Page 26 - Essex Mason (Issue 92)

Mark Masonry

A Southern Star is Born on Wednesday 10th of November 2021.

It was rather wet and dreary on the morning of Wednesday, 10th November 2021 at The Square in Upminster as the
Brethren gathered to be a part of another landmark moment in the history of the Mark Province of Essex; the birth of
a new Lodge, The Southern Star Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 2026.
Landmark because this Lodge brings us to an impressive "first" fifty in the number of Lodges in the Mark Province a
testament to the energy, drive and commitment of the Provincial Grand Master, his Executive and all the Mark Men in
Essex to our Order especially given the "challenges" of the recent past.
The Brethren in attendance then filled the Temple and at exactly 11.00am the meeting began with the Consecrating
Officer entering the Temple with his escort and taking the Chair. He then appointed his Provincial Officers to assist him
and opened a Lodge of Mark Master Masons. The Consecrating Officer then addressed the assembled Brethren on
the purpose of the day. The Provincial Director of Ceremonies addressed the ProvGM. and begun what was to be an
enormously impressive display of ritual. At the ProvGDC's direction, the Petitioners stood in the East whilst the Warrant
was read by the Provincial Grand Secretary. The Consecrating Officer, together with the Provincial Wardens, carried out
the Consecration Ceremony in an exemplary manner. At this moment a Southern Star was born and began to shed its
light on the brethren there assembled.

The Lodge having been consecrated, the Provincial Grand Master then handed over proceedings to his Deputy Provincial
Grand Master, W.Bro. John Finlay, for the Installation of the Master Designate, W.Bro. Roy Kaye, the ProvGAlmoner.
At the conclusion of Installation Ceremony the Worshipful Master returned to the agenda as the Lodge then approved
its brand new bye-laws and then, under a proposition from the Worshipful Master, bestowed Honorary
membership on the Consecrating Officer and his team. The PGM. rose and
accepted this on behalf of all his assisting Officers passing on his sincere thanks to
the Brethren for the fantastic gesture.

After a short break for photographs and a very quick drink the Brethren sat down
an excellent Festive Board where the ProvGM gave an entertaining toast to the
newest Worshipful Master in the Province of Essex.

This fine day finally came to an end 3.40pm and the Brethren parted company in
high spirits with the knowledge that they are always welcome at the newest "star"
in the Province.
"Welcome to Essex, The Southern Star Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No.2026"

Zip-Wire Challenge
Zip-Wire Challenge

On the 16th of April next year, five intrepid Essex
Freemasons, who are also Essex Royal Arch and
Essex Mark members, will launch themselves into the
unknown to help launch the Essex Mark 2030 Festival.
These brave (or daft) members will perform a ZIP-WIRE
challenge at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent.
Sponsorship is in aid of the Essex Mark 2030 Festival.
The day will finish with a relaxed dinner with
left to right - W.Bro. John Finlay (DepPGM) - W.Bro. Geoff Newman (ProvGJD) family and friends at the Rochford Hundred
W.Bro. Paul Busby (ProvGSec) - W.Bro. Steve Joslin (DepProvGDC)
W.Bro. Dave Todd (PProvGStwd) - W.Bro. Les Irving PProvGSO (seated) Golf Club. Further details can be found on
the Essex Mark Website.

https://www.essexmark.co.uk/easter-eggs-travaganza.html

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