Page 5 - Triangle Summer 2009 Issue 6

Fifth Annual Provincial Grand Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners

for their contribution to the various items needed to complete it.
The history of our Mark Province is now being written and the
work and support of Royal Ark Mariners to the Province will make
a very interesting chapter that I hope will be an inspiration to all
the Brethren who read it.
Today I have had the privilege to invest Brethren with Provincial
Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank, an honour I confer on Past
Commanders in Somerset who make a regular contribution to
their Lodge; I do congratulate them all. (Their names appear in
the report above).
One of the features of this Assembly since its inception is an item
within the Agenda for Brethren of the Province to demonstrate a
small part of the ritual. Today I am pleased to congratulate WBro.
Derek Wilton and the 10 Members of the Provincial Lodge of
Improvement for presenting the explanation of the Tracing Board
so expertly; their names also appear above.
The “Travelling Ark” sails its way from Lodge to Lodge promoting
fellowship and goodwill and I know that it is the foundation for
creating many friendships between the Brethren of our Lodges
and I would thank our Deputy Provincial Grand Master Raymond
The meeting was held on Saturday 28 February 2009 at Nailsea Guthrie for organising and making all the arrangements for the
th
Masonic Centre under the Banner of the Somerset Commanders schedule of visits.
Lodge No. 1652. The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful One of my greatest pleasures throughout the year is to visit my
Commander, David Platten after which the Lodge rose to welcome Royal Ark Mariners Lodges either at their Installation or at a
the Provincial Grand Master, David B. Nelson escorted by the Regular business meeting and I always look forward to these
Provincial team. The PGM accepted the proffered gavel and official visits, you all make me very welcome and my journey
opened the Annual Assembly of Royal Ark Masons in due form. worthwhile especially when I can renew old friendships, and greet
The Provincial Grand Master welcomed the visiting dignitaries new Brethren as I have done this morning.
after which the roll of Royal Ark Mariners was called; all Lodges This meeting takes a tremendous amount of forward planning and
were represented. During the proceedings an explanation of the organisation in setting up the Temple and planning the ceremonial
Tracing Board was presented by ten members of the Provincial for the day. I would like to particularly thank the Provincial
Lodge of Improvement under the guidance of W. Bro. Derek Grand Director of Ceremonies Cliff Hannabuss, together with
Wilton, namely: Graham Gamble, Neil Hurcum, Andy Gray, the Provincial Grand Secretary John Morgan and the Deputy
Wayne Kelly, Sandy Kemlo, Ian Strickland, John Nicholson, Neil Provincial Grand Secretary Derek Shailer for their hard work in
Hawes, David Holder, Geoff Seaman and Eric Kellett the administration and preparation of the meeting over the last
The PGM next personally welcomed the newly elevated Royal few months.
Ark Mariners present and welcomed them to the order. Afterwards May I also thank David Platten the Commander and Peter Boice
he was delighted to invest Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank on the Scribe of the Somerset Commanders Lodge for organising the
the following W. Brethren: R. L. Newman, T. C. Burton, D. R. necessary domestic details for today’s meeting and permitting us all
Townson, C. A. Scull, P. A. Ellis and D. A. Shailer. W.Bro. Shailer to share their Installation meeting with the business of this Annual
who has served as Deputy Provincial Grand Secretary for 7 years Assembly. I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed the meeting
will stand down at the next Provincial Grand Lodge meeting at the and will take away happy memories of a successful and happy
Webbington Hotel in May. On behalf of himself and the Province, day. I do thank you for your support and your courtesy and close
the PGM thanked him for all he had done for the Royal Ark attention to this address” The PGM concluded. “May the Supreme
Mariners degree and the individual Lodges he had served faithfully Commander of the Universe guide us in all our undertakings and
during his period of Office. steer our thoughts and our personal actions in our daily lives so that
The PGM next addressed the Assembly, extracts of his address we may always reflect on the principles of Freemasonry, ensuring
follow: “Brother Royal Ark Mariners may I again welcome the we apply the strong symbolic messages embedded in our ritual,
many visitors and guests from the adjacent Provinces especially together with those other cardinal virtues so expertly depicted in
the Provincial Grand Masters who have supported me today, our lovely Order of Watchfulness, Discretion, Brotherly Love,
together with all Royal Ark Mariners who have taken the time Truth and Charity to all. Thank you Brethren”
to join us this morning. Our new Provincial Royal Ark Mariner The Assembly was closed in due form, the PGM returned the
Banner paraded into this Assembly today, was recently completed gavel to the Worshipful Commander with thanks for the courtesy
by a Brother who wishes to remain anonymous but as he is here shown to the Provincial Assembly by allowing them to interrupt
today may I thank him on my own and the Province’s behalf for his the Lodge Proceedings. There then followed the Installation of the
workmanship in making the pole and mounting the banner. I would Commander Elect John Lendon, the address to whom was given
also like to thank both Exmoor and Fidelity and Unanimity Lodges by the PGM. The day ended with a splendid Festive Board in great
spirits and camaraderie…Ed.
continued
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