Morecambe Lodge of Mark Master Masons  No.716
Centenary of the Lodge
Monday 11th April 2022
 
A great evening to look forward to, a Lodge celebrating 100 years, now this doesn’t happen every week and I’m sure all its members are delighted to have reached this milestone.
Set off early as usual, up the on ramp to the M60, couldn’t believe it no hold up having said that it was only 3pm, on we went on to the M61 then the M6, again virtually  no hold ups that is until we left the motorway, quite a backup due to an accident at a roundabout, ah well before too long we were off again. Now it was hunt the car park, we found a big one just round the corner from the hall, only about five cars parked up, I did think this is strange but I soon found out why, when I checked the fee, now due to the Corona Virus apparently the same tarmac which has been there for quite a few years has suddenly risen to £8, I had to get the smelling salts out, ah well I’m going to have to get a part time job.
Walked round to the Hall, a member soon let me in, you are immediately facing a flight of steps which takes you upstairs, it does have a chair lift if needed, there you will find the Temple, Dining Room with a nice bar and robing rooms. Quite a few members and visitors were already standing around having a good old chin wag, this of course includes our PGM Keith who must be one of the most approachable PGM’s in the country. the atmosphere was buzzing.
 
The special meeting commenced right on time at 6pm, several items were dealt with including the re-election of the W.M. Bro. Christopher C. Butterfield to stay in office for another year then it was time to receive the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers into the Lodge.
The D.C. presented the PGM to the WM who offered the gavel which on this occasion Keith said he would be delighted to accept for a short time so as to introduce the members of the Executive and the Acting Provincial Officers to everyone present.
The time had now arrived for a truly mementos occurrence to celebrate the Centenary of the Lodge, W.Bro. Andrew Dickinson PGSD the Provincial Grand Secretary read out a beautifully illuminated Warrant to commemorate the occasion and can be displayed at every future meeting. At this point normally all the members of the Lodge would be presented with a Special Centenary Jewel however they couldn’t be physically presented due to a delay in them being produced however the PGM asked for all the members of the Lodge to come forward and be congratulated individually which was a really nice gesture. I’m sure that the jewels will be worn with pride once they do arrive in Morecambe.
Once everyone had been congratulated the PGM with a twinkle in his eye said that he could see that the W.M. was itching to resume his seat (not) and was happy to return the gavel to him.
V.W. Bro. Geoffrey Bury  read out a brief history of the Lodge which was Consecrated on Monday the 4th October 1920, there is not a lot known about the early years even though members have searched high and low the documents cannot be found, even so it is known that many distinguished Mark Masons have been members of Morecambe Mark Lodge, the closing remarks from Geoffrey were “Morecambe Mark Lodge” has enjoyed 100 years of Mark Masonry, is in good health and looks forward to a further 100 years even though I may not be around to attend the 200th Celebration.
There followed loud acclaim. the WM thanked Geoffrey for his presentation and was then very pleased to present a cheque to the PGM for the Mark Charities, Keith said it was for the magnificent amount of £716, the Lodge number and that it would be well received and put to good use by the needy.
Before retiring from the Lodge Keith had one more surprise, this time it was for W,Bro, Peter Mason PGJD, a member of Garnett Mark Lodge, he had much pleasure in presenting him with a lapel badge to mark his 50 years as a Mark Mason, the actual meeting to present his certificate had already taken place but nevertheless he was delighted to receive the lapel badge from Keith which he said he would cherish.
Now the time had come for the PGM to retire from the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand officers, on leaving the Lodge we gathered outside and on closing re-entered for the usual photo session to record the event. Once the pictures were taken everyone made their way to get some liquid refreshment before taking up their allotted places for the Festive Board.
 
The usual Toasts and Responses were given and well received, I’m sure a great time was had by all present, the Provincial Tyler W.Bro. Ernest Gavan PGStdB gave the last toast of the evening and that was it, all over. Everyone said their goodbyes and the genuine handshakes of friendship were given, I made my way back to the £8 car park and for a fleeting moment I thought I’ll sit here for a couple of hours and get my monies worth, (only kidding) here’s to our next merry meeting of the Magic Mark Degree to meet up with old friends and those we have yet to meet, remember your only a stranger once.
 
Words and pictures Austin N Fletcher, PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. No.1173