Northern Star Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No.2012 Consecration
Saturday, 2nd November, 2019 saw the Consecration of The Northern Star Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 2012 at the Kirby Cross Masonic Centre.
A number of Mark Master Masons from the North of our Province, under the guidance of W.Bro. John Stannard who first conceived of the idea following conversations with other Provincial Secretaries (John being the Essex ProvGSec at the time), took to the idea of a peripatetic, Saturday "Breakfast" Lodge. The PGM was approached and was fully supportive and the rest, as they say, is history!
An early start saw the Consecrating Team, under the leadership of RWBro. Terence D. Sheern, Provincial Grand Master, meet for bacon rolls and tea at 0800 in the Masonic Hall and then for a final rehearsal with the Founders to straighten any last snags.
The Consecration began at 1030 with the PGM opening a Lodge of Mark Master Masons. The Consecration team consisted of W.Bro. Bill Fraser, ProvGSW; W.Bro. Ranjit Bhogal ProvGJW; WBro. Roger Smith, ProvDepGChaplain discharging the duties of ProvGChaplain; W.Bro Paul Busby, ProvGSec; W.Bro. Michael West ProvGDC; W.Bro. Vince Bull ProvGDepDC and W.Bro. Kevin Darling, ProvAGDC discharging the duities of ProvGIG as WBro. Bob Needham was a Founder.
The Founders were presented and the Warrant read. Thereafter the Lodge was Constitued, Consecrated and Dedicated in a superb ceremony carried out by all.This was another momentous occasion in the life of any Lodge and Province and, whilst membership numbers in Essex continue to substantially increase, coming so soon on the back of the Consecration of the Armed Forces Lodge it was a source of pride to all that our Province continues to grow apace. So, again, well over 70 Mark Master Masons, including a significant number of Acting Officers also present in support of the event, assembled to witness the spectacle and enjoy this new phase and landmark in Essex Mark. The Lodge had 27 Founders, all in office, and will meet in the various Northern Masonic Centres (or, at least the ones who can cook a mean breakfast!) and will have eight direct "feeder" Lodges as well as provinding a broad appeal for those who wish to be Advanced into a "daylight" Mark Lodge.
All retired to a Brunch of what could only be described as being of gargantuan proportions! It seemed as if the food would never stop coming out! Sausages, bacon, black pudding, eggs, mushrooms, hash browns, tomatoes, beans, toast, danish & french pastries, tea, coffee and the bar was open as well. Let's hope that, in future, there is slightly less or no one will move during the Ceremony!
The PGM was also pleased to make a couple of "special" presentations in his toast to The Lodge, there were alms collection frying pans with engraved plaques on them and a "bespoke" apron for the Head Steward which is intended to be handed on as a badge of honour. Long may The Northern Star be that guiding light for others to follow.
If you are interested in joining or attending as a guest then please contact the Lodge Secretary, WBro. Robin Morley whose contact details are in the "provincial contacts" section of the members area.
