Apologies seemed to go on for quite a while as 10 members names were read out as not being able to attend the lodge meeting. It seemed a lot yet the Lodge room felt pleasantly occupied. The March Meeting of Adoniram Mark Lodge 1065 was planned as a lecture which included a visit by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master VWBro David Hedley Thompson accompanied by several acting provincial officers of the year. It’s always a pleasure to meet the chair bearers and supporting provincial officers and at the very least put faces to names. However, I suspect that most of them are well known amongst the brethren of East Lancashire as they are always out and about in the Province supporting Lodges and events.
Adoniram Mark Lodge meets at Accrington Masonic Hall on Adelaide Street, they are a happy bunch of Mark Masons who enjoy their well-serviced bar and the delights of the Kitchen. I can heartily recommend paying them a visit.
The WM opened the Lodge and proceeded with the business on the summons, smoothly admitting the APG and deputation. The main business of the meeting was to hear a talk entitled “Mark to the ARK” which was ably delivered by W.Bro Peter Hughes, the DC of the Lodge. It transpired from the lecture that the RAM degree was totally independent of the Mark early in its development, and surprisingly the order was actually purchased for the sum of £25.00 from its self appointed Grand Master. You have to read the lecture to believe its history.
Our social board meal was a real treat, who doesn’t like cottage pie in individual pie dish accompanied with veg and roast potatoes, oh and the Rhubarb Crumble afterwards was devastating to the waistline. A raffle in aid of the 2021 Festival appeal went ahead under the Chorley Swindle rules, whatever they are. Three bottles were up for grabs which raised the ridiculous sum of £100 from the few but generous Mark Masons. It didn’t end there either, the brethren were in supportive mood and purchased the final five tickets on the Double Chance Draw Card adding a final £25.00 to the total. Luckily the winner on the evening was one of the very last purchasers.
The evening ended in buoyant mood with the members and Provincial team having enjoyed a good night of Mark Masonry, Charitable Giving, and social Camaraderie.