On Friday, 23rd May 2025, Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58 crossed the River Tweed into Northumberland with their Mark Degree Team. With permission granted by both the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Grand Mark Lodge of England, they were to demonstrate the Scottish Mark Degree to their English Mark Brethren—an historic occasion believed to be the first time in the Lodge’s history that a degree had been worked under a Sister Constitution.
In the beautiful setting of the Temple at Ashington Masonic Hall, fourteen Brethren from Lodge Kelso & Tweed entered the Northumberland and Berwick upon Tweed Lodge of Mark Masters Time Immemorial. Also present were distinguished members of the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Northumberland, headed by their Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Bro Ray Walton.
The meeting was opened by the Master of Lodge Kelso & Tweed, Bro Graeme Forsyth, following the customary Craft Lodge format. The Gavel was then passed to Bro Bill Heaney PM, WJW, who assumed the Chair as Mark Master and conducted the ceremony of the Mark Degree. Bro Tom Weatherston was subsequently advanced to the Honourable Degree of Mark Master by the Degree Team, after which he was formally welcomed and presented to the assembled Brethren.
Upon completion of the ceremony, the Master, Bro Graeme Forsyth, congratulated Bro Bill Heaney PM and the Degree Team on their excellent work. He then returned the Lodge to the Immediate Past Master of the Northumberland and Berwick upon Tweed Lodge of Mark Masters Time Immemorial, W.Bro John Spearman, and thanked him for the opportunity to demonstrate the Scottish Mark Degree. As a token of appreciation, he presented two Mark Tokens from the two former Kelso Lodges—the Lodge of Kelso No. 58 and Tweed Lodge of Kelso No. 261.
Before retiring, fraternal greetings were exchanged. The Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro Ray Walton praised the Degree Team for their exemplary work which was enjoyed by all present. A response was given by Bro Andrew Forsyth PM on behalf of Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58, and in his capacity as Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Scottish Borders, and also offering fraternal greetings from the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Following the meeting, seventy Brethren enjoyed an excellent buffet, accompanied by toasts and salutations befitting the occasion. In response to the toast to the newly advanced Brother, Bro Weatherston expressed his gratitude and shared how much he had enjoyed the evening in such a splendid setting.
The highlight of the festive board was the popular “Numbers Raffle,” which, after much spirited bidding, was won by our own, Bro Euan Heard. The raffle raised over £300.
With our gratetful thanks to Bro John Murray for organising this event and Bro Dale Hall PM for the photo shoot.
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WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH
Friday 9th May 2025 – Special Meeting
Kelso Lodge Rooms, Tyle 7.00pm:
Business:
Kelso & Tweed working a 3rd Degree for Lodge St John Jedburgh 104.
Fund raising night for our Local Charities
View our Calendar of Meetings
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