East Lancs Mark Masons

16/10/2026

Check out the latest Freemasonry@86 update - nice to see two of our latest charity donations in this weeks newsletter.

This week’s Freemasonry@86 News update! 📰 Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the Freemasonry community and gain insights into the Companion Orders’ activities. 🌟 Read the full newsletter by clicking here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/196tgzH339kAgOiX8OaRWG7OocETrwRgr/view?usp=sharing

14/10/2026

🔷 A Magical Evening of Mark Masonry at William Romain Callender Lodge No. 136 🔷

Tuesday 7th October proved to be another memorable evening at Bury Masonic Hall, as the Brethren of William Romain Callender Lodge No. 136 gathered for a wonderful evening of Mark Masonry, friendship and fellowship.

The occasion was made all the more special by the attendance of W.Bro. James Beninson, making his first pastoral visit in his capacity as Assistant Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by W.Bro. Steven Lawlor, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

With 18 Brethren in attendance, the Lodge enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere, demonstrating once again that it is not the size of a gathering that makes an evening special, but the friendship, enthusiasm and genuine affection shared by those present.

One of the highlights of the evening was a fascinating and thought-provoking paper delivered by V.W.Bro. David Brown on the Mark Keystone. His presentation provided an opportunity for the Brethren to reflect upon the rich symbolism, history and deeper meaning of this important emblem within our wonderful Order.

It was a fitting reminder that Mark Masonry is not simply about our ceremonies and traditions, but also about the lessons we continue to discover and the knowledge we share with one another throughout our Masonic journeys.

For W.Bro. Beninson, the evening marked a particularly special milestone as he embarked upon his first pastoral visit, and what better way to begin than amongst Brethren enjoying everything that makes our Province so special.

The evening was filled with warmth, companionship and that unmistakable spirit of Mark Masonry which brings us together as friends and Brothers.

A sincere thank you to the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of William Romain Callender Lodge No. 136 for their wonderful hospitality, and to V.W.Bro. David Brown for his excellent presentation.

Another magical evening in East Lancashire, reminding us all why we are so proud to be Mark Master Masons.

🔷 Mark Well! 🔷

📸 TSM

02/10/2026

What a remarkable evening and what a privilege to witness it.

Last night, Brethren witnessed something that many of us may only ever see once, if at all, during our Masonic journey.

St. Andrew’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 34 and Salford Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 994 formally came together to become Salford St. Andrew’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 34.

The evening began magnificently with Provincial Grand Lodge parading into the Lodge, before our Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master conducted what was a truly memorable amalgamation ceremony.

There were many special moments, but the words delivered by our Provincial Grand Chaplain, W.Bro. Roger Fielding, were undoubtedly one of the highlights of the evening and captured beautifully the significance of what we were witnessing.

With the amalgamation complete, another new chapter began as W.Bro. Michael Clare was installed as Worshipful Master before investing his new team of Officers.

And there was even a surprise for our Provincial Grand Master and Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who were proposed as Honorary Members of the newly amalgamated Lodge!

There was a real sense throughout the evening that we weren't simply attending another Lodge meeting - we were witnessing Masonic history being made.

Two proud Lodges, each with their own history, traditions and memories, have now come together to begin a new journey.

We wish W.Bro. Michael Clare, his Officers and all the Brethren of Salford St. Andrew’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 34 every success for what promises to be an exciting future.

Two proud histories. One Lodge. One future.

23/09/2026

🎉 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP MARK! 🎉

What a wonderful evening in Middleton as Friendship Mark Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of continuous working of the Mark Degree.

The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Hartley Smith, was delighted to attend, accompanied by the full Provincial Executive and a Provincial Deputation, joining Brethren and visitors for this very special occasion.

The evening celebrated some of the remarkable Brethren who have shaped Friendship Mark over the past five decades, together with the Lodge's tremendous record of friendship, service and charitable support.

Having achieved 50 years of continuous working, the Lodge was also presented with a Certificate of Recognition from the Most Worshipful Grand Master - a wonderful acknowledgement of this significant milestone.

And what better way to celebrate the past than by also looking to the future?

The evening saw the Installation of a new Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Georges Makosso, beginning another chapter in the story of Friendship Mark!

