Jubilee welcome John
 
The latest addition to the ranks of Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375 is John McArthur.
 
The ceremony at Ulverston Masonic Hall was attended by several visitors. Included amongst those visitors was V.W. Bro. Paul Dixon who is, once again, the current WM of Duddon Mark Lodge based at Millom in the province of Cumberland and Westmorland. He was accompanied by W. Bro. John Greenhalgh. Both are regular visitors to the two Mark lodges in Furness. When assistant director of ceremonies Stuart Brackstone, who was in charge for the evening, realised he was short of a complete team he asked for volunteers to fill the gaps. Up stepped Paul to act as senior overseer with John taking on the role of Tyler. A nice piece of inter-provincial co-operation in the friendly degree.
Phil Burrow, John McArthur, Chris Gray and Alan Jones
Lodge WM Chris Gray handed over the reins to his IPM Phil Burrow for the first part of the advancement. Alan Jones then took over following the return of John and the deacons. They can both reflect on a job well done. I was pleased to be able to present the working tools and also delivery that final part of the ritual congratulating John on his advancement.
 
Lodge treasurer Peter Quirk put down his abacus and assumed the role of senior deacon, the incumbent being in recovery following a medical procedure. He performed his task with great aplomb.
Peter Quirk, Paul Dixon and John Greenhalgh
Lodge secretary Brian Benn had been John’s proposer into the order with Stuart seconding the proposition. Another visitor, Graham Benson of The Furness Mark Lodge, was on hand with his supply of the new provincial ties and managed to sell one to John before he had even been balloted for!
Stuart Brackstone, John McArthur and Brian Benn
Following the ceremony a simple but tasty supper of pie and peas was enjoyed. The amicable chatter and occasional laugh that filled the room exemplified the "Magic of the Mark".
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear