Wednesday 6th March saw a packed and busy meeting of Kent Mark Stewards’ Lodge No.1691 at Gillingham’s Franklin Road masonic Centre.
The first formal part of the day was for the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, Peter Williams, to invest his incoming Assistant Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Greg Dunham, with due and much deserved thanks having been given to W.Bro. Trevor Sharpe as he formally retired from the post after a little over two years in office.
A new chapter in the history of our wonderful Province begins and we all wish Greg, above, the best of luck with what will be his arduous work. Our Past Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Archie Torrance, was on hand to congratulate Greg, who had proposed him into Mark Masonry.
The Stewards’ Lodge is very much a service Lodge within the Province and has a long history of supporting the Province and the Order. It was, therefore, fitting that, on behalf of the Mark Province of Kent, the R.W. Provincial Grand Master received a Grand Master’s Keystone Fund Award from the President of the Mark Benevolent Fund, R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance. This is an award for the entire Province and every member can be proud of this tremendous achievement. With our Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master presenting the award to our current Provincial Grand Master, the day became very special for every Kent Mark Mason present to witness this astounding event.
It was then time to move on to the main business of the day to Install Bro. Chris Roberts as Worshipful Master. W.Bro. Chris is a very experienced Freemason, having been Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Craft Province of West Kent from 2010 to 2012 and then Deputy Provincial Grand Master from 2012 to 2018. As well as this, Chris continues to hold the position of Chair of the Board of Directors of the Westwood Masonic Centre.
The Installation ceremony was performed by the incumbent Master, V.W.Bro. Fred Brown, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master. V.W.Bro. Fred delivered the Installation to a high standard rarely witnessed. Many congratulations go to V.W.Bro. Fred, who set a high bar for Chris to follow next year.
Brethren, If you want to pay a visit to this outstanding Lodge, you have but to ask!
Words & Pictures: W.Bro. Ian Gallehawk