Essex Enthroned Commanders and
Essex InstalledMark Masters Lodges, No.1044
The above two Lodges held their regular meeting at Saxon Hall, Southend on Sea on Thursday, 13th September, 2018. With over 120 members and guests attending a fine evening was had by all. The early attendees will have noticed that there was a pagoda outside staffed by volunteers from Sponsor a Sibling including Laura Rolf-Wills to whom we had presented the same pagoda, funded by the Essex Mark Welfare Fund, a short while ago to assist them in their fundraising.
Further information on this worthy Essex Charity can be found at their website by clicking on the button below.
Further information on this worthy Essex Charity can be found at their website by clicking on the button below.
The first Lodge to meet was the Enthroned Commanders, following the welcome of joining members, we saw a first class Installation of W.Bro. Charles Lowry (whom most will know as the ever irrepressible Provincial Organist) as Commander by his "old marra" and fellow Geordie, W.Bro. Len Abrahams; a more heartfelt ceremony it would be hard to find.
There was even a surprise at the end when the PGM announced that the Lodge GP had recommended
W.Bro. John Stannard, PAGDC and (now) Past ProvGSec as the next Commander--he was suitably surprised and grateful in rather equal measures.
The Installed Mark Masters Lodge followed in which we welcomed numerous guests from Installed Lodges from other Provinces as well as being pleased to greet our PastPGM, a PastDPGM and Past AsstPGMs.
As before, we were pleased to accept new joining members as well as go on to confirm the election of
W.Bro. Mark Reeve, PDepGSwdB, APGM as the next Master. He will be Installed at the next meeting in March 2019.
This being an administrative meeting we were, as ever, pleased to receive a guest speaker in the form of Andrea Walter, Development Officer for SAFE (Supporting Asperger Families in Essex); this charity is proudly supported by the Essex Mark Welfare Fund. To whom we made a further donation of £1,000 on the evening.
With the Lodge closed, she gave an entertaining, informative and thought provoking presentation on the work of their (relatively) small charity. More information on the work of this dedicated group can be found at their website by clicking the button below.
The business being over, the members and guests retired to the splendid facilities at the Jubilee Suite to enjoy the festive board, convivial conversation and the occasional glass of wine. A raffle raised over £500 which will be donated to the EMBF and there was a coin collection which was donated to Sponsor a Sibling who graciously dined with us.
All in all a fine evening held in the finest traditions of Mark Masonry. You are reminded that, as an Enthroned Commander or Mark Installed Master you are entitled (and encouraged) to join the appropriate Lodge. Fees are currently £15 pa with dining paid on attendance. If you are interested, please contact the Lodge Secretary, W.Bro. Tony Goater whose details are in the members section.
All in all a fine evening held in the finest traditions of Mark Masonry. You are reminded that, as an Enthroned Commander or Mark Installed Master you are entitled (and encouraged) to join the appropriate Lodge. Fees are currently £15 pa with dining paid on attendance. If you are interested, please contact the Lodge Secretary, W.Bro. Tony Goater whose details are in the members section.
