Office Bearers 2002 – 2004

R.W.M. Mark Dunn
I.P.M. Bill Murray
D.M. Kenny Davidson
S.M. Barrie Harper
S.W. Ewan Robertson
J.W. Gordon Mackay
Sec. James Conner P.M.
Tres. Doug Sheal
S.D. Neil Daniel
J.D. Derek Clark P.M.
I.G. Brad Croll
Chaplain. Malcolm Davies
S.Steward. Geoff Preston
Marshal. Kevin Smith

Mark Dunn was initiated into Lodge St. Olaf No. 1188 on 6 February 1992, and the circumstances surrounding his initiation were both unusual and memorable in equal measure. On the very same evening, his brother Andrew was also intiated into the lodge, a rare if not an unprecidented occurance, made even more noteworthy by the fact that the two brothers were business partners in their own company, aptly named Dunn Brothers. It was therefore something of an amusing irony that the “Dunn Brothers” were themselves about to become “Brothers Dunn” within the Craft.

Their professional backgrounds added a further layer of symbolism to the occasion. Mark was a skilled joiner, while Andrew worked as a builder, and the prospect of an operative stone mason taking his first steps towards becoming a speculative mason carried a significance not lost on the brethren present that evening.

Equally fascinating was the connection that had quietly developed prior to their initiation. As the brothers established their business, they had been contracted to undertake refurbishment work on the old Bank House in the village, a property owned by Bro. Gordon Mackay. Despite the close working relationship that developed during the project, there had never been any direct discussion regarding the brothers’ applications to join the Lodge, although Gordon was clearly well aware of their impending initiation.

On the night itself, Gordon — who had been working in Inverness — made a special journey home in order to take part in the ceremony. At the time serving as Substitute Master, he chose instead to stand in as Senior Deacon, thereby gaining the honour and privilege of conducting Mark through the ceremony. It proved to be an especially meaningful experience for both men, whose friendship had grown considerably during the course of the Bank House renovation.

The brothers quickly became active and enthusiastic members of the Lodge. At the first Annual General Meeting following their initiation, both were nominated for junior office — Mark as Junior Steward and Andrew as Organist — clear recognition of the positive impression they had already made within the Lodge.

Mark’s progression through the offices of the Lodge was steady and assured, culminating in his installation as Right Worshipful Master of Lodge St. Olaf in November 2002. Yet his contribution to the Lodge extended far beyond the formal duties associated with office.

Throughout those formative years, Mark’s professional skills as a joiner were put to invaluable use in maintaining and improving the Lodge buildings. He played a leading role in the upkeep and repair of the property and chaired the maintenance committee, overseeing numerous projects with characteristic diligence and practicality. His craftsmanship and organisational abilities proved especially important during the major refurbishment of the Lodge in 2005, where his leadership and hands-on involvement were greatly appreciated by the brethren.

Mark was also an active participant during the years in which the Lodge remained heavily involved in the Ythan Raft Race. He enthusiastically supported both the design and construction of the rafts entered by the Lodge and took part as crew in several races throughout 1993, 1994, and 1995. His practical ingenuity and team spirit made him a valuable member of these memorable ventures.

Beyond his practical contributions, Mark’s love of the outdoors and adventurous spirit became well known among the brethren. A keen hillwalker, he helped organise several sponsored excursions, including memorable trips to Inverie on Knoydart. During these outings, Mark often led the more energetic participants on the challenging seventeen-mile walk into the village and its famous remote pub.

The first of these Knoydart expeditions took place in 2004. On that occasion, most of the party completed the walk in, including Past Master Kenny Davidson, who at sixty-eight years of age tackled the demanding route with admirable determination. Mark and his brother Andrew accompanied and encouraged Kenny throughout the journey, ensuring he reached the destination safely — something Kenny himself later admitted he doubted he could have achieved without the steadfast support of his younger companions.

Over the years, Kenny Davidson became an important mentor and trusted friend to Mark. Their friendship deepened steadily, founded upon mutual respect, shared experiences, and common values both within and beyond Freemasonry. Such was the strength of that bond that, during Mark’s term in the Chair of King Solomon, he nominated Kenny to serve as his Depute Master — a gesture reflecting both gratitude and deep personal regard.

Outside their Masonic lives, Mark and Kenny also shared a love of the sea. When Mark acquired a share in a sailing yacht, Kenny readily volunteered as crew whenever the opportunity arose. Together they enjoyed a number of memorable voyages, including participation in the Banff to Stavanger yacht race. On another occasion, Kenny joined Mark on a voyage through the Caledonian Canal en route to Inverkip, where the yacht was to take up a new berth in the marina there. These adventures further strengthened a friendship already forged through years of shared Masonic service.

Mark also developed close friendships with several contemporaries who, like himself, were installed as Right Worshipful Masters around the same period. Among the closest of these were Andy Patterson from Lodge Leask No. 1084, Gordon Thompson of Lodge Forbes No.67 and Jonnie Elrick of Lodge Ugie No. 939  Their enduring friendships stand as a testament to the strong bonds of fraternity and mutual respect formed during that era.

Throughout his Masonic career, Mark Dunn exemplified the qualities most admired within the Craft: dedication, practical service, loyalty, friendship, and quiet leadership. Whether through his work on Lodge projects, his adventurous spirit, or the lasting friendships he cultivated along the way, his contribution to Lodge St. Olaf has left a lasting and much-valued legacy.

As a mark of the high esteem in which he was held by the brethren of the Lodge, a particularly poignant honour was later bestowed upon him. Following the passing of Past Master Kenny Davidson — one of only five living brethren in possession of the St. Olaf Distinguished Service Jewel — that same distinguished award was conferred upon Mark. In a gesture rich with symbolism and affection, Mark also became the custodian of the very jewel so proudly worn by his mentor and dear friend, Kenny. Today, the medal is worn by Mark as both a personal honour and a lasting tribute to the distinguished service, enduring friendship, and shared devotion to the Craft demonstrated by these two worthy brethren.