17/04/2026
The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Sussex took place on Tuesday, 14 April at The Charmandean Centre in Worthing.
After a good drive down to the sunny South Coast the Surrey delegation were pleased to be able to enjoy the coffee and get together with Brethren from Sussex and many other Provinces. There were honoured guests from many Provinces and other Masonic Orders in Sussex. By 2.40 pm everyone was seated in the Temple. Just after 2.50 pm the Brethren were called to order by W.Bro. Mark H***e, P.G.Stwd., Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, to receive the distinguished guests, including Right Worshipful Brethren and past members of the Provincial Executive.
The meeting was called to order by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, to receive the Provincial Officers of the year. The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Roger Richardson, led by the Keystone Bearer and the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, and followed by the Provincial Grand Standard Bearers, entered in procession. Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form by the Provincial Grand Master, who was saluted with seven under the direction of the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. The Provincial Grand Master then received a delegation of Royal Ark Mariners.
Before approving the minutes of the previous meeting, those present remembered the Brethren who had passed to the Grand Lodge above since the last annual meeting, including our Pro Grand Master, M.W.Bro. John H Prizeman. The Provincial Grand Master then individually welcomed the many representatives of other Provinces and Masonic Orders, thanking them for their support for Sussex Mark. After the regular business of Provincial Grand Lodge had been completed, he announced the re-appointment of W.Bro. David Brian Dumigan, P.G.S.D. as Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
After thanking W.Bro. Adrian Leonard Verco, P.G.J.D., for all he has done for the Province as Assistant Provincial Grand Master he announced that he would be appointing W.Bro. Simon Larard, P.G.Stwd., as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. W.Bro. Simon was Obligated, Invested, Installed, and Proclaimed, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Sussex.
After appointing or promoting his Officers for the ensuing year the Provincial Grand Master addressed Provincial Grand Lodge. In his Address he congratulated the newly appointed brethren and thanked them for their support. He thanked the Honoured Guests and Heads of Other Orders in Sussex for their support, and their hospitality when attending their Annual Meetings.
He congratulated those Brethren who will be receiving appointment or promotion in Grand Rank this year, as well as those Brethren appointed, reappointed or promoted today. He said how good it was to have the support of the Sussex Craft at his Annual Meeting and invited the Provincial Grand Master of the Craft Province of Sussex, Bro. Neil Austin, to receive a donation of £2,000 towards his 2028 Craft Festival. He then invited the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, R.W.Bro. George Deacon to come forward to receive a donation of £2,000 toward his 2026 M.B.F. Festival. Bro. Neil and R.W.Bro. George both thanked the Provincial Grand Master and the brethren of the Mark Province of Sussex for their kind donations.
The meeting was then called to order and closed in due form. The Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, together with members of the Past Executive, honoured guests, and Provincial Officers left the Temple in procession, greeting their guests on the way out.
The Brethren of the Mark Province of Sussex and their guests then retired to the bar. After refreshments the Brethren of the Province of Sussex and their guests sat down to a most convivial meal at the Charmandean Centre. We all agreed that it was a most enjoyable day out at sunny Sussex by the Sea.
Content Credits: Chris Eley
