Excelsior 359 Proclamation
 
Excelsior Mark Lodge No 359 holds their meetings at Garston Masonic Hall and on Thursday 19th it was the Installation meeting. Representing the RW Provincial Grand Master was WBro Jorge Perez the Provincial Grand Junior Warden.
Jorge and David
Among the other distinguished guest were VWBro Barry Elman and WBro Brian Povey, GStwd. Unfortunately, the Lodge is a little short on numbers and so was a bit seat of pants organisation wise, with some of the offices being agreed during the meeting. It certainly made it interesting!
 
The Master, WBro David Cairns opened the Lodge   Then all stood for the In Memoriam for Most Worshipful Bro John Herbert Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, who passed to higher service on 22nd January 2026. With the minutes approved, the acting Director of Ceremonies, WBro Derek Gaskell, announced the PGM’s Representative, WBro Jorge Perez and the Grand and Provincial Grand Offices of the procession who entered and were greeted by WBro David Cairns. Salutations were given to VWBro Barry Elman; WBros, Barry Tomlinson and Brian Povey and then WBro Jorge Perez; Prov Grand Junior Warden the Representative of the Provincial Grand Master.
Grand and Provincial officers joining
WBro Derek Gaskell then Proclaimed; WBro David Cairns Master of Excelsior Mark Lodge No 359. Then came the fun part; the appointment of the officers? WBro Gaskell gave the Wardens and Overseers addresses. The address to the brethren was given in fine style by WBro Jorge Perez. With the ceremony over WBro Jorge Perez congratulated and thanked WBro David Cairns on behalf of Provincial Grand Master for remaining in the chair.
Barry Elman with Jorge and David
The WM then presented a charity cheque which was gratefully received. With the Lodge closed it was time for a very nice dinner. WBro Jorge Perez reminded everyone that the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting will be held at Blackpool on 15th April and is open all Mark Master Masons and the letter invitation has been sent to all Mark lodge secretaries. We hope that WBro David Cairns has an enjoyable second year in office. And all the above was done and dusted by 20.30.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell