The recent meeting of the Warwickshire Installed Mark Masters’ Lodge No 1400 was special. Then again, aren’t all of our meetings special? What set this occasion out as truly unique was that it answered a question that no-one had, until now, thought to ask: “how many RW Brethren does it take to make a ceremony memorable?” The Master, WBro Paul Rowlands, well known to so many throughout our Constitution, felt that it was time to see what could be done. Brethren had travelled far and near to fill the wonderful temple at Kings Heath Masonic Hall to discover that the answer would appear to be 16!
WBro Paul had put together a dream team from 10 different Provinces as well as Grand Lodge. They were RWBros Stephen Rawlings (IPM), Andrew Armbrister (WM first part), Tom Quinn (WM second part), David Rawlins (SW), Phil Wills (JW), Dan Heath (MO), Eric Rymer (SO), Chris Davies (JO), Justin Parker (Chap), Philip Davies (RoM), Peter Williams (SD), Frank Spencer (JD), Andrew Lee (Secrets & Signs), George Deacon (Working Tools) & Brian Gargett (In Conclusion). VWBro Paul Barham (Tyler) & WBro Derek Walsh (IG) deputised for their ProvGMs who were sadly unable to attend. Now, the more astute readers may have only counted 15 RW Brethren. Yes, there was another in attendance – RWBro Denovan Wilson – and he acted as the candidate! As one would expect, plans for such a meeting had been long in the making and MWBro John Prizeman was due to attend and make a surprise entry as the candidate. This, very sadly, was not meant to be.
Following our beloved ProGM’s call to Higher Service, tributes have been paid the length and breadth of the Constitution. Having opened the lodge, the Master offered the gavel to the DepGM who accepted it before delivering a most sincere and fulsome to dearly departed MWBro John. Duty done, the Master conducted the usual business of the lodge including four joining members who, following their successful ballot, took the lodge membership to over 180! Those who know WBro Paul will recognise his desire to “put on a show”. This he most certainly did as he named the worthy and distinguished brethren who were to put on what was simply entitled ‘a Grand Demonstration of the Ceremony of Advancement’. Grand it most certainly was, not just because of who was participating, but also because of the quality of the work.
Another hugely important aspect of the ceremony was humour – well, we are known as the Friendly Degree!! All the participants took every opportunity to add some humour and the gentle banter was something to behold. The JO & SO both dismissed any suggestion that they had done anything wrong quite beautifully. One particular highlight of any advancement is, of course, the work of the MO but how often can one say that they’ve witnessed the Grand Secretary tell a Ruler that, in no uncertain terms, “your work is rejected”? Then there was the JW’s enthusiastic attempt to fulfil his important duty before the SD assured all present that he had indeed worked with the candidate in the “coal mines of Durham”. Throughout, it was clear that this group of hugely busy and dedicated Mark Master Masons had put in the hard work to ensure that the ceremony flowed well. Perhaps this dream team, in travelling near and far, could share the Magic of the Mark as the Grand Lodge Demonstration Team?!?
The ceremony complete, the lodge officers resumed their usual places and the WM thanked all who took part, especially the DepGM, for making it a truly unique occasion. RWBro Andrew Armbrister, ProvGM for Warwickshire, rose to his feet to propose that all those who participated be made Honorary Members of the lodge. WBro Howard Smith, DepProvGM, was delighted to second the motion that was duly approved with acclaim. He announced that, after much speculation, the next Master would be none other than the ProvGDC, WBro Tony Ball – great news greeted with acclaim by his fellow Warwickshire brethren. RWBro Andrew then invited the DepGM to present WBro Paul Mason, Warwickshire’s hard-working ProvGAlm, with a Grand Patron Diamond Award collarette and then the Master with a Grand Master’s Keystone Fund jewel, amply illustrating the lodge’s support of this splendid initiative.
The meeting closed, the assembled throng moved downstairs and around 150 brethren enjoyed a splendid Festive Board with a continued atmosphere of fun and friendship. As one would expect on such an occasion, the wine takings came thick and fast. Heartfelt toasts followed including that to the DepGM most ably proposed by the WM after which Bro Paul was delighted to present RWBro Denovan with a silver Warwickshire token and a bottle of Warwickshire gin. In responding, the DepGM thanked the lodge for its hospitality and explained just how special it had been to be taken back to his own advancement all those years ago, before proposing a warm and generous toast to the lodge. The WM, keen to reply, reiterated his thanks to all who had taken part and then announced that the alms collection amounted to nearly £900 and the raffle raised over £1400!!
So, Warwickshire had indeed wowed! And yes, we were all grateful for the help from our friends. To those fortunate to have been present, it will be remembered for a great many years. The only question is how will WBro Paul Rowlands top this – heaven knows but he’ll undoubtedly find a way! Regardless, you’ll certainly not want to miss it!!
By WBro Simon Grove, Feb 2026
