One word that can always be used to describe a meeting of Semper Fidelis Lodge No 4428 is sumptuous. The work in the lodge room is always spot on and the food and wine at the festive board are equally exquisite. So there were no surprises on the occasion that this fine lodge installed Roger Grocott for the second time in his Masonic career.
Roger was first installed in 1998 having been initiated into the lodge in 1991 and worked his way through the progressive offices. He subsequently became the director of ceremonies, an office he held for many years. This will, no doubt, explain how he came to take over again in such an accomplished manner.
On hand to represent the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, was David Edwards the Assistant Grand Registrar of England. David, who is an excellent ritualist in his own right, was moved to congratulate all concerned for their excellence in the installation ceremony. None more so than John Broughton, Robin Wood and Paul Dunkow for their presentations of the working tools in the first, second and third degrees respectively.
Supporting David Edward were the South Fylde Group Chairman Ben Gorry, along with grand officers Roger Perry, Mike Goodwin and John Robbie Porter. Steven Reid, Rev Canon Godfrey Hirst and Keith Jackson being officers of the lodge were already in place as immediate past master, chaplain and organist. Acting Provincial Junior Grand Deacons John Bainbridge and Russell Forsyth led a number of other Provincial grand officers on this occasion.
With the formalities of receiving these distinguished guests completed, WM Tony Smith invited Howard Monk, Derek Lewthwaite and Mike Hornby of St Anne’s Lodge No 2457 to act as senior warden, junior warden and inner guard, then swiftly moved into the installation. The master elect, Roger Grocott was presented by Nigel Bradshaw and the ceremony moved faultlessly through the various stages, with the working tools excellently delivered by the three brothers already mentioned, all of whom are junior members of the lodge, two of whom have raisings due.
Several addresses followed with that to the WM by Nigel Bradshaw, that to the wardens by Ben Gorry and that to the brethren of the lodge by David Edwards. Also of note were the presentation of jewels to the new wardens and inner guard by the installing officers, to the deacons by John Robbie Porter, to the stewards by Steven Carr and to the tyler by Kevin Porter. Most moving, as it always is at Semper Fidelis Lodge, was by Alec Sugden, who presented the Hall Stone Jewel.
With the ceremony completed, David Edwards conveyed the greetings from Mark Matthews and congratulated the brethren for the excellent manner in which the ceremony had been performed by all concerned. These sentiments were reiterated by John Robbie Porter for the grand officers and Nigel Bradshaw for the Provincial grand officers.
The lodge business was then concluded and the members and guests retired to the banqueting suite for a repast that could truly be described as sumptuous, consisting as it did of, starters of prawn cocktail or fresh fruit, followed by shoulder of lamb or haddock loin, then treacle tart with vanilla pod iced cream or tiramisu. All completed with cheese platters and port wine. Senior steward George Coulter ensured that complementary red and white wines were served throughout the meal as beer on the table is taboo in this lodge.
Responding to the toast to the grand officers David Edwards thanked the grand and acting Provincial grand officers for their support. He went on to wish the new WM a healthy and successful year in the chair. He also congratulated the lodge treasurer David Lucas on his impending appointment to the rank of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of ceremonies. In expressing general congratulations to lodge members, David again mentioned the three young brothers who delivered the working tools as well as commending the work of Julian Hale, the director of ceremonies, who’s work David referred to as being performed with accuracy and panache.
David went on to deliver ‘parish notices’ with a heavy flavour of information coming directly from Grand Lodge in London. These included quotes from the Pro Grand Master’s strategy, the importance of good publicity, the Royal Arch and the need for members to speak openly about their Masonry.
In toasting the new WM, Tony Smith told of Roger’s work with the local Round Table, Fylde Rugby Club and his work in aviation communications. Tony also related Roger’s use of what he called ‘nuggets of information’ which Roger used to help members understand how things are done in a particular way. Tony’s toast was followed by the Master’s Song, sung with his customary gusto by Godfrey Hirst, who had sung this song at Roger’s first installation in 1998.
In his response, Roger thanked Tony and congratulated him on a year and an installation of great success. He encouraged his audience to emulate Tony by going out into society and declaring their membership and enjoyment of Freemasonry. He then presented David Edwards with flowers for his partner. He also presented Tony Smith with a fine whisky decanter, as well as his past master’s jewel.
With the work done, the speeches over the evening’s festivities were brought to a close by John Nicholls, who proposed the tyler’s toast.
