Temperance Mark Lodge 774 Sep 18
 
Temperance Mark Lodge No 774 held their first meeting of the new season at Woolton Golf Club on 18th September. When the acting DC, WBro Mike Winterbottom PGSD, (who is the PGM’s special representative for the Liverpool area); had filled all officers places for the meeting, the Worshipful Master WBro Derek Gaskell PProvGJD opened the Lodge.
WM Derek Gaskell and Candidate David Aitken
When the domestic business of the Lodge was out of the way, a successful ballot for a new member was held.   The ceremony had to be on time or the lodge would not eat that night because the candidate David Aitken is the caterer at Woolton Golf Club, (and now also at Liverpool Masonic Hall at Hope Street).   Inner Guard Bro Steve Cornwell announced the candidate to the WM.   Bro Aitken was then placed into the care of the Senior Deacon Bro Bob James by the WM for the rest of the ceremony.
Derek Gaskell, David Aitken and WBro Mike Winterbottom ,Special Rep
This was only Bro James second advancement ceremony as Senior Deacon and he did an excellent job with the candidate.   On the other hand the Overseers, WBro Tony Cross, MO; Bro Doug Lace, SO and Bro Ian Jackson, JO; were not so kind to the candidate and the acting Junior Warden WBro Mel Cross was positively hostile to Bro Aitken at one point.   But as with all things in the friendly degree it all turned out alright in the end.
Senior Deacon Bro Bob James with WM, Bro Aitken and Mike Winterbottom
At the end of the ceremony the WM had the pleasure of handing Bro Aitken a letter of welcome to the Mark Degree from the PGM.   Lodge Secretary WBro David Anderton PJGD then informed the WM that he would record the Lodge’s thanks to those visitors who took part in the ceremony; VWBro Eric Hughes PGJO and WBro Mel Cross PGJD.  In the Risings WBro Gaskell congratulated WBro Mel Cross on his promotion to PGJD and WBro Tony Cross on his grand rank of PAGDC.   WBro Anderton the Lodge secretary then explained to the members about the Provence’s new Royal Ark Mariner, (RAM) initiative of having a RAM ambassador for each Mark Lodge.   Temperance Lodge’s RAM ambassador will be WBro David Anderton PJGD, (a very wise and popular choice).   WBro Mike Winterbottom also promoted the Liverpool Mark Lodges Social Evening which is to be held at Hope Street, Liverpool on 26th January 2019.
WBro Tony Cross PAGDC and his Dad WBro Mel Cross PGJD
The Lodge was then closed in due form and on time so that Bro Aitkin could dash down and check on dinner.  At the festive board the new leaflet produced by Province entitled: ‘Enrich your Masonic experience - Join the Friendly Degree’ was distributed to members, so that they can pass them out in their craft lodges to try and encourage craft members to join the Mark Degree.
VWBro Eric Hughes, joins in
Members were also reminded of the Mark Ball to be held on Saturday 27th October.  We wish David a long and happy time in Temperance Mark Lodge and the Mark Degree in general.
Words by Derek Gaskell Photos by Mike Cunliffe.