Essex Enthroned Commanders & Essex Installed Mark Masters

Lodge No. 1044

Saxon Hall

Tuesday 17 March 2026

All roads led to Saxon Hall on 17  March as 150 Mark Men assembled for the regular meetings of Essex Installed Mark Masters & Enthroned Commanders.
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Typically, Mark-friendly exchanges in the bar over a pre-meet beverage, old friendships reacquainted, new friendships made and just a catch-up with a smile, make these meetings a quintessential display of the true spirit of Mark Masonry.
Onto the business of the day and the RAM meeting was called to order and the agenda moved along to arrive at the entry into the Temple of the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. John Finlay with his Officers to open the Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners.  The focal point of this stage of the agenda being the award of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank; this being bestowed upon 10 recipients present!  Duly congratulated by the assembled Brethren, the P.G.M. went to address the meeting. Firstly, to congratulate W. Bros. Les Morgan, Martin Pickett, Michael Howarth, Steve McConnell, Tony King and Vince Bull, who all had RAMGR conferred on them by the M.W. Pro. G. M. last December at our RAM assembly in London, honours well deserved. 
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Brethren, I will not go into too much detail on the P.G.M.’s address as the full document can be accessed via the button at the bottom of this page.​

Another moment of delight was to accept after ballot into 1044, 4 joining Members who were also roundly congratulated as they took their place in the Lodge.​

Closing the Assembly, Lodge business concluded and closed in due form the Brethren departed the Temple to prepare for the Mark Meeting.​

Suitably attired in Mark regalia the Temple filled in readiness for the meeting.  Once opened it was a solemn duty to pay due reverence to the sad Passing of Pro Grand Master M.W. Bro. John Herbert Prizeman.  Impeccably observed, every Brother stood in silent reflection & respect to departed Merit.
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Moving onto a most pleasurable task, the Worshipful Master greeted the Honoured Guests, most having travelled considerable distances to join us on the day, although it was rumoured that a certain Middlesex Mark Man hadn’t travelled too far to be with us!
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Brethren, we are honoured by your presence, thank you for joining us!
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Onto the ballot for the Joining Members and the 5 Mark Men were duly approved and like the RAM Joiners, departed to their seats amongst us proudly clutching their newly acquired Bylaws!
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The Installation of the Master followed, and it must be recorded that the Installing, and Outgoing Master W. Bro. John McCann, was faultless in Installing his successor W. Bro. Paul Firmin.  Officers for the year Invested, Addresses to the Master, Overseers & Brethren delivered, the agenda was resumed!
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In Mark Masonry, milestones are passed, memories made and distinction honoured.  To achieve 50yrs as a Mark Man is an occasion that demands we have an opportunity to show our appreciation, firstly by the P.G.M. delivering a splendid commentary, followed by the assembled Brethren, applauded that occasion.

V.W. Bro. Ray Clare was the recipient, and what an accolade it was.  A Mark Brother who started his journey in our friendly degree in March 1976 in St Katherines Lodge of MMM, through to the present day he has carried his membership with grace & distinction, earning Provincial Rank in 1984, now a V.W. Brother, distinction and honour well earned,  a full appreciation of V.W. Bro’s achievements will be contained in a separate report. 
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We cannot ever let our Charitable activities go without due recognition and this meeting was no exception, 10 Brethren present receiving their M.B.F. Collarettes from the P.G.M. for their charitable donations to the Benevolent Fund on an each and individual basis meriting their awards, well done all!
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After all business transacted, the Lodge was closed in due form and solemn prayer and the assembly moved onto the Festive Board, 130 dining in that friendly manner that befits the Order; Charity neve being far from the forefront of our presence.  To that end I am delighted to report that the generosity of the members and guests of the Lodge raised a creditable sum of £815 at the Raffle, within the prizes, no doubt the P.G.M. bagged some chocolate!
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Another meeting concluded, those 130 made their way after having had a typically Mark event, no doubt having made new friends, certainly reacquainting old friendships, such is our Order as Mark Men.
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Posted 02/04/26