East Lancashire Mark Masonry celebrated a day of great pride on Thursday 29 October 2026, as Brethren gathered at Bolton Town Hall for the installation of Right Worshipful Brother Mark William Davis as Provincial Grand Master.
The occasion brought together the dignity of a Provincial installation and the warmth of friendships built over many years. It was made especially memorable by the presence of the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master, who conducted the ceremony, and by a deeply personal moment when Mark’s father, Very Worshipful Brother George Davis, presented his son’s chain of office to the Installing Officer.
Distinguished guests joined the Brethren of East Lancashire from across England and Wales and from Districts and Lodges overseas. In his address, Mark noted that 24 Provinces were represented, including 20 Provincial Grand Masters, and expressed his gratitude to all who had travelled to share the day.
A special Occasion for the Province and the Pro Grand Master
Following the opening ode, Provincial Grand Lodge was opened at 10.30 am. The installation ceremony was conducted by the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Paul Raymond Clement, with the ceremonial arrangements under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies.
The day held an additional distinction: this was the Pro Grand Master’s first installation of a Provincial Grand Master since his own installation in June 2026. East Lancashire was therefore honoured to share an important early occasion in his tenure, as well as celebrating the beginning of Mark’s leadership of the Province.
Mark acknowledged that honour in his words of thanks to the Pro Grand Master: “I am particularly honoured to be the first Provincial Grand Master to be invested by you in your reign as the Pro Grand Master.”
He also offered a personal thank you for the way the Pro Grand Master had put him at ease from the start of the proceedings, enabling him to enjoy the occasion to the full. That thoughtful kindness was a fitting accompaniment to the dignity of the ceremony.
A Proud Moment for Father and Son
One of the most moving moments of the day came when Very Worshipful Brother George Davis presented Mark’s chain of office to the Pro Grand Master. For a father to play such a personal part in his son’s installation made an already important occasion especially poignant.
The chain represented the responsibilities Mark was about to assume, while George’s involvement gave the moment a significance that was deeply personal to them both. It will surely remain one of the treasured memories of the day for the Davis family and for the Brethren who witnessed it.
In his later address, Mark returned to his father’s involvement with affection and humour. He offered a light-hearted public apology for choosing to join Manchester Keystone Lodge rather than following George into Goulburn Mark Lodge. Having spent years being known as “George Davis’s lad”, Mark explained that he had wanted to find his own path in the Mark Degree, and remembered with gratitude the late W.Bro. John Barlow, who had proposed him.
The tables, he observed, had since turned, with George now frequently being introduced as “Mark Davis’s dad”. “What goes around comes around brethren.”
That affectionate observation gave a lovely personal insight into the relationship between father and son, and made George’s part in the ceremony all the more special.
Superb Ceremonial Work by the Grand Lodge Team
The Grand Lodge team deserve particular praise for their superb work throughout the installation. Under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies, their careful handling of the proceedings gave the ceremony its precision and dignity, allowing the significance of each stage to be fully appreciated.
The processions, formal proclamations and musical fanfares all contributed to the sense of occasion. Bringing together the work of so many officers requires considerable care, and the standard of the ceremonial was a credit to everyone involved.
Mark was generous in his appreciation, thanking the Grand Lodge team for delivering the ceremonial to such a high standard and for helping to create: “a spectacle which I am sure will live long in the memory of all attending here today.”
Following his investiture and proclamation, the newly installed Provincial Grand Master received the salutations of the Brethren and greeted them in his new office.
The Provincial Leadership Team
Mark then appointed and installed W.Bro. Stephen William Bolton as Deputy Provincial Grand Master. In doing so, he recognised Stephen’s experience as a Divisional Head in a Companion Order, together with his enthusiasm and the regard in which he is held by the Brethren.
W.Bro. John Andrew Christian Porter and W.Bro. James Robert Beninson were reappointed and installed as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. Their reappointments recognised their existing understanding of the duties of the office and their continuing service to the Province.
Gratitude for Service and Friendship
After Mark had thanked the Pro Grand Master and his assisting officers, and the Grand Lodge party had retired in procession, he delivered his first address to Provincial Grand Lodge. Reflecting on 25 years of membership of the Mark Degree, he spoke of the pride he felt in looking out upon so many Brethren and friends.
He paid a warm tribute to his predecessor, R.W.Bro. John Hartley Smith, who, in accordance with protocol, was unable to attend the installation. Mark recalled John’s distinguished service as Provincial Director of Ceremonies, Assistant Provincial Grand Master and Deputy Provincial Grand Master, followed by five years as Provincial Grand Master.
He thanked John for the confidence placed in him during the previous 18 months and acknowledged the commitment that so many Brethren had seen at first hand. He also recognised the unwavering support of John’s wife, Jane, expressing the Province’s gratitude to them both.
Charity at the Heart of Provincial Life
Charitable work featured prominently in Mark’s address. Speaking of his longstanding involvement and interest in Masonic charities, he expressed his wish to continue supporting and promoting the work of the Trustees of the East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund.
He highlighted the recently announced grants of £10,000 to Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home and £5,000 to Jolly Josh Children’s Charity, before announcing further support of £1000 each for 25 food banks across East Lancashire in the run-up to Christmas.
These examples gave practical meaning to his thanks to the Brethren. Their generosity and continued support of the ELMBF were helping people in the communities around them, and Mark encouraged every member to take pride in the difference that support was making.
Working Together to Strengthen Membership
Looking ahead, Mark identified maintaining and improving membership as a responsibility shared by the whole Province. He emphasised the importance of the close relationship with the Craft and the part that every Brother could play in supporting its recruitment efforts.
That relationship was well represented on the day. The Craft Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Robert Frankl, had formed part of Mark’s escort, while the Craft Deputy Provincial Grand Master and five of the six Assistant Provincial Grand Masters were also in attendance. Heads of other Masonic Orders added their support, reflecting the friendships that connect the wider Masonic family.
Mark explained that a thriving Craft membership would also benefit the Companion Orders. To give greater focus to the work within the Mark Province, he announced his intention to appoint two uncollared Membership Officers at the next Provincial Meeting, one covering the north of the Province and the other the south.
Thanks to Those Who Made the Day Possible
Mark concluded by thanking Provincial Grand Secretary, V.W.Bro. Brendan Harte and his team for their tireless work in preparing for the installation. He also paid tribute to the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Stephen Lawlor and his team for their contribution to delivering the ceremonial in true East Lancashire style.
Alongside the outstanding Grand Lodge team, their efforts helped give the new Provincial Grand Master and the Brethren a day to remember. His final thanks were to everyone present for their friendship, their support over the years and their attendance at this important moment in the life of the Province: “Mark well brethren and may the Great Overseer of the Universe bless you all and keep you safe.”
Our warmest congratulations go to R.W.Bro. Mark William Davis, W.Bro. Stephen William Bolton and the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. We wish them every happiness and success in their service to East Lancashire.