On the 24 September 2015, over 300 Mark Masons gathered at King Georges’Hall Blackburn, to witness the Installation of East Lancashire’s ninth Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Alexander Sillars McLaren. A large number of Provinces were also represented on the day, along with Heads of Orders.

Those present witnessed VWBro Mervyn F Wilson open the Lodge in a fine manner. The Gavel was then offered to the Deputy Grand Master, RWBro H Keith Emmerson who accepted. The Patent of Appointment was read, RWBro McLaren advanced, made his obligation, was installed and subsequently proclaimed. Our new PGM then appointed and invested WBro John H Smith as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and VWBro Jeffery A Huddart and WBro Anthony J Davies as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters in an excellent fashion.

 

Over 270 Brethren were then treated to an fine lunch. The occasion was marked with a present for those Grand Officers who took part in the Ceremony. The PGM thanked everyone for the fantastic support he had received on the day. He hoped the Province would go from strength to strength as it had solid foundations with a strong team in place. The PGM also paid tribute to our outgoing PGM, RWBro Keith Partington Schofield, commenting that as one chapter ends another begins.

All East Lancashire Mark Master Masons wish the new Provincial Grand Master well and as we enter a new era we know we have a PGM and his team who we can rely on for support and guidance over the coming years.