👏 Congratulations to the Worshipful Master and every Brother, past and present, who has contributed to the first 50 years of this very special Lodge.

Here’s to the next 50! 🍾

18/09/2026

🎉 50 years in Mark Masonry and a very special honour for Peter!

On Wednesday 16th September, we had the pleasure of accompanying the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Hartley Smith, to celebrate W.Bro. Peter Hugh Adamson’s 50 years in Mark Masonry.

Advanced in Lodge Randolph No. 776 in Scotland on 1st April 1976, Peter has enjoyed five decades of Masonic friendship and service. From serving twice as Worshipful Master of Rose of York Lodge No. 1010 to his exemplary support of Provincial delegations, his commitment to our Order has been warmly appreciated.

The Provincial Grand Master looked back over Peter’s life, from semi-professional football and RAF service to running pubs and winning darts championships - alongside his many Masonic achievements.

Peter received commemorative certificates and a 50-year lapel badge, but the celebrations did not end there. The Provincial Grand Master, to the surprise of all who were present, also promoted Peter to Past Provincial Grand Junior Warden! Peter was then escorted around the Lodge to receive the acclaim of the Brethren. 👏

On behalf of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of East Lancashire, congratulations, Peter, on your golden anniversary and well-deserved promotion!

Here’s to many more happy years among friends and to celebrating your 60th! 🥂

16/09/2026

The Friendly Degree in the Friendly Province.

This Page is the public home of Mark Master Masons in East Lancashire.

Ceremonies are warm, the atmosphere is sociable, and the lessons are practical.

The Mark has been worked here for more than 150 years. There are over 75 Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodges across the Province.

Curious about the The Mark Degree? Message this Page or visit eastlancsmark.org.

We will point you to a Lodge near you.
Take care and Mark Well.

09/09/2026

🔴 A PROUD DAY FOR EAST LANCASHIRE AT MARK GRAND LODGE 🔴

What a fantastic day we had at Mark Grand Lodge, with 25 Brethren from East Lancs Mark Masons making the journey to London to support our Brethren and enjoy what proved to be a very special occasion.

We were immensely proud to see four East Lancashire Brethren receive promotions in Grand Rank:

🔴 V.W.Bro. Brendan Harte, PGJO
Past Grand Junior Overseer

🔴 V.W.Bro. Paul Holt, PGJO
Past Grand Junior Overseer

🔴 V.W.Bro. Michael Shaw, PGJO
Past Grand Junior Overseer

🔴 W.Bro. Martin Caller, PGJD
Past Grand Junior Deacon

It was particularly special to see Brendan, Paul and Michael receive promotions which see them become Very Worshipful Brethren – a wonderful achievement and fitting recognition of their commitment and service to Mark Masonry.

Our warmest congratulations also go to Martin on his promotion to Past Grand Junior Deacon, another richly deserved honour.

It was also great to see W.Bro. Stuart Hughes in his active rank as Grand Steward presenting those receiving Promotions to the Pro Grand Master.

Having 25 Brethren from across the Province there to share in their success made the occasion all the more memorable.

And, as is so often the case in Mark Masonry, the ceremony was only part of what made the day so enjoyable. The friendship, camaraderie and good humour at the Social Board were absolutely superb. Old friendships were renewed, new ones made, and there was certainly plenty of laughter along the way!

Days such as these are a wonderful reminder of what makes the Mark so special – celebrating the achievements of our Brethren whilst enjoying the friendship and fellowship that bind us together.

Congratulations once again to Brendan, Paul, Michael and Martin. You have done yourselves, your Lodges and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of East Lancashire very proud. 🔴

15/06/2026

💙 Supporting a Remarkable Local Charity

W.Bro. Colin Bodimeade recently presented a cheque for £500 to Francis House Children's Hospice on behalf of the members of Manchester Keystone Lodge No. 745.

The donation will help support the incredible work carried out by the hospice for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Another example of Mark Master Masons making a difference in their communities.

If you would like to find out more about Francis House you can visit their website - https://www.francishouse.org.uk/ - here you can see just how much work they do for the local community and how valuable that is 💙