Lodge of Charity of Mark Master Masons. No.935
Masonic Hall, Bryn, Nr Wigan
 
Installation Meeting, Monday 19th February 2024
 
Another great meeting to look forward to, an extra special one for a Lodge which was really struggling and has been brought back to life, the members refused to even think about letting their Warrant dated 29th June 1934 go into extinction. With the help of several key Lodge members including one I found to be a driving force the Secretary W.Bro. Graham Corday PGJD, and all the members of the Mark Province fully supported the bold stand made by the Lodge.
In attendance was RW Bro Geoffrey Lee PGJW P Dep PGM, VW Bro. Ian Douglas Nairn PGJO P Asst PGM, several Grand Officers and Acting Prov Officers who were all welcomed by members of the Lodge. Being Installed as WMM, none other than our own Dep PGM. W.Bro. Giles F Berkley PGJD, who is always ready with that warm smile and genuine handshake to assist with anything connected to the “Magic of the Mark,” he is truly a fine example to us all.
The Meeting started on time at 6.30pm, several items were dealt with including two more joining members who were welcomed into the Lodge, the WM thanked all the members for their assistance during his year in office, then it was time for W.Bro. Giles Berkley PGJD Dep PGM to be Installed into the Chair of Adoniram, this was done in fine style by W.Bro. John Pendlebury the outgoing Master assisted by members of the Lodge.
The Treasured Warrant was presented to the W.M. Giles along with the Book of Constitutions and Lodge By Laws, members of the Lodge presented the Keystone Jewel, the Tools and all the usual Addresses were given to the WM, Wardens, Overseers and the very important address to all Mark Masons was given by R.W. Bro. Geoffrey Lee PGJW P Dep PGM. who then conveyed the greetings from our PGM Keith to the newly Installed WM along with his good wishes to all the members for another happy and successful year ahead.
The W.M. had much pleasure in presenting to Geoff several cheques for three very worthy causes, £300 to West Lancs Mark Charity Fund, £50 to Wigan and Leigh Hospice and £50 to a local children’s charity The Joshua Tree, he thanked Giles adding that they would all be well received and put to good use for the needy.
Following the meetings end the now usual pictures were taken in the Lodge room to record the event, the WM had  laid on some very welcome drinks, a really nice gesture, typical of the man, then everyone made their way to the dining room to take up their allotted places for the Festive Board.
An excellent meal was served up by the friendly and attentive hall staff, then the usual Toasts and  some very interesting responses followed along with a large raffle for the Charities. Just before closing a lovely bouquet of flowers was presented to Giles for his wife June for which he said she would be delighted to receive.
There it was another great night in the company of Mark Masons, everyone saying their goodbyes and giving genuine handshakes of friendship before setting out into the cold night air and if like me looking forward to the next meeting to meet up with friends and those I have yet to meet.  

Think about joining this Lodge of Charity, any Past Masters who have also been a Charity Steward or Almoner will be most welcome, just contact the Secretary W.Bro. Graham Corday PGJD. 9351oc@gmail.com
 
Prov Grand Mark Lodge, Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Thurs 2nd May 2024
 
Words and pictures by W.Bro. Austin N Fletcher. PGJD.
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark No. 1173