Adoniram Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.552
Westhoughton Masonic Hall, Peel Street, Westhoughton, BL5 3SP
Wednesday March 15th 2023. 11am
 
Set off early as usual, up the M60 on ramp and joined the inside lane didn’t stop, yes that’s correct didn’t stop, now there’s a first for everything, crept along over the high level bridge past the M62 ramp and soon joined the M61. No major hold ups even though travelling at around 40 mph soon arrived at junction 5 then on to the welcoming site of the hall.
Once inside I was greeted by several members who were already buzzing about and just about to do a run through for the meeting, as usual I crept inside the Temple, camera in hand and waited until they had perfected the running of the meeting before setting off mooching about as usual.
Downstairs a good cup of coffee and plenty of chat then it was time for the meeting to start on time at 11am, the WM offered Keith our PGM the gavel but on this occasion it was respectfully refused as he knew there was a lot to get through at this special meeting.
A dispensation was read by the Secretary W.Bro. Colin Mills PGJD, several items were dealt with then it was time for the Canon Portal Memorial Lecture entitled “The First Royal Mark Mason” delivered by V.W. Bro. Dr. Rod G Taylor PGJO. It was well illustrated and found to be very interesting by everyone present, at its conclusion it received loud acclaim.
The meeting continued at a pace and included the election of officers for the ensuing years, as soon as it ended everyone assembled for the usual photo shoot to record the occasion.
All the members and guests then made their way to the dining room and once glasses were charged took up their allotted seats, for the Festive Board. A meal was served up by the friendly and attentive hall staff, the usual Toasts and Responses followed and were all well received, including what has now become a tradition our PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore had much pleasure in announcing the Deputy and Assistant PGM’s along with the Prov S.W. and J.W. for the ensuing year.
All to soon it was all over, everybody gave their genuine handshakes of friendship and looked forward to their next meeting, let some of the pictures show you what we all know “The Magic of the Mark”
The Reverend Canon George Raymond Portal M.A. (1821-1889) was Grand Master from 1869-1873.
He was the driving force behind the formation of the Mark Benevolent Fund in 1868.
Notes for your Diary:
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge, The Winter Gardens, Blackpool 27th April 2pm. (Spanish Hall)
The Royal Ark Mariner Assembly, The Savoy Hotel, Blackpool. 19th September.
Here’s looking forward to my next Mark Meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet.
Mark Well.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No.1173