Members of Prince Leopold, Doric and Parkfield Lodge No 1588 and regular visitors were most pleased to receive David Durling as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews at the 2024 installation meeting where Ezra McGowan was proclaimed as master once more and for a third and ensuing year.
The meeting, held at the Urmston Masonic Hall, was well attended, and David was accompanied by grand officers Mike Adams and Chairman of the South Eastern Group Gareth Jones, along with acting Provincial grand officers and Provincial grand officers, group officers and visiting brethren.
The lodge meeting commenced, and Ezra having progressed the business of the lodge, the juncture on the summons arrived where Roy Eaton, acting director of ceremonies for the night, rose and proclaimed Ezra as master of the lodge for what would be the third consecutive and ensuing year.
An excellent address was then given by David to the brethren of the lodge and on completion of the installation, once more rose to congratulate Ezra and all those concerned on a most enjoyable installation filled with camaraderie and good humour and on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, passed on to the lodge the best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful year, in a most courteous manner.
Ezra responded by thanking David for his congratulations and for conveying the good wishes from Mark Matthews, saying he had experienced an excellent previous year with tremendous support from the lodge brethren and other friends, but was determined that this would be his last as master (for a while at least). He then, with much pleasure, presented a charitable donation on behalf of the lodge. David accepted the donation with grateful thanks revealing a most generous contribution by way of a cheque for £250.00 made out to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
David congratulated and thanked the lodge, going on to recommend various ways in which the brethren might promote Freemasonry to the general public and assist in maintaining the viability of our Masonic Halls.
In responding on behalf of the grand officers on the first rising, the sentiments, and congratulations on the excellence of the ceremony were reiterated by Gareth.
The afternoon continued with a most enjoyable and jovial festive board and in David’s response to the toast to the grand officers, he passed on his own good wishes for a happy and healthy year to all the brethren present and to Ezra in particular, going on to say how interesting it was to meet so early in the day but judging by the number present it was quite popular.
Daivd then referred to the continuation of the Masonic journey into the Royal Arch which should be considered by all master Masons, the recruitment drive which was proving very successful and how we should be ensuring that we continue to use and promote our Masonic halls otherwise we may lose them. Finally, David thanked the lodge brethren for their warm hospitality and a very enjoyable afternoon drew to a close in peace and harmony.
Story and pictures by Ian Wood.