It was a great pleasure to be back at Freemasons’ Hall on Tuesday the 9th for the September Communication of Mark Grand Lodge.
A Full House at Great Queen Street
The ground floor of the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, was filled almost to capacity, with recipients, supporters, and Provincial and District representatives - a great achievement considering the transport chaos outside.
As is the usual practice, the Surrey delegation met up in Wetherspoons in Holburn for refreshments before going across to Freemasons Hall.
The Meeting
The meeting was opened by the Presiding Officer, R.W.Bro. Keith Emmerson, flanked by R.W.Bro. Francis Charles Spencer and R.W.Bro. Prof. Denovan Keith Wilson.
With items of business of Grand Lodge having been transacted, the President of the Mark Benevolent Fund, R.W.Bro. Ian Clark, rose to give a precis of Grants made by the MBF since June.
Re-election of Grand Master
The Presiding Officer called upon W.Bro. Mocky Khan, Prov.G.Swd.B. for Oxfordshire, who then gave notice that at the next communication of Grand Lodge in March 2026, he will propose the re-election of our Grand Master, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO.
New Appointments
The Presiding Officer then proceeded to obligate and install as Deputy Grand Master R.W.Bro. Prof. Denovan Keith Wilson, who was proclaimed and saluted.
The Presiding Officer then continued to obligate and install as Assistant Grand Master R.W.Bro. Peter David Williams, who was proclaimed and saluted.
Surrey Promotions
The recipients of promotion were then invested, finishing with W.Bro. Jeffrey William Hawkins, P.G.J.O., just shy of his hundredth birthday!
Congratulations to the Surrey Brethren who were promoted:
- V.W.Bro. William Raymond Barr, P.G.J.O.
- W.Bro. Perri Ahmet, P.G.J.O. (through Kent)
- W.Bro. Jack Love, P.G.S.D.
- W.Bro. Leslie Smith, P.G.J.D.
Closing Address
Following the investitures, the Presiding Officer, R.W.Bro. Keith Emmerson, addressed the meeting, extending the personal greetings from our Grand Master and Pro Grand Master.
In rounding off his address he thanked the staff at Mark Masons’ Hall for their efforts in administering to the Order and in preparing for the day’s meeting, and the Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team for the ceremonial arrangements of the day.
The Grand Secretary rose to highlight some items of other business. After a few housekeeping notes, Grand Lodge was closed and the Brethren departed to refreshment.
The Grand Secretary thanks all those who came along to attend this meeting and support Grand Lodge, and congratulates all those who received Promotion. He says that your attendance makes these meetings very special occasions for everyone.