R.W.Bro. Barrie R. Mansell District Grand Master
Welcome!
Right Worshipful Brethren, Distinguished Brethren, Dear Brethren and Friends all,
Welcome to the 2026 Assembly of the Mark District of Spain. It is a genuine pleasure to see so many of you here today, and once again we can say that attendance has exceeded expectations. Another bumper year speaks volumes about the health, enthusiasm and commitment of the Brethren of this District.
Many of you have travelled considerable distances to be here, from across Spain and from beyond our borders. Your presence today is deeply appreciated and reflects the strong bonds that exist within our Order.
I offer my sincere congratulations to all those Brethren appointed, promoted or re-appointed today. These honours recognise past service, but they also represent trust and expectation. I look forward to working with you during the coming year and thank you for your continued dedication.
I would also like to congratulate members of the District who received Grand Honours last year. Terry Porter and Mike Baker were promoted to Past Grand Junior Overseer; David Wynn received Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies; and Mike Brown and Frank Wallace were awarded Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.
I am sure you would like to join me in congratulating those Brethren on their achievement.
This year we have much to celebrate. Certificates have been presented to Brethren marking 25, 30 and 50 years of service—an extraordinary testament to loyalty and quiet commitment. At the same time, it is particularly encouraging to see Brethren attending today who have joined the Order within the last six months, including two who are barely a month into their Mark journey. You are our future, and your early involvement bodes well for the years ahead.
Membership figures remind us to remain realistic but optimistic. Mark membership is slightly down, largely due to one Lodge being placed in abeyance, yet the overall average Lodge strength remains stable, which is something to be proud of. We also celebrated the 25th anniversaries of Eivissa and San Juan Mark Lodges in 2025—proof that solid foundations, laid well, endure.
Royal Ark Mariner Masonry continues to show positive momentum, with year-on-year growth and the welcome return of two Lodges from abeyance. This is no accident; it is the result of effort, encouragement and belief in the value of the Order.
Much of this success is supported quietly behind the scenes. The Secretariat continues to work actively and consistently to keep Brethren informed and connected through newsletters, social media and the District website. Good communication strengthens engagement, and I am grateful to all involved.
Brethren, what we see today is the result of collective effort. It is built on service, fellowship and a shared desire to see this Order flourish. I thank you all for your support, your friendship and your commitment.
Before I close, I would like to offer my personal thanks to a few people. Michael Shilan has once again carried out his duties as Treasurer with care, reliability, and good sense, and I am very grateful for the work he does on our behalf. I would also like to thank Bernard Smith for his many years of devoted service as District Almoner. Bernard now steps away from that role, but the support and kindness he has shown over the years have meant a great deal to many, and to me personally. Gerald Hales has been our organist for many years but now has to step back due to health problems. We will miss his enthusiastic playing. Finally, my sincere thanks go to everyone who has worked to bring this Assembly together. Your time, effort, and willingness to help are deeply appreciated.
Enjoy the remainder of the day and the companionship that follows. For those travelling home, I wish you a safe journey, and may the Great Overseer of the Universe bless and keep you until we meet again.
May every stone we lay, individually and together, continue to strengthen the foundations of Mark Masonry in this District.