“Magic of the Mark”
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Lodge No.1173
Urmston Masonic Hall 1881, Westbourne Road, Urmston
27th April 2026
 
A special meeting tonight, a long journey ahead, it must have taken all of ten minutes to reach the hall for a change, no M60 on ramp, still I find the journey is never too far to meet up with Friends in the Mark.
We were especially pleased to welcome our Dep PGM, V.W. Bro. Giles Frederick Berkley P.G.J.O. who came along to do a presentation for members of the lodge and the visiting Craft Masons who were invited into the meeting once it was called off of course. They were all welcomed and seated in good viewing positions for the presentation to commence.
Giles made an excellent job of explaining all about the reasons for the Mark Degree and how it came into existance, a short film was also shown, all in all it was well worth it and I think that not only the Craft Masons present enjoyed it but also the Mark Masons. He explained the friendship we share in the Mark, and how everyone always seems happy to meet and have a smile to go along with the genuine handshakes.
There is only one Ceremony, but it is excellent and the story in its ritual, including the Marks on stones and carvings that can be found, once you know what you are looking for, not only on very old buildings, but if you look around you will find them and of course all Mark Masons have their own Mark, I still find it very interesting after the many years I have had the pleasure to be a Mark Man. You can travel all over West Lancs and beyond and I can honestly say you will be well received in any Mark Lodge, be it as far away as Barrow in Furness, or Blackpool, Wigan, or Westhoughton, it won’t make any difference, I can guarantee you will enjoy it.
Four Craft Masons who attended immediately filled in the application forms and all the members of Flixton Shepherd Eastwood look forward to them being Advanced into our Lodge.
On behalf of the Lodge Members, we want to send our thanks to our Deputy PGM Giles who always has a smile and a welcoming handshake for everyone he meets and not forgetting the advice he is always prepared to give you, a really top-class human being and Mark Mason.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood N0.1173.   Mark Well.