Advancement for St George 9/2/26
 
St George Mark Lodge No 553 meets at Garston Masonic Hall and for their February 9th meeting the main item of business was an advancement ceremony.  However, before the meeting could get underway a few of the officers chairs had to be filled.   Lodge DC, WBro Peter Craven asked the Lodge treasurer WBro Graham Sinden to occupy the JW chair and then a couple of visitors to help out; with VWBro Barry Elman, acting as SW and WBro Bob McMillan, (a Past APM for Cheshire), acting as MO. 
Peter with Gary and Geoff
When everyone was settled; the Worshipful Master, WBro Peter Ryan opened the Lodge.   With the Lodge opened the first item of business was an In Memoriam for Most Worshipful Bro John Herbert Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, who passed to higher service on 22nd January 2026. 
 
All stood in respect to departed merit.  The Worshipful Master then got the minutes approved before conducting a successful ballot for Bro Gary Mason.  Bro Mason was handed over to the SD, WBro Geoff Roberts after he had been admitted in the proper manner.   WBro Peter Ryan then carried out the first part of the ceremony in fine fashion.
Visitors and Members
WBro Ryan then asked another visitor, WBro Derek Gaskell to conduct the second part of the Advancement ceremony.  With Bro Gary Mason duly advanced; WBro Geoff Roberts changed hats form SD to the Deputy Special Rep for the Garston group of Mark and R.A.M  lodges and welcomed Gary to the Mark Degree on behalf of the PGM and presented him with the letter of welcome.  Accompanying the letter was a £10 off voucher for the Mark Provincial meeting in Blackpool on 15th April.  When Bro Gary Mason was seated in the Lodge and WBro Peter Ryan back in the chair, it was time to elect the officers for the ensuing year. 
Everyone  
It had been decided the WBro Ryan would remain in office for a second year and that WBro Graham Sinden would continue as the treasurer.  With all the other business complete and the Lodge closed it was time for dinner.   In response to the toast to his health Bro Gary Mason thanked everyone for their warm welcome and how much he had enjoyed the ceremony and the evening as a whole.   We wish Garry many happy years in the Mark Degree.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell