Second Degree Tracing Board Demonstration.
Tuesday 29th Jan 2013.
Presented by Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge No.880
Joint Hosted by Leyland Mark Lodge No.1002 & Aeon Mark Lodge No.1312.  
 
Fear not the Mark Degree is safe and well in West Lancashire, for the 230 Brethren lucky enough to attend this wonderful occasion it was evident for all to see. Two Lodge rooms were made ready by the combined efforts of the three Lodges involved in the presentation and the dining room prepared under the guidance of W.Bro. Neil Ward, Chairman of the hall and the Acting Prov Master Overseer.   
 
Expectations as always were high and excitement was building as those attending were dressing, 81 Craft Masons were in attendance along with 149 Mark Masons who already know the secrets this “happy” Degree has to offer its members.
 
Leyland Mark Lodge was opened in one of the smaller Lodge rooms on time and according to Ancient Tradition by the W. Master, greetings were given to the R.W. Prov. Grand Master Bro Peter Connolly followed by greetings to other Grand and Prov Brethren. The PGM was as is his right offered the gavel by the W.M. which under normal circumstances he would have accepted for a short period; however this being a special occasion and preferring to leave the business ahead in the hands of the participating Lodges he duly declined. Following this the Lodge was called off and all present retired.
    Above: W.Bro. Neil Ward Prov.G.M.O. Hall Chairman
 
During this time, W.Bro. Geoff Lee, G.J.D. Provincial Grand Secretary, (pictured left) was doing  his warm up routine in Temple One for the assembled visitors which included the 81 Craft visitors and the largest Lodge room at Leyland now lay in wait for the Mark Brethren who had retired to enter and what a stunning sight they were greeted with, completely full with Brethren from wall to wall, the bright splendid colours of Lodge banners and different regalia. The PGM then entered the Lodge accompanied by distinguished Grand and Provincial Officers and his Provincial Team.
 
Below: The brethren wait patiently
 
       
 
W. Bro. Mike Casey, WM of Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge 880 was invited to occupy the Chair and the team from his lodge took post. The Demonstration of the Second Degree Tracing Board now commenced.
 
   
 
Above: The PGM and the Team enter the Lodge
 
There were 3 main speakers describing the building of the Tracing Board and one narrator Bro Tony Farrar WM of Philadelphia Mark Lodge, they in turn were amply assisted by other Brethren who laid out the different parts relating to the board. Assisting also were Entered Apprentices and Fellowcraft's who enacted different roles in respect to its meanings.  It was clear to see how much work had been put into the presentation by all the participants; it was of the highest standard and duly received much acclaim from the PGM and all 230 Brethren present.
 
 
Known to all its members as the 'Happy Degree', you only had to look at the faces around you to realise this is so, there is a warmth of feeling from one to another and long may that be so, this was no more evident than when the PGM received wages due for his work, which he greeted with his usual beaming smile as can be seen in the photo. (It was in fact a gold chocolate coin and 5 sticks of rock)   
   
   
Above: W.Bro. Tony Farrar ADC Narrates
Above: A winding staircase
 
 
At the conclusion of the demonstration the PGM spoke on behalf of all present  stating what an absolutely stunning presentation we had just witnessed, thanking each and everyone who had not only participated but had worked behind the scenes to put the evening together. A number of the Mark  Brethren now made their way back to the called off Lodge to carry on with any normal business before closing the Lodge in due form.
 
Left: The PGM with his 'Wages'
 
Brethren then made their way to one of three bars which were opened for this special occasion to get some liquid refreshment and join in some light hearted banter and discussion about the presentation they had just witnessed. The story doesn’t end there, on being called to the Festive Board and checking the seating plan everyone attending couldn’t help but be impressed yet again on seeing the immaculately laid out dining room to seat all who had attended the meeting.. A delicious vegetable soup was followed by a Traditional Lancashire Hot Pot complete with Mushy Peas. The meal was excellent as were all the staff in attendance as always at Leyland.
   
Throughout the meal W.Bro. Ray Dainton played some delightful music on piano which was interspersed by the usual toasts; this was followed towards the end of the evening by an excellent comedian Norman Prince.     
 
 
There was the usual warmth and friendship along with happy chat in the room as we have come to expect from this wonderful Degree and it was apparent that many of the Craft Masons began to see how all feel about “The Happy Degree”.
 
The PGM on responding to his toast said what a wonderful evening had been presented and was sure that everyone present had enjoyed it as much as he had; he thanked everyone for all the hours of hard work which had been put in by all concerned.
   
He hoped that all the Craft Masons present had enjoyed their evening in the company of the Mark Lodges and said that there were no half filled in joining forms waiting for them to sign up, and no press gangs waiting in the wings, however should they see how much the members of the Degree enjoy each others company then by all means speak to the Mark Brother who invited them along as they would be most welcome to join this wonderful Degree.
 
Above: Ray Dainton entertains during the meal.
 
Right: The PGM with W.Bro. John Dean WM Leyland
and W.Bro. Stewart Seddon WM of Aeon Marks
whilst W.Bro. Revd. Graham Halsall looks on.
 
   
 Right: W.Bro. Ian Nairn, VW.Bro's Michael Clark
 
  APGM's Keith Beardmore, Deputy PGM, whilst
Tony Harrison, P.Dep. PGM and Paul Snape look on.
 
Brethren, much has been mentioned about the large gathering of masons for an evening of great enjoyment, and the photographs thus far have reflected that scene. In presenting this report we should not omit the business of the evening which was the the demonstration completed in and exemplary manner by the members of Semper Fidelis led by their WM Mike Casey and their ADC Tony Farrar along with the team.
 
 

In thanking the team for their delivery the PGM made a Special Mention of Bro's. David Kenworthy, Geoff Etheridge and Pip Hayman who delivered the verbal explanation and W.Bro. Bill Swindlehurst, Lodge DC, for all his hard work in putting the Demo together. The PGM explained the origins of the degree to the assembly and explained how it incorporated into the Masonic family in Scotland and Ireland.
 
 
   
Several photographs were taken during 'the building' and those are shown here. If you were unable to join us at Leyland, when this demonstration is repeated, and I'm sure it will be, make sure you see it first hand. Keep an eye on the website for details.
   
 
   
During his address to the brethren, W.Bro. Mike Casey made special mention of W.Bro. Leon Tax, an integral member of the team, sadly, unable to be with us on the evening.
   
 
   
   
W.Bro. John Dean, Master of Leyland Mark 1002
W.Bro. Stewart Seddon, Master of Aeon Mark 1312
   
The evening being over the Brethren said their goodbyes and filed out into the cold and windy January night to make their way home to all areas of the West Lancashire Province, feeling content having spent a wonderful evening in great company, here’s to the next meeting, Mark Well..   

                                                 
Article and Photographs courtesy of Austin Fletcher, Chris Meadows and Mike Beesley
Enjoyment provided by Mark Masonry