A first for Met Grand Lodge as London Mark donates £50,000
On 1 November, history was made when the London Mark Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by a small delegation, was paraded into Metropolitan Grand Lodge wearing their Mark regalia – the first time ever this has been allowed.
The delegation of Tom Quinn, Marios Styliandes, Stacy Harman, Symeon Ververidis and Peter Lawrence was proudly escorted into the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall to loud applause from all the Craft Brethren and their family members – who also were allowed to attend for the first time ever in the new London and London Grand Rank Investiture format.
The reason for this special occasion was to allow Tom and the delegation, on behalf of the London Mark brethren, to present to Sir Michael Snyder a cheque for £50,000.00. The gratefully received cheque was made up from donations by London Mark brethren generously given to the charity Bike Ride this summer which, in turn, is going towards the ‘Up Against Time’ Appeal – supporting the purchase of two new air ambulances for London in 2024.
After Tom’s speech and presentation of a London Mark tie to the Met Grand Master, Sir Michael formally thanked the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons and all its members for the donation, cementing the ever-growing bond between the Mark and Craft. The delegation then took their seats at the dais to witness some of the brethren proudly receive their London Grand Rank, including Tom Quinn’s well deserved field promotion to Senior London Grand Rank in recognition of his work in bringing the Mark and Craft closer together.
After forming part of the delegation out, everyone enjoyed themselves at the more informal drinks reception afterwards to finish off a great day.
Words by Stacy Harman ProvGChStwd
