Grand Lodge Appointments and Promotions
RWBro Stephen Roberts Invested
Asstistance for Swallow Village Hall
Burns Night and Incoming Wardens Announced
Obituary - Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Hertbert Prizeman
Retirement of the Provincial Grand Master
Mark PGL 2026 - CHANGE OF DATE
Sutcliffe Lodge MMM No. 188 receives 150th warrant
Death of V.W. Brother John Charles Board, P.G.S.O., Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master
New Provincial Ties Now in Stock
Right Worshipful Brother Stephen Roberts invested at the Provincial Grand Lodge MeetingAddress by the PGM
Distinguished Guests, Brethren all, As they say in all the best circles – I rise for the first time and is my delight and special pleasure to do so, to address this Provincial Grand Lodge and I do so with a great deal of pride, privilege and humility.
As I said earlier at the Festive Board, there are many days that pass us by – some however stay with us forever and for me, this is such a day. I shall endeavour to be reasonably brief as it has been a long day for us all. If you had asked me 30 odd years ago if I would be stood here, I would have certainly laughed at the notion – it’s been a bit of a journey to get here but an excellent and a very enjoyable one. Freemasonry as a whole has given so much to me personally and I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful organisation.
Where to start – Well there is no problem on that score really brethren as the essential start point has to be to say a sincere and heartfelt thank you to everybody, who has taken the time and trouble to be here today. Busy people lead busy lives and Freemasons tend to live even busier lives. There are many other things that we all could have been doing today but you have chosen to attend my Installation and this afternoon’s meeting. As the newly installed PGM, I certainly appreciate and value your presence and support immensely.
May I first start with a series of heartfelt thank you’s – Apologies if it reminiscent of one of those awful Oscar speeches that we have to endure but so many brethren have contributed to make this day special, that it would feel rude and disrespectful, not to do so.
Where better to start than with our Distinguished Guests as a whole, but particularly those who have stayed the course and are hanging in there this afternoon. Thank you so much for the tremendous and inspiring support you have shown to our Province today. You have all travelled long distances to be here to share the day with us and your presence has shown the depth of fraternal friendship that our wonderful Mark Masonic degree engenders and long may it continue. We always receive such wonderful hospitality when we visit you and I trust that this has in some way been reciprocated today. We certainly wish you all a safe and easy journey back to your loved ones.
Brethren, these events do not just happen – there are a multitude of tasks, which contribute to any successful day – some are large but there are many small undertakings which have contributed in their own special way, to the happy and enjoyable time that we have all experienced today – They all count. I could probably be here until midnight if I named everybody so please bear with me – as I go round the Province, I will hopefully catch up with everybody individually. Thanks to all those who assisted in the setting up of the Lodge itself, thanks to our Provincial Grand Secretary and his team for all the preparation which has been ongoing for quite a while and to our Provincial Grand DC and his team who have guided and kept us in order throughout the proceedings. I am certain that they will all go home tonight and reflect.
May I give special thanks to RW Bro. Gordon Smith for his contribution, ably assisted by V.W. Bro. Keith Robinson as the acting DPGM – Gordon. It was a real delight and pleasure to ask you to undertake that duty – I couldn’t have chosen a better and nicer person to do that job – thank you especially for the support, guidance and friendship that you have shown to me personally over the years that I have known you.
Brethren , on your behalf, may I take the opportunity to say a massive thank you to RW Bro. Steve Hallberg who has stepped down after 7 wonderful and successful years. Having served as his Provincial Secretary and his Deputy PGM, I know only too well how hard working he has been during his tenure of Office. He has led from the front throughout and leaves his own legacy, as have those who have gone before and to which I hope I can contribute and build upon. We are not perfect and are certainly not detached from the adverse circumstances that we will encounter - we will always face many problems associated with any large organisation but together I believe we can meet these challenges together and continue to move forward.
I can assure you Brethren, that it won’t be for want of trying on my part or that of any of your Executive. There will obviously be some changes but I believe in evolution, not revolution and any such changes made will only be made for our betterment. To quote an old engineering cliché – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, just improve it.
To all the Lincolnshire Mark Brethren, thank you for all your support but also for the honour of becoming your PGM and I pledge myself to serve the Mark Province of Lincolnshire and all it’s members to the best of my ability, ably assisted of course by each and every one of you, who continue to serve and contribute to your own Mark Lodges. Lincolnshire is a vibrant and strong Masonic Province with strong leadership across all our Orders so please don’t forget to support and contribute to your Craft Lodges – look after, guide and nurture your initiates, they are our lifeblood and our future advancees and the reason we are here to continue to enjoy (and I do stress that word - enjoy) this wonderful and fulfilling Mark Masonic degree – we are, after all, just continuing the Journey, which each and every one of us started in the Craft.
Brethren, may I leave you with thought on this special day – Somewhere there is a stranger who still remembers you because you were kind to them when no one else was.
Brethren, have a safe journey home and I hope to see you all soon.
The Swallow Village Hall Association ( VHA) needed financial assistance in replacing some of their obsolete equipment including a marquee, chairs and fridge costing some £5,758.
The January meeting of St. Wilfrid's Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, no.209 is renowned for hosting an annual Burns night and this year was no exception with over 80 brethren dining at a wonderful convivial evening of celebration and fellowship.
It is with much sadness that we have to inform you
that our well-beloved and highly respected
Pro Grand Master,
Most Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman,
has passed to his rest in the Grand Lodge Above.
Click HERE for the official announcement.
14th January 2026
To the Mark Brethren of Lincolnshire,
It is with a mixture of sadness but great pride I announce my impending retirement as your Provincial Grand Master at midnight on Friday 20th March 2026. My successor will be V W Bro. Steve Roberts Deputy PGM who I know you will be thrilled has accepted the office of Provincial Grand Master. I’m sure you will join with me in wishing him every good wish for a happy and enjoyable tenure of office.
It has been my great honour and privilege to serve as your PGM for the last 7 years and has been ,without doubt, the most challenging but , in turn rewarding time of my life, at times representing the Mark Benevolent Fund, at times Lincolnshire in other Provinces, and above all, you, the members of our wonderful Order.
During my time in office I have, on your behalf, presented keys to a new St John Ambulance, passed over donations to many worthy causes including the recent £25,000 to Blood Bikes Lincoln. Every time I have had the enormous pleasure to do this I have felt nothing but gratitude and pride knowing the donations are helping people and charitable organisations in great need.
Likewise, it has been my special privilege to preside over three sesqui-centenary Lodge meeting events at Remigius, John O’ Gaunt and Sutcliffe Lodges not to forget the fabulous Provincial 150th at the Lincolnshire Showground where we were able to
welcome the three Rulers of the Mark Order. A truly memorable occasion which I’m sure will live long in the memories of those fortunate enough to attend. Finally in August to Consecrate the Open Road Lodge MMM - nothing comes near what that meant for me.
I thank from the bottom of my heart each and every one of you who have given me such great support and an extra-special time in office as your ruler. I hope we will meet again soon in the not too distant future.
Mark well
Yours sincerely & fraternally,
Stephen Charles Hallberg
PGM