On Monday 30th June, on one of the hottest days of the year so far, over 50 Brethren gathered at the Harrow District Masonic Centre for a truly outstanding meeting of the Middlesex Installed Mark Masters Lodge, No. 1218. The warm weather was matched by the equally warm and fraternal atmosphere in the Temple, where the Worshipful Master, W. Bro Roger Tomlinson, presided over an evening filled with fellowship, learning, and exciting updates from the Province.
W. Bro Roger gave an amusing and heartfelt welcome to visiting Brethren from Installed Mark Lodges across Berks & Oxon, Kent, Surrey, and Herts, setting a relaxed and convivial tone for the evening. Among the many distinguished guests were the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro Peter J Hyde, and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters W. Bros Steve Heynes and Andrew Elliott, all of whom contributed significantly to the evening’s proceedings.
The highlight of the evening was an enlightening and well-received illustrated talk by W. Bro Andrew Farleigh, entitled “The Origins of the Mark Master Mason Degree.” In his presentation, W. Bro Farleigh expertly traced the historical roots of the Degree, exploring its early records, development, and the significance of Masons’ marks. He explained terms such as “Lewis” and “Cowan,” delved into early operative practices, discussed historical fees, and illustrated how the Degree differs across countries.
Of particular note was his discussion of Thomas Dunkerley’s pivotal role in the formalisation of the Degree and the Bon Accord Lodge’s influential efforts in preserving and promoting the Mark. His passionate plea for Brethren to embrace the Mark Degree was clearly well received, with a number of questions following the talk. In appreciation, the Worshipful Master thanked W. Bro Farleigh and announced a generous donation of £500 to his chosen charity, Friends of PMKC.
The Provincial Grand Master then addressed the assembled Brethren, expressing his thanks for their support and engagement. He outlined several key initiatives, including Tottenham Lodge No. 924 transitioning into a Saturday morning daylight Lodge, located outside the ULEZ zone, with no Capitation fee and a fish & chip lunch—designed to help Brethren continue enjoying their Mark Masonry having regard to financial or logistical challenges.
He also shared exciting plans for the creation of a special interest Rugby Lodge, which would meet at Twickenham on Saturdays, combining regular meetings with televised match viewings at Cole Court. W. Bro Andrew Elliott spoke about the proposed Nightingale Lodge, aimed at Almoners, Charity Stewards, and others dedicated to the welfare of their fellow Mark Masons.
W. Bro Steve Heynes concluded with a practical and forward-looking announcement: every Lodge in the Province will soon have access to its own secure Google Drive folder for document storage, facilitating smoother transitions when Officers change. Additionally, the Province will cover the Grand Lodge joining fees for new members who join before 31st October. The meeting closed in excellent form, and Brethren retired to the bar for refreshments before moving on to a most convivial Festive Board. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and successful evening—an inspiring reminder of the strength and vitality of Mark Masonry in Middlesex.
Details of W Bro Andrew’s talks can be downloaded HERE or he can be contacted at FarleighMasonic@gmail.com
