The Honour, Pride and Joy of a
Grand Standard Bearer
by
W.Bro. Graham T. Bailey
 
The opening of any letter is more often than not done with anticipation as to whom it is from or as to its contents. However that was not the case at the end of March 2013, when as secretary of Chorlton Mark Lodge I received a letter from Grand Mark Lodge.
 
Having previously received many such communications no thought was given to its contents, until having read it twice and checking that it was addressed to me. I then looked for the word PAST! but I finally realised I was being offered the appointment to the rank of Grand Standard Bearer.
 
Needless to say I was delighted and it was most gratefully accepted and at 11-04am Tuesday 11th June 2013, I boarded the train at Stockport for London - Euston.
 
Arriving at Great Queen Street and after leaving my case in Freemasons Hall I began to soak up the atmosphere with my travelling companion W.Bro. Christopher McNab P.G.S.D. Special Representative, in a local bar. It was clear there was a large number of Mark Masons attending as the bars and restaurants were full.
 
Right: Graham, resplendent in his regalia
 
In fact the meeting was oversubscribed and an overflow Temple with CCTV had to be used. Taking up my rightful place in the Hall (seat No53) at 2-30pm, the excitement, pride, and overwhelming pleasure of the occasion, began to hit home and this was emphasised even more so, when our Provincial Grand Master came to me, offering his congratulations and best wishes.
 
His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent was presiding and as the procession entered the Lodge my attention was drawn to the two Grand Standard Bearers knowing that that would be my duty at the next meeting of Grand Lodge.
 
The Honour Pride and Joy felt when His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent invested me with my Chain of Office was incredible. Certainly a moment to remember and one which will not be forgotten.
 
The next meeting came sooner than I had expected. At the end of June I received a letter from the Deputy Grand Secretary informing me of the Installation of the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Monmouthshire on Thursday 5th September 2013 and asked if I would be present to carry out my duties as Grand Standard Bearer.
 
The meeting was to be held at Newport Masonic Hall, Monmouthshire. With rehearsal at 9-30am and the ceremony at 11-0am. One could not afford to be late so an overnight stay was necessary.
 
The Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Benjamin Addy was the Installing Officer for the Ceremony and as this was my first outing, rehearsals were most important to ensure everything required of me went according to plan.
 
As the procession of Grand Officers entered the Temple, my place was immediately behind the Pro Grand Master, concentration being imperative as all eyes was on the procession. Two columns of Grand Officers halted in the East and turned inwards, as the Pro Grand Master preceded by the Sword Bearer, followed by myself began to pass between the two columns they turn and face East.
 
The Sword Bearer halted in front of the Pedestal and the Pro Grand Master proceeded to the North side of the Chair and I stood to the left of the Sword Bearer.
 
After the Pro Grand Master had accepted the gavel the Sword was placed in front of the pedestal and I placed the Standard to the right of the Chair and returned to the front of the pedestal where the Sword Bearer and I gave a court bow and took our places on the dais. Time now to relax a little, enjoy the ceremony and reflect on the occasion, until the Pro Grand Master retired.
 
Following my visit to Newport Monmouthshire on the 5th September 2013, I attended the meeting of Grand Mark Lodge, Freemasons Hall London on Tuesday 10th September and Sindlesham Berkshire for the Installation of the Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire on Tuesday 13th September 2013.
 
Although the meeting of Grand Lodge was a business meeting there were over 400 Grand Officers present including many Provincial and District Grand Masters.
 
The Installation of the Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire was also very well attended with more than 200 dining at lunch time. No overnight stay this time, as I had commitment the evening before. Leaving home at 4-30am and arriving at 7-55am – time for breakfast before rehearsal at 9-30am with the ceremony at 11-0am.
 

Another excellent meeting at a fantastic venue which I am sure was enjoyed by all concerned.

 

The appointment to Grand Rank is a fantastic honour on its own, but to be given the Acting Rank of Grand Standard Bearer and to be involved with Grand Lodge Ceremonies has to be the pinnacle of my Mark Masonry.

 

It is therefore with tremendous pride for my Lodge and the Province of West Lancashire that I look forward to what can only be, a fantastic year ahead.
 
Graham T. Bailey Grand Standard Bearer.
Chorlton Mark Lodge No 394
5th September, 2013