On Monday 13 February, the Lodge of St Mark celebrated its 437th regular meeting and the 50th anniversary of the Lodge.
In 1971, a nucleus of London and Surry Freemasons resident in Ferndown area approached Kinson Lodge with a view to forming a new Lodge. Two years later, on the 24th February 1973, the Provincial Grand Master MJS Williams conducted his very first Consecration Ceremony.
The Founding Master of the Lodge of St Mark was Reverend Alfred Smart, who was also the vicar at St Mark’s Church, Talbot Village and thus the name of the Lodge was found.
The Beginnings of a Tradition
25 years later, Master of the Lodge David Unwin celebrated the Lodges 25th anniversary with a demonstration of the Bristol workings of the third degree by Canynges Lodge. This celebration was attended by the Provincial Grand Master and his executive. This year brought with it the Lodge's 50th anniversary, and it was decided the the celebration would mirror the on in 1998.
As a consequence Freemasons from the Moira Lodge of Honour in the The Provincial Grand Lodge of Bristol attended the meeting and demonstrated a third degree with Graham Glazier, the Provincial Grand Master, acting as the candidate.
Bristol Freemasonry: A Unique History
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Bristol has been in existence since 1786 under the jurisdiction of the premier Grand Lodge, formed in 1717. The position of the City of Bristol in Masonry is unique, as it is the only City to be a Province in its own right. The formation of the Lodge was driven by Joshua Springer who had been the first Deputy Provincial Grand Master in 1786, and was 'very adapt' and 'held the foremost position amongst local Masons'. It was he who finally, after some administrative errors, obtained a warrant to create the new lodge from what we now know as United Grand Lodge of England in 1808.
Moira Lodge of Honour was eventually granted its warrant on 5th April 1809 after Springer discovered a forfeited warrant which he could use for his main objective, to create this new Lodge. The lodge was named after Francis Rawdon, 2nd Earl of Moira (1754-1826) who was Acting Grand Master of the premier Grand Lodge of England.
The Ceremony
On Monday 13th February, Freemasons Hall at Kinson, Bournemouth was packed to capacity without a seat remaining. After opening the event, Steve Chislett handed over to the Moira Lodge of Honour who performed the ancient third degree ceremony in the famous Bristol workings, which is the oldest and most unique Craft ritual used in England. Graham Glazier was of course the perfect candidate and his participation marked the occasion as extra special.
To comment on the ritual would be a spoiler for anyone who has not had the privilege to see this ancient ceremony. Keep your ears open and you will probably hear Freemasons talking about the event for many months to come. This special ceremony is a must-see for anyone who visits Bristol.
After the ceremony, the attendees had the festive board in a dining room which was full to capacity. After being fed and watered, there was a raffle and collection which raised £674 for charity.
A Buzzing Atmosphere
Nigel Middleton from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bristol said,
'We enjoyed a fabulous evening, and raised a young, enthusiastic, and promising (acting) Fellowcraft Mason to the degree of Master Mason. The fact that our "candidate" was the Provincial Grand Master for Dorset added an extra frisson to the proceedings. After the meeting we were treated to a wonderful meal, and in the presence some great company at the festive board which was buzzing. We drove home elated and excited, through a lot of fog, but with very clear memories of the wonderful time we'd all enjoyed in Dorset. From the Moira Lodge of Honour I'd like to thank everyone who attended for their kindness, the members of the Lodge of St. Mark for inviting us and entertaining us, and I sincerely hope to see many of you again. It goes without saying that anyone who'd like to attend one of our ceremonies in Bristol will be very welcome, and I'm sure I'll be back to visit you again - in a somewhat more relaxed capacity!'
