Excelsior Mark Installation
 
Excelsior Mark Lodge, No359, held their Installation meeting on Thursday 20th February at Garston Masonic Hall.  
David Carines & Barry Tomlinson
Representing the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master was WBro Steve Walls.  Also attending was WBro Steve Lyon the PGM’s Special Rep for the Garston and his deputy WBro Peter Craven.  The Worshipful Master, WBro Barry Tomlinson opened the lodge and carried out the Lodge business before he greeted WBro Walls and the salutations were given. 
Steve Walls & David Carines & Barry Tomlinson
It was then time for the acting DC, WBro Derek Gaskell to present the Master Elect, Bro David Cairns for the ceremony of Installation.   WBro Barry Tomlinson worked a first class and enjoyable ceremony.     It was very nice to see VWBro Derek Horrocks back in Lodge after his recent bouts of ill health and this allowed Derek to present the Keystone Jewel to the Master.   Yes, it was David Cairns special night, but the hero of the night was WBro Harry Billing. 
Harry Billing & Derek Horrocks
After presenting the Working Tools, Harry then gave the three addresses; Master; Wardens and Overseers!   All these were done in exemplary fashion.   When all the officers had been appointed, WBro Steve Walls gave a faultless address to the Brethren.  It was then time for WBro Steve Walls to bring the congratulations of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master to WBro David Cairns for taking the chair. WBro Walls also gave the PGM’s congratulations to WBro Barry Tomlinson for a first class and enjoyable ceremony.
A quartet of Special Reps
WBro David Cairns then presented a charity cheque to WBro Walls and it was gratefully received.    In the risings, WBro Steve Walls presented a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro James Topping.    Afterwards the Worshipful Master closed the Lodge for the first time.
WM & James Topping & Steve Walls 
At the festive board in response to the toast to his health, WBro Steve Walls, besides giving out the parish notices; Steve gave his congratulations to three of attendees on their upcoming appointment and promotions; WBro Roger Boyle on his first appointment to Provincial Grand Junior Deacon and WBro Tom McLaughlin who will be promoted to Provincial Grand Junior Warden.  
Derek Gaskell & Peter Craven
Also being promoted is WBro Peter Craven, who is deputy Special Rep for the Garston Group who is to receive the rank of Provincial Grand Senior Warden.   This appointment and the promotions will take place at Provincial Grand Mark Lodge, which will be held at Blackpool Winter Gardens on 8th May, 2025.    
The Master
Congratulations must also go to WBro David Jones who is Excelsior Mark Lodge treasurer, but due to unforeseen circumstance had to act as secretary and organise the meeting and find someone willing to act as the DC.  He also acted as photographer. Well done to Dave. 
Dave Jones 
We wish WBro David Cairns and Excelsior Mark Lodge a great summer and successful 2025/26 season.
Words and pictures Derek Gaskell and pictures by David Jones.