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Lord Harris Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1494

Consecrated 21 January 1978

Twinning Ceremony 12 May 2017

Friday 12 May 2017 was a truly exceptional day in the history of Lord Harris Mark Lodge. From an idea initially suggested by Bro. Alfonso Camisotti, it had been decided that the Lodge would twin with Pico della Mirandola Lodge 1896 in the District of Italy.

Much work followed and the Lodge Secretary, W.Bro. Steve Dunsdon, with others, spent many hours in the preparation and planning of the event. Many thanks are due to the two Lodge Secretaries, W.Bro. Steve Dunsdon, PAGswdB, and W.Bro. Antonio Chiappini, PGStB, District Grand Chaplain (Italy), whose hard work and determination brought the day together.  All the hard work and planning paid off as 13 Brethren from Pico della Mirandola Mark Lodge joined the Brethren of and visitors to Lord Harris Mark Lodge to witness a solemn and enjoyable Ceremony of Twinning. Much thanks must be given to W.Bro. Perri Ahmet, Provincial Grand  Director of Ceremonies, who planned and executed the event with much assistance from WBro Martyn Summers, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies and WBro Ivor Spencer, Acting Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

Before the Ceremony of Twinning was carried out, The Provincial Grand Master, RW. Bro. Archie Torrance, addressed the assembly, as did members of the Pico della Mirandola Lodge. Here, Bro. Jubin Nouri of Lord Harris Mark demonstrated his skills as an interpreter as he ensured that everyone present kept up with the addresses being made. Without Bro. Jubin, much of the event would have been lost by most present.

Much of the history of Lord Harris Mark Lodge had previously been gathered by the former Lodge Secretary, the late W.Bro. Derrick Lincoln. It was, therefore, fitting that his son, WBro Paul Lincoln, should deliver a history of Lord Harris Mark Lodge.

Everyone present listened attentively as we all learned a little more about our history. The text of W.Bro. Paul's address can be seen by clicking on the image to the right.

In return, a history of Pico della Mirandola Lodge was read out to the acclamation of all present. The text can be seen by clicking on the image to the right. With those important words having been delivered, the Ceremony of Twinning was carried out to the delight of all present.

Following the meeting, the members of the two Lodges, together with the Provincial Delegation, gathered to have a picture taken for posterity. Those seated in the front row show the distinguished company of the day. From left to right they are; W.Bro. David Jordan, Right Eminent Provincial Prior of the Provincial Priory of the Knights Templar, Kent, W.Bro. Tom Quinn, Then Deputy now Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of London, W.Bro. Antonio Elio D'Emilio, Deputy District Grand Master of the District of Rome (representing RW. Bro. Dr Fabio Venzi, District Grand Master - Italy), the Provincial Grand Master, RW. Bro. Archie Torrance, W.Bro. Mark Estaugh, Provincial Grand Master for the Craft Province of West Kent, W.Bro. Fred Brown, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Graham Higgs, Inspector-General for the District of West Kent, Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix) and Bro. Guido Iafrate, Deputy District Grand Secretary - Italy (who had also carried out much work to make the day happen). A full size image can be seen by clicking on the image below.

A traditional exchange of gifts took place. Mrs Janet Stiff had, again, worked her magic and produced a pennant of the Lord Harris crest, which was presented to the Italian delegation and is seen in the pictures below being proudly displayed in front of the banners of the respective Lodges by W.Bro. Graham Raven, PGJD, (Worshipful Master of Lord Harris Mark) and W.Bro. Domenico Macciomei (Worshipful Master of Pico della Mirandola Mark), District Grand Overseer - Italy.

This event truly demonstrated the universal nature of Freemasonry and showed how our Masonic Orders can bring people together from across the world, regardless of race (or language!). The day ended after an excellent Festive Board, where friendships were cemented and vows made to meet again. The special banquet card can be seen by clicking on the image below left.