Mark Awareness Evening, Colvin Memorial Temple, Clacton on Sea
Friday, 14th of February 2020
Friday, 14th of February saw the second of the popular Mark Awareness Evenings hosted on behalf of the Province by the Aurelius Lodge of Mark Master Masons at their regular meeting place the Colvin Memorial Temple in the heart of Clacton on Sea. The evening started after the regular meetings of Aurelius Royal Ark Mariner and Mark Lodges and was led by
W.Bro. John Finlay, APGM.
Whilst the Mark meeting was in progress, John welcomed all the Craft Members from Lodges in Clacton and Harwich to the evening and directed them to the Temple. Despite the unfortunate scheduling with the date, they were fortunate to have ten Craft members venture out, on this most romantic of days! The Craft Brethren entered the Temple and several were taken aback by the layout of a Mark Lodge with its different layout of Officers.
All were formally welcomed by John who told them he was sure they would all enjoy the evening and would all take a favourable impression away. He started by explaining the general lay out of a Mark Lodge and pointed out the similarities between a Craft and Mark Lodge in terms of furniture, although there were obvious differences in a lack of columns on the Warden's pedestals and some obvious additions on the same and, of course, three Brethren sat at pedestals in the middle of the Lodge; but, he added, to understand those you need to join!
He went onto to explain the different types of regalia worn by members of the Lodge and of the Degree, with several of the "models" showing that their talents wouldn't be out of place on a fashion catwalk.
With the Mark Lodge called back on, the Craft Brethren retired from the Temple for a short period, and the Lodge was closed and then set up for the Royal Ark Mariner Degree. Our guests re-entered and several comments were made regarding how colourful the regalia was. John then explained the Royal Ark Mariner in great detail to all present, he even managed to persuade a Mark Man attending to join the Mariner Degree.
W.Bro. John concluded the evening, thanking all those Craft Brethren who attended the event and hoped that they would be informed and intrigued enough to make a further Advancement in their masonic Journey and be ncouraged to join our "Friendly Degree"
Everyone then retired to the bar for some light refreshment, before the buffet.
Members of Aurelius Lodge socialised with the Craft Brethren, and several joining forms were given out and we look forward to receiving new Mark men in due course.
W.Bro. John Finlay, APGM.
Whilst the Mark meeting was in progress, John welcomed all the Craft Members from Lodges in Clacton and Harwich to the evening and directed them to the Temple. Despite the unfortunate scheduling with the date, they were fortunate to have ten Craft members venture out, on this most romantic of days! The Craft Brethren entered the Temple and several were taken aback by the layout of a Mark Lodge with its different layout of Officers.
All were formally welcomed by John who told them he was sure they would all enjoy the evening and would all take a favourable impression away. He started by explaining the general lay out of a Mark Lodge and pointed out the similarities between a Craft and Mark Lodge in terms of furniture, although there were obvious differences in a lack of columns on the Warden's pedestals and some obvious additions on the same and, of course, three Brethren sat at pedestals in the middle of the Lodge; but, he added, to understand those you need to join!
He went onto to explain the different types of regalia worn by members of the Lodge and of the Degree, with several of the "models" showing that their talents wouldn't be out of place on a fashion catwalk.
With the Mark Lodge called back on, the Craft Brethren retired from the Temple for a short period, and the Lodge was closed and then set up for the Royal Ark Mariner Degree. Our guests re-entered and several comments were made regarding how colourful the regalia was. John then explained the Royal Ark Mariner in great detail to all present, he even managed to persuade a Mark Man attending to join the Mariner Degree.
W.Bro. John concluded the evening, thanking all those Craft Brethren who attended the event and hoped that they would be informed and intrigued enough to make a further Advancement in their masonic Journey and be ncouraged to join our "Friendly Degree"
Everyone then retired to the bar for some light refreshment, before the buffet.
Members of Aurelius Lodge socialised with the Craft Brethren, and several joining forms were given out and we look forward to receiving new Mark men in due course.
W.Bro. John Finlay, PAGDC, APGM opening the evening and giving some explanation.
