V W Bro J. Alan Armstrong - 60 years in Mark

Thursday 9th October 2008 saw 28 Brethren from the Mark Province of Nottinghamshire venture north to the Mark Province of Durham. Our destination was the Masonic Hall at Burnopfield and our motivation was to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Advancement in to Mark Masonry of VW Bro. Joseph Alan Armstrong PGSO.

The delegation from Nottinghamshire was led by our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael John Gutteridge who was accompanied by eleven Provincial Officers. It was a sincere opportunity for the Brethren of Nottinghamshire to show their support for VW Bro. Alan as he was honoured at the Installation meeting of his Mother Mark Lodge, the Elevation Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1112.

The meeting also coincided with the 60th Anniversary year of the Elevation Lodge, as Alan was one of the first candidates Advanced in the Lodge at their very first regular meeting following the Consecration.

The occasion was recognised with a ceremonial visit by the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Durham, led by the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro. James Peter Croft and supported by his Provincial Officers. Alan’s 60 Year Certificate from Grand Mark Lodge was produced and the letter of congratulations from the Pro Grand Master was read by RW Bro. Peter Croft who then invited RW Bro. Michael Gutteridge to present them to VW Bro. Alan Armstrong.

Alan graciously received his certificate and in reply thanked the Brethren and made mention of some personal reflections on his many happy years as a member of the Elevation Lodge.

The hospitality of the Durham Brethren at the festive board was most generous, insisting that all of the visiting Brethren from Nottinghamshire should be their guests. The long time friendship of the two Provincial Grand Masters was clearly evident throughout the evening and it was only fitting that our two Provinces should unite to share in celebrating these 60 years of commitment to Mark Masonry.

VW Bro Alan Armstrong had already applied himself to 30 years service to the Mark in Durham when his work brought him and his family to Nottinghamshire. Another 30 years in the Mark has now been recorded as a Nottinghamshire Mason and throughout this time Alan has been a loyal supporter of the Mark and a superb example to us all.

Both Provincial Grand Masters spoke highly of Alan’s contribution and commitment to the Mark Degree. Alan responded to his toast with some fond memories from these past 60 years and spoke of his affection for the two Provinces which have welcomed him and which he has served so well for so long.

RW Bro Michael Gutteridge presented VW Bro Alan Armstrong with a cut glass decanter on behalf of all the Mark Brethren of Nottinghamshire, something which Alan will no doubt enjoy making use of.

We congratulate Alan on his achievement and look forward to marking new milestones.

W Bro Chris Adkin Prov Dep G Sec Nottinghamshire Mark Degree