A momentous day has once again graced the annals of the esteemed Grosvenor Lodge of Mark Masters. This day, is not just another tick on the calendar but a testament to the exponential growth we have been privileged to witness in recent years at Grosvenor Lodge, with our brotherhood swelling to a robust count of 24 members.
Our tradition, usually has us convene the Grosvenor Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners meeting first, followed by the Grosvenor Lodge of Mark Masters meeting. However, given the budding interest from our new Mark Masons in being Elevated into the Royal Ark Mariners, we decided to conduct the Mark Masters Lodge meeting first on this occasion.
Our meeting of the Grosvenor Lodge of Mark Masters commenced at 3 pm, with a grand welcome extended to R.W.Bro. Edward R. Garty, our esteemed Provincial Grand Master, and W Bro John Daley ProvDepGDC. We were honoured to receive the Travelling Keystone, a symbol of prestige, entrusted to a single lodge for the time being to host and protect, with a Provincial Escort.
W Bro Marcus Padman was installed as the Worshipful Master for the ensuing year, a mantle he accepted with grace and commitment. Marcus carried out the installation of new officers, with most ascending through the officer ranks in the traditional order. His satisfaction was evident upon announcing further prospective members for the coming year, each one a testament to the thriving year that lies ahead. Our Lodge took immense pride in hosting 14 distinguished guests for the Installation, marking the advent of the Keystone.
RW Bro Eddie Garty lauded our unique standing of having most officer roles held by Mark Master Masons who are yet to ascend to the chair and achieve Provincial Office.
After a brief recess, the Grosvenor Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners reconvened to short rehearse prior to the opening of the meeting with a special objective.
The Grosvenor Royal Ark Mariner meeting kicked off with a warm reception for R.W. Bro Eddie Garty, and his escort that included the Sword Bearer and Standard Bearer. The Provincial Escort comprised of numerous dedicated brethren, W Bro Terwyn Williams, W. Bro Tony Hammell, W. Bro Hosseini Aria, W. Bro Hemant Vyas, V.W. Bro Michael Crombie, W. Bro Darren Payne, W Bro John Avery, W Bro Trayton Mitchell, W Bro John Daley DepGDC, W Bro Gary Raggett, W Bro Dhiraj Makwana, W Bro Stewart Munro, W Bro Ken Gordon, W Bro Vic Burton, W Bro Harry Holloway and W Bro Rajesh Desai.
The fascinating ceremony to elevate eight Mark Master Masons from Grosvenor Lodge to the rank of Royal Ark Mariner Master Masons was conducted. This marked a heartening moment as all brothers connected in unity, their hands resting on each other’s right shoulders as they recited their oath in unison.
The meeting was impressively attended, including 7 members, 8 candidates, and 20 guests. The day reached its crescendo at a delightful festive board, filled with an atmosphere of camaraderie, conviviality, and good food. A worthy end to a magnificent and significant day, indeed.