RAM Grand Assembly 2023

Somerset Royal Ark Mariners Made their Annual pilgrimage to the Grand Assembly at Freemasons’ Hall in London to witness the two Somerset Freemasons receive their Grand Rank.

This year it was the turn of Graham Jefferies and Michael Nathan.

The day started with the usual trauma of transport not going 100% to plan. However, everyone eventually made it to The Winchester (Shakespeare’s Head) – and waited for everything to blow over, whilst tucking in to a good old British breakfast. Before heading over to the Grand Temple.

The Grand Master, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent was received into the Grand Temple with gargantuan applause he open the Assembly in ample form then continued to preside over the meeting. Investing over 100 brethren.

It was also the celebration of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the founding of the Degree, which Somersets very own Thomas Dunkerley was involved in setting up. The year was very significant for the introduction of new orders and degrees as the Knights Templar, Royal and Select Masters and Most Excellent Master were also established.

Somerset Brethren played an important roll in the meeting with John Allen and Mark Golding acting as the Grand Standard Bearers.

After the meeting everyone frequented the various local hostelries, of which the Somerset Brethren went to the Prince of Wales for much needed liquid refreshed. They then made their way in to the Grand Dining Room of the Grand Connaught Rooms to enjoy the Christmas Banquet.

The Provincial Grand Master Invites you to join him at Mark Grand Lodge in March where you will find out about the top work the Mark Benevolent Fund has been doing. As always you will be welcomed at the Shakespeare’s Head, Holborn at Midday. Dining will be at a local restaurant.

To register your interest please email news@somersetmarkmason.co.uk