Gary Gibson has been installed as Master of Hindpool Lodge No 1225 in the presence of 65 brethren, headed by Past Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
The ceremony took place at Barrow’s Fairfield Masonic Hall. Installing and immediate past master Paul Musgrave was completing his second period as master of the lodge, one of several acts which enabled Gary to fulfil every office in the progression on his way to the chair.
Grand Officers Rowley Saunders, Dave Kellet and Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald, were accompanied by the Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman, Vice Chairman and Group Secretary, in the persons of Alan Pattinson, Chris Gray and Tony Jackson. Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Peter Littlehales, Provincial Assistant Grand Standard Bearer Steve Murray, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Steve Ellershaw, Provincial Grand Steward Andy Baxter and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Phil Renney brought a further dimension of lustre to the proceedings.
Gary was presented to Paul to receive the benefit of installation by outgoing lodge director of ceremonies Doug Smith, who had very clearly spent a lot of time organising and practicing with the whole lodge to great effect. Paul in turn installed Gary in a very competent, polished and sincere manner, to the approval of the assembled brethren.
Immediately after being placed in the chair of King Solomon, Tony Cassells of Barrow Lodge No 3928 presented and explained the working tools of an installed master with his customary dignity and sincerity. The working tools of the three degrees were presented and explained by Paul Musgrave, Derek Forrest and Tom Shankland respectively, in a most excellent manner. The addresses were delivered by; Derek Forrest to the WM, Peter While to the wardens, Tony Harrison to the brethren of the lodge and Andy Baxter to the Stewards.
Following the addresses, Gary Gibson presented Tony Harrison with a cheque for £1,225 in favour of the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Tony thanked Gary and the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donation.
Alms collected in the lodge room amounted to £83 for Masonic charities, and the raffle at the festive board achieved the sum of £430 which will go to the Fairfield Building Fund.
