The Mark Provincial Team made tracks to Shildon for the Hackworth Centenary. On this occasion we were honoured with the presence of the Past Deputy Grand Master, Keith Emmerson. Our own Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Mike Davies also took on duties as Keith’s Grand Director of Ceremonies for the evening.
The Worshipful Master, Chris Downey first welcomed into the lodge the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, David Hanson and his Provincial Team. He then welcomed the Past Deputy Grand Master, Keith Emmerson.
For the main part of the proceedings, Keith took the chair. He commented that when he retired as Deputy Grand Master, he thought he wouldn’t be doing events like this again. However, he was delighted to have the chance and be ‘taken off the shelf’.
Keith went on to enthuse about Timothy Hackworth, a great railway engineer from whom the Lodge takes its name. He then indicated that he had stated many times on such occasions, that Mark Masonry is to be enjoyed and the numbers attending is demonstration of this. He hopes the times of separation due to Covid are now firmly in the past.
The main business of the evening was for Keith to present Hackworth Mark Lodge with their Centenary Warrant on behalf of the Grand Master. Prior to this, Keith requested the Deputy Provincial Grand Secretary, Graham Wharton to read out the Lodge Warrant to the brethren present. This was followed by Keith’s DC, Mike Davies reading the Centenary Warrant which was then handed back to Keith. In presenting it to the Master of the Lodge, he acknowledged the fantastic achievement by Hackworth Mark in achieving their Centenary and being based in Shildon all this time.
One hundred years is a fantastic milestone for any lodge especially when that lodge is still very much alive and well. He then stated that it was his honour and pleasure to present the members of Hackworth Lodge with their Centenary Token. The members in procession proudly received their respective token from the Past Deputy Grand Master.
The Lodge then presented every visitor present with a Token as a memento of the evening and celebration of the Hackworth Centenary. Images of the front and rear are provided in the photographs above.
The formal meeting was soon followed by the festive board and drinks. It was the first time that the Past Deputy Grand Master had visited Shildon however his memories of Durham go back a long way. When on visits he ensures he makes time to chat with as many of the brethren as he is allowed to; the Directors of Ceremonies always keen to keep the proceedings moving.
In thanking Keith for his attendance, David noted that it was following his appointment that Keith had started the change for the Mark rulers to get out into the Provinces.
In responding to the toast to Keith by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, he thanked everyone for such a warm welcome. He again congratulated member of the Lodge on the Hackworth Centenary. Keith encouraged members to keep looking for friends to invite to the Mark and Mariners. In addition, if they are not in the Craft, why not invite them to join?
The Lodge presented David with cheques for £761 to the Benevolent Fund and £310 from the raffle to the 2029 MBF Festival.
For more information about Timothy Hackworth click HERE and/or HERE
For more information about the Mark Degree, click HERE