The Provincial Grand Master was guest of Moseley Lodge to present Doug Barkess with his 50 years of service certificate. The special occasion would see the Provincial Team descend on Birtley Masonic Hall.
Before the presentation, the brethren were treated to a stylish and entertaining rendition of the Mark Degree Tracing Board. This was delivered by Lee Puchala and George Young of Dunelm Mark Lodge.
The Provincial Grand Master, David Hanson was delighted to be ‘the messenger’ in presenting the 50 years’ service certificate to Doug. David was keen to point out that the certificate was from the Grand Master himself. It was his pleasure and privilege to present it on his behalf.
Doug is a well-known Mason, particularly in the northern area. He was Initiated into Sincerity Lodge in December 1970 and raised in May the following year. He was first Worshipful Master in 1981 and most recently in 2021. He has held many offices in the Lodge from Secretary for 14 years, Charity Steward to Membership Officer and Benevolent Representative. He was awarded Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden by Provincial Lodge in 1989.
Doug also joined the Chapter, being Exalted into Norman Chapter in November 1982. He was their First Principal in 1991 and again in 1999. He has been Scribe for 13 years and was awarded Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 2013 by Provincial Grand Chapter. He previously held the ranks of Past Provincial Grand Sojourner and Past Provincial Grand Registrar.
In Mark Masonry, Doug was Advanced into Moseley Mark Lodge in February 1973 and became their Master in 1985. Doug was promoted in Mark Provincial Grand Lodge to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1989. Then in 1996 and 2008 he received promotions to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer and Past Provincial Grand Senior Overseer respectively. In 2001, Doug was rewarded for his service with Grand Mark Lodge honours and the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer.
David thanked Dough for his service, commenting that he is a stalwart of Mark Masonry in Durham and particularly Moseley Mark Lodge. He then requested The Provincial Secretary, Allan Gurney to read the certificate before he presented it to Doug. There was a rapturous round of applause and salute.
At the festive board, there was a toast and presentation made by Doug’s good friend Jim Harris.
Before the evening ended, the Provincial Grand Master presented the Worshipful Master with their 2029 Festival Bronze award.