Giles and David make surprise visit to Southport Mark
 
Thursday 1st November 2018
 
Earlier this month a fairly unusual event took place in Southport Mark. The Lodge was delighted to Advance Bro. Richard Gillett into Mark Masonry.
Richard Gillett, Operative Stone Mason, joins the Mark Degree!
Nothing particularly unusual about that you may say but Richard, the current Master of his Craft Lodge, is an Operative Stone Mason working at Liverpool Cathedral! As such he, of course, has his own unique Stonemason’s Mark. His Proposer Bro. Tony Baker, the Lodge Senior Warden, is also a retired Stonemason so also has his own Mark.
WM Norman Jones welcomes Richard, now a Mark Man
When Tony was Advanced the PGM of the day, Peter Connolly, with the consent of Mark Grand Lodge, agreed to the slight amendment in the ritual which allowed Tony to confirm that he had indeed chosen a Mark when he had been passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft.  Our current Provincial Grand Master, RWBro. Keith Beardmore was delighted to follow this precedent.
Giles Berkley & Dave Emmerson had a wonderful evening
The Provincial Grand Master’s Special Representative WBro. Maurice Evans, a Southport Mark member, suggested that a “Chain” may like to attend this special event and WBro. Giles Berkley PG Stwd, AProvGM, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro. David Emmerson needed little persuasion.
Provincial DC Dave Emmerson with Lodge DC Chris Hamilton
Only a select few were in on the secret (a need to know basis) so the healthy assembly were greatly surprised by the sudden appearance of David who informed the Brethren that the AProvGM was “without and demanded admission”
Harry Cox was a personal guest of Richard!
After the appropriate enthusiastic Salutations, the Advancement Ceremony was able to proceed.
Tony Baker presented a special keystone to Bro Richard
The Worshipful Master, Bro Norman Jones was greatly impressed with the quality displayed in the execution of the work when receiving Richard’s Mark, this being produced on a beautiful piece of polished stone. The WM, of course, acknowledged Bro. Richard as a Mark Man and the usual Ceremony creating him a Mark Master Mason proceeded in a near perfect manner with all who took part displaying great skill in the Ritual. All present were truly impressed as was the Candidate. Credit must be given to the Director of Ceremonies WBro. Chris Hamilton PProvGReg. who was justly proud of his team.
A truly special token!
A very convivial Festive Board followed and, when proposing the Toast to Richard, Tony Baker presented him with a miniature Key Stone bearing the Candidates Mark which he had fashioned – a really nice touch.
Words by Maurice Evans and pictures by Giles Berkley