150 not out

On the 12th May 2022, a Provincial Mini team visit led by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master Andrew Moule, attended the Marquess of Ripon lodge No 1379 for a very special meeting at Darlington Masonic Hall, to mark their 150th Anniversary with Michael Shaw representing the Chapter.

Once the lodge was opened, the Provincial team paraded in and took their seats. The evening started with a presentation from Ian Kirkbride entitled “The Foundation of the Marquess of Ripon Lodge 1379”; Ian described how members from Darlington’s oldest lodge,  Restoration 111, decided to create a New lodge. The founding members wanted to call the new lodge St Cuthberts, but this name was rejected and after several name suggestions like Enterprise or Energy, the founders decided upon the then Grand Master “The Marquess of Ripon” as its new name.

Karl McCoubrey, the lodge secretary then stood and then read the lodge minutes from the first meeting held on the 4th April 1872.

Next Ian Whitfield delivered a presentation entitled “World and local events of 1872”.

Then “The Marquess of Ripon – The Man” was presented to all in attendance. This presentation talked all about who the Marquess of Ripon was and his life story, which is featured in full if you use the link below.

Life story of “The Man”

Then Karl read the lodge minutes from 100th Anniversary 13th April 1972.

After the lodge was, closed everyone retired to the festive board, where,  after a hearty meal, replies to the toasts were given by Martin Jameson and Paul Swansbury thanking the Marquess of Ripon lodge on their excellent celebratory evening and for allowing the team Deputation to be a part of the occasion. Lee Hadland gave thanks on behalf of the visitors.