John in at Jubilee
 
6th October 2017
 
It was a long time coming but John Torrance has finally been installed in the chair of a lodge of Mark Master Masons. For although John has only been a member of Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375 since 2009 he was in fact advanced into the degree 42 years ago in 1975 at Lodge Masjid-i-Suleman which is based in Edinburgh.
Geoffrey Lee, John Torrance and David I.W. Smith
Principal guest at the meeting at Ulverston Masonic Hall was Deputy Provincial Grand Master Geoffrey Lee. He was able to witness installing master David I. W. Smith install his successor in fine style. The ritual was undertaken with great aplomb being accurate in content and sincere in delivery.
Brian Davey, Bill Joughin, Peter Hampson, Rod Bennison, Peter Quirk, Arthur Robinson,
John Torrance, Geoffrey Lee, Alan Jones and Stuart Brackstone
The working tools of the degree were presented by Peter Hampson and the keystone jewel by Peter Thompson. The address to the newly installed Worshipful Master was delivered by Stuart Brackstone, that to the Wardens by Alan Jones and that to the Overseers by Russ Greenhow. Geoffrey was called upon to orate the address to the Brethren. They all added further enjoyment to what was a splendid evening.
Acting provincial officers Ian Cottam, Gowan O’Hagan and Tony Thackrah
One of the highlights of the evening was, following the inner workings, the parade back into the room of nine lodge members who bore rosettes on their aprons. Geoffrey observed that this indicated that the lodge was in good health as did the fact that all of the progressive offices were filled by members who not yet passed through the chair.
Les Preston and Ulverston Masonic Hall chairman Russ Greenhow
Lodge director of ceremonies David E. Smith received great plaudits for the work he had obviously put in to ensure such an excellent ceremony was delivered.
Good food and wine being enjoyed
To mark the occasion Geoffrey was presented with a cheque for £500 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity Fund.
Following the ceremonial part of the proceedings a superb banquet was enjoyed by 60 members and their guests in the upstairs dining room at the hall.
Peter Quirk, Stuart Brackstone and Bill Joughin
On the evening it was revealed that lodge stalwart Peter Quirk had been offered and accepted promotion to the rank of Grand Officer in the R.A. M. degree. Also present from Furness Mark Lodge No 36 was Bill Joughin who at the recent R.A.M. Provincial Assembly had been appointed to Provincial R.A.M. grand rank.
A proud Bill Jones with his citation and medal
Unable to be present was lodge member Bill Jones who was one of three Brethren to have been awarded the Provincial Order of Merit at the same Assembly. However a few days before Bill had posed for a photograph with his citation and wearing his medal at a meeting of another order. Bill has served for many years as a dedicated Almoner with both Furness R.A.M. Lodge No 375 and Philadelphia Lodge of Installed R.A.M. Commanders No 1646.
 
He commented, “It was a complete surprise when it was announced that I had been awarded the Order of Merit. I am extremely proud to be one of the first recipients of the honour and will wear the medal with huge pride.”
Words and pictures by Dave Sear