Provincial Grand Master visits Naze Tower Mark, No. 1380
On Wednesday, 21st February, the PGM, R.W.Bro. Terence D. Sheern, escorted by the Prov.GDC and accompanied by 20 Acting Provincial Officers attended the Naze Tower Lodge at the Frinton Masonic Centre.
Having been Consecrated in 1971, Naze Tower was having problems in recruiting new members as well as retention of those existing ones. Sadly with insufficient Master Masons from the surrounding Craft Lodges coming forward to join, Naze Tower's membership gradually declined until it reached the ultimate low of just four members. Despite some admirable support from other North Essex Mark Lodges, it was becoming impossible to sustain the Lodge and they resolved to hand in their Warrant.
At the 11th hour, however, with the support of the management of Frinton Masonic Centre and local Craft Lodges, and some hard work from "the four" a final recruitment drive resulted in a steady flow of master masons, including Board members, being Advanced into the Lodge. From these humble beginnings, the Lodge has recovered and the current membership stands at around 20 with another 4 candidates in the pipeline. The PGM is extremely pleased and impressed that, with some hard work and stubborn resolve he can announce a real success story for the Lodge and our Province.
During his visit on Wednesday he was proud to be able to thank all the members and the visitors for their help and support in saving the Lodge. He was also able to thank, and reward the three remaining members of the original four (W.Bro Keith Wilbey, the 4th member, had, sadly, passed away a few weeks ago) with a field promotion and first appointment.
W. Bro. Mike Scott and W.Bro. Tony Woodcraft were promoted to Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden, and
W.Bro. Brain Mardle was given a first appointment to Past Provincial Grand Inner Guard. All three were presented with aprons and collars from the Province to the delight and acclaim of all present.
All this was also made much more enjoyable because the Lodge had two candidates for Advancement, Bro. Terry Sweeney and Bro. Peter Ferris were Advanced to the Honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason in a superb and entertaining Ceremony (somewhat more entertaining because Bro. Ferris, having borrowed an apron from his wife, a MMM in a woman's Lodge meeting at Eastwood, found that she had a much smaller waist than he thought and some "hasty extension" was called for and found!).
All finally retired to a fine festive board before retiring in peace, harmony and brotherly love.
If you are a Craft Master Mason living in and around the Frinton or surrounding, and looking to extend your knowledge in Masonry, the Naze Tower Lodge now meets twice a year (until numbers can support a third) on the 3rd Wednesday in November and the 4th Wednesday in May. Details of the Secretary and application forms can be obtained by contacting the Provincial Secretary using the contact form on the home page.
Having been Consecrated in 1971, Naze Tower was having problems in recruiting new members as well as retention of those existing ones. Sadly with insufficient Master Masons from the surrounding Craft Lodges coming forward to join, Naze Tower's membership gradually declined until it reached the ultimate low of just four members. Despite some admirable support from other North Essex Mark Lodges, it was becoming impossible to sustain the Lodge and they resolved to hand in their Warrant.
At the 11th hour, however, with the support of the management of Frinton Masonic Centre and local Craft Lodges, and some hard work from "the four" a final recruitment drive resulted in a steady flow of master masons, including Board members, being Advanced into the Lodge. From these humble beginnings, the Lodge has recovered and the current membership stands at around 20 with another 4 candidates in the pipeline. The PGM is extremely pleased and impressed that, with some hard work and stubborn resolve he can announce a real success story for the Lodge and our Province.
During his visit on Wednesday he was proud to be able to thank all the members and the visitors for their help and support in saving the Lodge. He was also able to thank, and reward the three remaining members of the original four (W.Bro Keith Wilbey, the 4th member, had, sadly, passed away a few weeks ago) with a field promotion and first appointment.
W. Bro. Mike Scott and W.Bro. Tony Woodcraft were promoted to Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden, and
W.Bro. Brain Mardle was given a first appointment to Past Provincial Grand Inner Guard. All three were presented with aprons and collars from the Province to the delight and acclaim of all present.
All this was also made much more enjoyable because the Lodge had two candidates for Advancement, Bro. Terry Sweeney and Bro. Peter Ferris were Advanced to the Honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason in a superb and entertaining Ceremony (somewhat more entertaining because Bro. Ferris, having borrowed an apron from his wife, a MMM in a woman's Lodge meeting at Eastwood, found that she had a much smaller waist than he thought and some "hasty extension" was called for and found!).
All finally retired to a fine festive board before retiring in peace, harmony and brotherly love.
If you are a Craft Master Mason living in and around the Frinton or surrounding, and looking to extend your knowledge in Masonry, the Naze Tower Lodge now meets twice a year (until numbers can support a third) on the 3rd Wednesday in November and the 4th Wednesday in May. Details of the Secretary and application forms can be obtained by contacting the Provincial Secretary using the contact form on the home page.
The PGM with the three remaining members of " the gang of four"
The PGM with Provincial Officers, members and guests of the Lodge
