lodge D.C.).
The Senior Deacons role was carried out by Peter Maloney who managed to smile all the way through the Advancement!!
Darren really enjoyed the Ceremony and is looking forward to becoming an active member of the Lodge and supporting it in the future.
Once the meeting was completed, 32 members and guests retired to the Festive Board, where the ladies at Fraternity Hall served up their first class full English breakfast.
The main event of the Festive Board was the presentation of the new Lodge furniture designed and manufactured by friend of the Lodge, W.Bro. Phil Richardson, Prov.Dep.D.C.
John Finlay thanked Phil for all the work that he had carried out, and then called the Secretary to read out a letter offering Phil honorary membership of the Lodge in recognition of his work.
Phil gladly accepted the honour, and was about to sit down, when he was called upon to give the response to the visitors.
Once the Festive Board finished everyone parted company, looking forward to their next meeting in January which will hopefully be a double Advancement.
CENTURIO RENATUS
The Lodge was honoured with an unofficial visit from the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Terence D. Sheern, whom the members suspected had only attended for the fried bread.
The Ceremony was carried by V.W.Bro. David Garston, as their Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Andy Sylvester was enjoying the rugby in Dublin.
Although on an unofficial visit, the Prov.G.M took great delight in presenting the Lodge with the Grand Masters Keystone fund collar. Informing those present, that Centurion Lodge is the first to qualify for the collar in the Province, and thanked the members for their continued support of the MBF.
The Ceremony was carried out in a most excellent manner by David, with the signs being explained a faultless manner by W.Bro. John Finlay Dep.P.G.M ( the Lodge D.C.).
The Senior Deacons role was carried out by Peter Maloney who managed to smile all the way through the Advancement!!
Darren really enjoyed the Ceremony and is looking forward to becoming an active member of the Lodge and supporting it in the future.
Once the meeting was completed, 32 members and guests retired to the Festive Board, where the ladies at Fraternity Hall served up their first class full English breakfast.
The main event of the Festive Board was the presentation of the new Lodge furniture designed and manufactured by friend of the Lodge, W.Bro. Phil Richardson, Prov.Dep.D.C.
John Finlay thanked Phil for all the work that he had carried out, and then called the Secretary to read out a letter offering Phil honorary membership of the Lodge in recognition of his work.
Phil gladly accepted the honour, and was about to sit down, when he was called upon to give the response to the visitors.
Once the Festive Board finished everyone parted company, looking forward to their next meeting in January which will hopefully be a double Advancement.
CENTURIO RENATUS
R.W.Bro. Terence D.Sheern Prov.G.M, Darren Smith and V.W.Bro. David Garston
Visitors and Members
Centurion Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1804
Installation Meeting
Saturday 8 July 2023
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ovince on Saturday 8th of July to Brightlingsea Masonic Centre for their Installation meeting.
The meeting started at 0930Hrs 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 address's 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 , 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.
Once the meeting was completed 43 Brethren sat down to a full English buffet breakfast festive board.
This was the Lodges first visit to Brightlingsea Masonic Centre and the outstanding 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 their last Installation they had 8 members. This years 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 Fraternity Hall, Leigh-on-Sea on a Saturday morning. Meetings in January, April and July.
The meeting started at 0930Hrs 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 address's 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 , 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.
Once the meeting was completed 43 Brethren sat down to a full English buffet breakfast festive board.
This was the Lodges first visit to Brightlingsea Masonic Centre and the outstanding 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 their last Installation they had 8 members. This years 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 Fraternity 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
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