A Landmark Day for Somerset Mark Masonry at the 2026 Provincial AGM
The 2026 Provincial Annual General Meeting marked a truly historic and highly significant occasion for Somerset Mark Masonry, as W.Bro Tony Guthrie was formally installed as the 17th Provincial Grand Master for Somerset by the Deputy Grand Master, R.W.Bro Prof. Denovan K. Wilson.
“I look forward immensely to visiting every Lodge throughout this wonderful Province over the next twelve months, meeting brethren across Somerset, celebrating our shared traditions, and working together to ensure Mark Masonry continues to flourish with pride, purpose and fellowship.”
Tony Guthrie
This distinguished and memorable ceremony represented far more than a change in office. It was a celebration of Somerset’s proud Mark traditions, an acknowledgement of dedicated service, and the beginning of an important new chapter for the Province under fresh and assured leadership.
Brethren from across Somerset and beyond gathered in considerable number for this exceptional occasion, with the presence of the Deputy Grand Master and accompanying Grand Officers lending both dignity and gravitas to proceedings. Made all the more poignant was the proud presence of Tony’s father, R.W.Bro Ray Guthrie, Provincial Grand Master for Somerset in the Craft and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent for Somerset in Royal Arch Chapter. His presence brought a deeply personal and symbolic dimension to an already remarkable day. Supported by family, Provincial leadership and brethren from across the wider Somerset Masonic family, this was unmistakably Tony’s day — a proud milestone not only for Somerset Mark Masonry, but for Somerset Masonry more broadly.
The installation of a Provincial Grand Master is always among the most significant moments in provincial life, and this year’s meeting carried with it a particularly powerful sense of continuity, family pride, honour and optimism.
By becoming Somerset’s 17th Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Tony Guthrie now assumes his place within a distinguished lineage of provincial leadership. His installation was met with warmth, pride and clear enthusiasm from the brethren assembled, reflecting both confidence in his stewardship and appreciation for the responsibility he now undertakes in guiding Somerset Mark Masonry into its next chapter.
The day also saw the investiture of W.Bro Darren Sinclair as Deputy Provincial Grand Master, an appointment which further strengthens the Province’s senior leadership team and provides valuable continuity, support and vision for the years ahead.
Alongside these principal appointments, the 2026 AGM also witnessed the investiture of the new Provincial team, each officer assuming their respective role in supporting the Province’s ceremonial excellence, charitable endeavours and continued development. Together, this renewed leadership structure forms the foundation of Somerset’s provincial direction moving forward.
Beyond the dignity and pageantry of the formal proceedings, the day was characterised by a strong sense of fellowship, unity and shared purpose. It served as a timely reminder that Mark Masonry continues to flourish through committed leadership, active service and the enduring bonds between brethren.
For many in attendance, this was not simply an Annual General Meeting, but a landmark moment in Somerset Mark history — one which honoured the achievements of the past whilst setting a confident and considered course for the future.
As Somerset now moves forward under the leadership of R.W.Bro Tony Guthrie, supported by W.Bro Darren Sinclair and an invested Provincial team, there is every reason to look ahead with confidence, pride and renewed determination.
The 2026 Provincial AGM will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark day — celebrating tradition, leadership, family legacy and the enduring strength of Somerset Mark Masonry.
In his closing remarks, R.W.Bro Tony Guthrie spoke warmly of the honour and responsibility that comes with serving as Somerset’s 17th Provincial Grand Master, expressing both humility and genuine enthusiasm for the journey ahead. “I look forward immensely to visiting every Lodge throughout this wonderful Province over the next twelve months, meeting brethren across Somerset, celebrating our shared traditions, and working together to ensure Mark Masonry continues to flourish with pride, purpose and fellowship.” He further reflected on the strength of Somerset Mark Masonry, paying tribute to the dedication of its brethren and expressing his commitment to building upon the Province’s proud legacy with unity, visibility and renewed energy in the year ahead.
Article and Photos Craig Harding
