The Keystone Connection
 
The second Tuesday in the month is the usual day for Blackpool Lodge 1476 to hold its regular lodge meeting and on Tuesday 8th. of October Blackpool Lodge was invited to host a presentation entitled The Keystone Connection. The Keystone Connection is a presentation delivered by The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent in and over The Holy Royal Arch Province of West Lancashire Companion James Anthony Harrison and The Provincial Grand Master for the West Lancashire Province of Mark Master Masons Right Worshipful Brother Keith Alan Beardmore, unfortunately on this occasion The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent wasn’t available and his Deputy Excellent Companion Paul Renton Past Grand Sword Bearer took his place in the debate.
At 6.30 pm Blackpool Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master Brother Grant Thornburrow who completed the domestic and administrative items on the agenda. And closed the Lodge. The stage was then prepared for the presentation. Excellent Companion Renton introduced himself and Right Worshipful Brother Beardmore  and then each in turn explained what thy thought the aims of the presentation were. Each presenter in turn gave a resume of the history and origins of their respective orders and where they thought their order was in the Masonic Structure. An interesting exchange of views took place from both presenters. As a finale each presenter gave their own personal history and career in their order then opened the floor for Questions.
It appeared that most present were either in the Holy Royal Arch or the Mark Degree or as many were both. A point that was evident was that the Holy Royal Arch and Mark degree were in harmony and not conflict as of course it should be. This was the second time this presentation has been delivered and the next time will be to a mainly light blue audience, should be interesting.
Worshipful Brother David Randerson  Past Senior Grand Deacon of the United Grand Lodge of England Assistant Provincial Grand Master responsible for the Blackpool Group of Lodges gave thanks to the presenters for a very informative and thought provoking presentation, with acclamation from the Brethren.
Words and pictures by Ernie Gavan