Brethren of Peace Lodge no 2269 were delighted to welcome Tony Harrison, Past Provincial Grand Master, to their lodge’s installation meeting as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
The visit of Tony as a representative having not happened for many years in this Province but due to the seniority of Tony’s rank, he was joined by Peter Littlehales to oversee the visit.
David Gomersall was ably installed into the chair of King Solomon by the outgoing master David Williamson assisted by officers and brethren of the lodge. The working tools of an installed master were delivered in style by Keith Knowles and the working tools of a master Mason were delivered perfectly by Ian Moss who is the current ADC of the lodge but who stood in on the evening as the DC due to Gary Fisher being in hospital. The working tools of the second degree were delivered faultlessly by Allan Cartwright who then at a moment’s notice also delivered the first degree working tools to the joy of the brethren gathered.
Next, the WM then appointed and invested his officers for the year ahead his son Andrew Gomersall who then rose to give his father the address to the master. Gary Smith then followed with the address to the wardens, followed by a lovely rendition of the address to the brethren presented by the principal guest Tony Harrison.
Tony then brought the greetings from Mark Matthews and congratulated all who had taken part in a memorable ceremony and wishing the David and the lodge well for the year ahead. The lodge then kindly donated over £7,000 to various local and national charities with the major recipients being the WLFC, Wigan and Leigh hospice and Christies. Tony gave thanks to the brethren of the lodge on behalf of the recipients.
The festive board followed and it was a very jovial affair at which Gary Smith presented Tony with a gavel and block from the lodge to thank him for his visit. Tony, in his response to toast to his health, added along with his thanks and congratulations also made a personal thank you to Gary for all of his hard work and commitment to him and the Province during his four years as Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies of the Province.
Following David’s response to the toast to his health in which he included a get-well message to Gary Fisher the brethren left for home with many fond memories of a wonderful night.