It was in 1948 that the first Corby Masonic Lodge was consecrated in nearby Kettering. It was some 20 years before a base was found in Corby. However, since then, Corby has seen a further 5 Craft Lodges formed along with 2 Royal Arch and numerous side degrees.
Many Corby masons have received Provincial and Grand Officer promotions in the past 76 years. One thing had not yet been seen in Corby and that was a Corby Lodge having a PGM sat in the East.
Well , that particular wish has now been fulfilled when RW Bro Mark Constant was installed as the Worshipful Master at Ferraria Lodge #8489 on Tuesday 17th September 2024.
The PGM had joined Ferraria Lodge in 2018 , a little time following his appointment as the Senior Group Officer for the area.
In his response to the visitor’s toast WBro Ryan McPherson, WM of Lodge of St Giles 8736, described the evening as a little like “David Beckham turning up to play in the local 5 a side team”! Whilst it may have seemed like that to some, everyone involved with the evening seemed to take everything in their stride and deliver a fantastically relaxed, enjoyable and friendly evening. There was a great atmosphere from start, with the lodge members and visitors warmly welcoming the official visitor for the evening, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro David Burton, escorted on this occasion by the Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Ian Wilson. WBro David Burton was delighted to have the opportunity to present a sincere and genuine Address to the Master, as RW Mark Constant had delivered to him on a previous occasion.
The RW PGM sincerely thanked the Installing Master, WBro Steve Seward who was required to stand in at the last moment due to both the WM and IPM being unavailable on this occasion. In the toast to the WM, RWBro Mark Constant was thanked on behalf of the lodge for taking the time to fit being the WM into what is already a very busy year ahead. During his response, the RW PGM not only thanked the lodge for their confidence and support but also WBro David Burton for his part in making the evening a truly memorable one.