The late Mark Owen was a very keen Mason. The sincerity of his character gave him the gift of making friends. After his death, a group of his old brothers, masons, many from The Lodge of Tranquillity, petitioned Grand Lodge to be permitted to form a lodge to carry his name and perpetuate his memory.
Lodge Mark Owen was accordingly consecrated on Wednesday, 30 May 1951, in the No.1 room of the then Grand Lodge Masonic Temple, and the ceremony was performed by the Grand Master, MW Bro Frank McDowell. Included in the Grand Lodge delegation was MW Bro John Goulston, PGM, who had been a close friend and family relation of Mark Owen, and who honoured the Lodge by serving as the Foundation Immediate Past Master.
For its first year, by general agreement, the senior officers of the Lodge consisted of the seven sons of Mark and Nancy Owen, the foundation WM being their oldest son, WBro Alan Owen, who was followed into the chair by W Bro Alexander Owen.
Lodge Mark Owen has, from its inception, consisted of Brethren of many different races and religions, and the brethren have always been very proud of this. It has also been very much a family lodge of fathers, sons, and brothers.
It is renowned for the quality of its ritual work in the Lodge Room and its hospitality in the South. The Lodge serenades its visitors with the Mark Owen Welcome Song, which includes the words: “…Inspiring addresses and bright atmosphere; stay with us late, in Lodge 828, you’re welcome to share our good cheer!”. (W Bro Michael Owen)
WELCOME SONG
Lyrics by H. M. Owen
Tune: You Will Remember Vienna
With a voice that’s strong, We will sing this song.
You will remember Mark Owen,
Nights that were happy with friendships renewed
All join in singing in the happiest mood.
When the Lodge work’s done and the South begun
You will remember Mark Owen
You will recall a welcome sincere.
Inspiring addresses and bright atmosphere
Stay with us late. In Lodge “eight-two-eight”
You’re welcome to share our good cheer