Wednesday 31st May 2023 was a tremendous day for Whitley Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 788 as they celebrated 100 years of continuous working.
Whitley Lodge of MMM was consecrated on 15th May 1923 at the Masonic Hall in Whitley Bay by the Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Northumberland, Colonel Charles Warren Napier-Clavering, assisted by his Team of Officers. It was one of the first Lodges to be consecrated after the formation of the new Mark Province of Northumberland in 1920. Sadly, almost nothing is known about the 20 Founders as the early minute books of the Lodge have been lost for many years.
For the Centenary Meeting, the Lodge welcomed the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. Raymond Arthur Walton along with a full Provincial team. The Lodge was also greatly honoured by the presence of the Assistant Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Professor Denovan Keith Wilson who was accompanied by his Director of Ceremonies V. W. Bro. John Vause P.G.J.O. After the Assistant Grand Master assumed the Master’s chair he went on to present the Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Bob Weatherston Prov.G.J.O. with the Centenary Warrant of the Lodge.
This was followed by the Oration, Service of Thanksgiving and Benediction, which was delivered in his usual exemplary manner by our Provincial Grand Chaplain Bro Gareth Davies.
The Assistant Grand Master then took the opportunity to present to the Lodge its Grand Patron Diamond Collarette in recognition of the many donations made by the Lodge to the Mark Benevolent Fund. He also thanked the brethren for their support saying how important their efforts were and how many worthy causes were helped by such contributions.
After the Lodge was closed, everyone was treated to a wonderful meal followed by a very convivial evening. It is worth noting that during the Festive Board a raffle was conducted which enabled the Lodge to present a cheque to the Provincial Grand Master for the Northumberland Mark Benevolent Fund for the magnificent sum of £350! Another tremendous achievement. The Assistant Grand Master, in his reply to his toast, said how much he had enjoyed the evening and I’m sure that everyone who attended this memorable occasion had a wonderful time.
Congratulations go to Whitley Lodge of M.M.M. No. 788 for over 100 years of Mark Masonry. We hope that the Lodge continues for many years in order to maintain and uphold the traditions and standards laid down over a century ago by the Founders.
Many thanks go to W. Bro. Ian Brown P.Prov.G.S.W for putting together and delivering the History of the Lodge during the ceremony and to everyone else who worked so hard to make it such a memorable occasion for us all and the same thanks to the catering staff at Whitley Bay Masonic Hall for the marvellous food and service.
Another evening of the ‘Magic of the Mark’.
Northumberland and Berwick upon Tweed Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners TI is the now current holder of the Travelling Sceptre from 3rd Ocober 2023
The Travelling Gavel has left Whitley Bay and moved from the furthest east of the Province to the furthest west and is now in the possession of Hexham Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1141. Perhaps it can now make its way to the far north to compete the Northumberland triangle.
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