University Challenge
On 3rd April members of Liverpool University Mark Lodge attended a meeting of University Lodge of Liverpool, No 4274 in order to promote the Mark Degree to Master Masons.  All the Liverpool University Masonic orders now meet at the Athenaeum Club in Liverpool and with an attendance of 44 at this meeting the Lodge room, (the Athenaeum Club Library), looked full and gave off a good atmosphere. 
The visit had been arranged by WBro Steve Walls, the PGM’s Special Rep for the Liverpool Group of Mark Lodges and WBro John Lyon-Taylor, who is the treasurer for Liverpool University Mark Lodge.  University Mark Lodge have had a challenging time for members recently and it was hoped this visit would revive the Lodge’s fortunes.
The Masonic University initiative instituted by UGLE is attracting many students across the country to join Craft but what are the options after they become Master Masons. One option is of course to join the Mark degree, but there are other options. University Lodge of Liverpool had decided to put on a presentation to promote the Mark and Royal Arch Chapter degrees as a next step for Master Masons. The meeting was held in the presence of the Craft APGM, John James.
Once the meeting was open and the other items had been dealt with, WBro Kai Hughes who is the Mentor for University Lodge of Liverpool, gave a very interesting introduction in respect to the history and foundation of the Mark and Royal Arch degrees. The talk on the Royal Arch was given by WBro Alan Moore, while the Mark presentation was a team effort. 
WBro Steve Walls opened and then handed over to members of Liverpool University Mark Lodge, the WM, WBro John Ryan; Treasurer, WBro John Lyon-Taylor; IPM, Dave Roberts and WBro Steve Freedman. After the presentations the visitors were invited to leave and enjoy pre dinner drinks.  Early signs are that it could be a successful evening for University Mark Lodge, with one possible rejoining member, a filled out application form and at least four other application forms requested and taken away.
 
It was an enjoyable and instructive meeting for all and we hope that Liverpool University Mark Lodge get some long term benefit from the night.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell