Provincial Grand Lodge
29 May 2025
Chelmsford Race Course
…….was again the venue for our prestigious annual event bringing together the Mark Men of Essex and beyond. And what an occasion it was.
Firstly, though Brethren, given the venue’s very nature I will resist the opportunity to make any reference to the Sport of Kings or any racing-related quotes at this time, hopefully!
|
Onto the business of the day and what a day it was. Starting the day in glorious sunshine it was truly a day to remember; the venue bathed in Meridian Splendour as Mark Men began arriving from very early morning in anticipation of the meeting. Guided into the car park by Hi-Vis clad Mark Men and onto the reception area where the early risers were treated to coffee and bacon rolls, both consumed amongst good conversation and laughter as good friends are inclined to do, great testament to the closeness, friendliness & camaraderie the Degree engenders.
|
|
Suitably refreshed, the short walk across the concourse to the marquees stirred rising excitement at the thought of what the agenda had for us all.
We were not to be disappointed.
|
As has become a great part of our Province, the Mark Shop was doing some sparkling business as the morning went on and was constantly surrounded by not just Essex, but Mark Men from far and wide, ‘store manager’ Chris Smith, ably aided & abetted by Brian Wright being kept very busy, your author even being a very satisfied customer on the day! Interesting to note that Chris tells me he has been sending out purchases through the shop to many other Provinces and even to Scotland, only the postage costs meaning that overseas enquiries could not be met but I’m sure Chris will find a way to realise purchases to foreign climes!
|
As the clock moved toward 1pm, it was not just our own Grand & Provincial Grand Officers taking their places in the Lodge Room, but we were graced by the presence of around 42 Provincial Grand Masters, Heads of Orders & Representatives from the many Provinces of the Mark Degree from around the UK. What a privilege to host such Merit & Distinction.
At 1pm precisely, the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. John Finlay accompanied by his Deputy V. W. Bro. Richard Goodwin, Assistant Prov. G. M’s John Stannard & Geoff Newman processed into the Lodge Room to resounding applause.
Opening the Lodge, The Prov. G.M. took great pride and pleasure in welcoming the many VIP guests to Essex knowing mutual friendship was clearly evident throughout the many attendees.
Minutes of the previous meeting confirmed, we paid respect to Departed Merit so respectfully fulfilled by the Deputy Prov. G.M. calling the names of those now called to Grand Lodge Above.
|
Moving through the business items on the agenda taking us to the appointment of the Provincial Treasurer. As such, the Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to the outgoing Treasurer, Clive Snell who had served the Province well for the years he had been in post, gratitude shown by the assembly by warm and respectful applause. The Provincial Grand Master was delighted to Appoint W. Bro. Brian Dack as Treasurer, once again to warm applause.
|
|
Receiving the report of the Provincial Almoner the Provincial Grand Master informed the assembly that after 10yrs in the role W. Bro. Roy Kaye is stepping down. His successor was to be W. Bro. Paul Firmin and as Assistant Provincial Almoner W. Bro. Barry Coombes. The Provincial Grand Master took the opportunity to give thanks to W. Bro. Roy for his outstanding service in the role which was greeted by a round of applause in token of appreciation.
|
|
|
The Provincial Charity Steward W. Bro. Peter Maloney gave his report after which the Provincial Grand Master gave his thanks, gratitude and respect for his efforts on behalf of the Province, again greeted by applause from the assembly.
Now, did I previously mention how successful our Mark Shop was? In case you missed it, Chris Smith presented the Provincial Grand Master with a cheque for £4100 for Festival2030 which, by any standards is a tremendous donation for the Festival and, from this initiative, incredibly worthy indeed, well done Brethren for supporting the Mark Shop, your contribution is realised, worthy and most gratefully received.
The Provincial Grand Master went on to Appoint, Invest & Promote the Provincial Grand Officers for the year and rightfully, those assembled saluted and then greeted those worthy Brethren with a round of applause as befits due merit!
The Collection for the Essex Mark Benevolent Fund followed and through the hymn my mind was given to thinking as to why we give so freely, so readily to those in need knowing that our charity will be so appropriately applied to those in need……….Brethren, I came across this, a small offering, but large and rich in impact, where would we be, what would we do if we didn’t think like this, combine this with our morality, principle and simple generosity;
When you lose your compassion for those in need, when you cast aside your capacity to care, then the qualities that once allowed you to rise above and the virtues that once made you human are gone.
How true is that……
The Provincial Grand Master addressed the Brethren and although the full address is attached to this web report, I will precis the key elements here. Assuring the Brethren the address will be shorter than usual, he went onto state that although re-appointed as Assistant Prov. G. M. W. Bro. John Stannard had informed him that he wished to stand down at a time suitable and convenient for the Provincial Grand Master and the Province. Sadly, this request was acceded to, and it became the Provincial Grand Masters duty to inform that W. Bro. Rob Sandy (current Prov. Grand Secretary) will become W. Bro. John’s replacement, a worthy successor indeed and a Mason whom has served the Province well.
|
Brethren, W. Bro. John has been a great servant to Essex Mark, Freemasonry in general and to the Provincial Grand Master in particular. Serving for 3yrs as Provincial Grand Secretary and then in his current Office as Assistant Prov. G. M. for several years since, unselfish devotion, coupled with his quintessential quiet and conscientious manner, is evident in plain sight and is a true mark of the man. I cannot think of a better way for my own part as author with poetic licence, to pay tribute to John but to paraphrase Robbie Burns in that;
Rank is but the guinea stamp, the gold is the man himself |
|
It is fair to say that every Mark Man present showed their gratitude for W. Bro. John Stannard being a part of their Masonic lives. Good Luck Sir!
The Provincial Grand Master was extremely gratified by the work being undertaken for Festival2030 under the guidance & Leadership of the Deputy Prov. G.M. V.W. Bro. Richard Goodwin and the Festival Committee, many events being planned and communicated in support which is hoped will be well attended, but not all are 100mph Zipline trips Brethren! Good luck to all taking part, those Magnificent Men (and Women) in their Flying Machines! Now that’s above and beyond expectation indeed Brethren!
|
A most pleasurable presentation followed, and this was to the winner of the “2025 Essex Keystone Lecture”. The Provincial Grand Master announced that Bro. Jack Meleady was the worthy recipient of this prestigious award which was even more outstanding given Bro. Jack has been a Mark Man for just some 3yrs, well done to you Jack!
|
Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed in due form and solemn prayer and the Brethren moved onto the Festive Board at which over 240 Mark Men dined in Peace, Love & Harmony as befits the Order.
For the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Essex another year has passed, a first year for the Provincial Grand Master, a very happy, successful and joyful year under his Leadership, coupled with a strong Executive in support to all across the County.
As a Province we clearly have a positive outlook going forward, I look forward to seeing a packed PGL in 2026!
Oh, I almost forgot but, did I say I wouldn’t mention anything related to the Sport of Kings?
Well, I didn’t did I, got odds of 50/1 for that!
PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO
Posted 30/05/25
