It was a most enjoyable evening at Ormskirk Masonic Hall to see Walter Lyon installed as the master of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511 with Assistant Provincial Grand Master Malcolm Bell as the principal guest.
Malcolm Bell was accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Frank Umbers and Malcolm Alexander, both of whom are members of the lodge, and Graham Chambers the Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group and vice chairman Stephen Dunn. It proved to be a musical evening, as the Provincial Grand Organist, Stephen Derringer was on hand to tinkle the ivories to the brethren’s much delight.
On opening the lodge in the third degree, the lodge DC, Andrew Clarke, announced that the Deputy Provincial Grand Master stood outside and demanded admission, to which the master, Malcolm Sandywell, answered that the lodge would be honoured to receive him. After the salutations to the principal guests, Walter was presented to the master by the Frank, after which Malcolm proceeded to install Walter into the chair of King Solomon in what proved to be an excellent ceremony.
The working tools were delivered flawlessly by light blue brethren, the third degree by James Clarke and the second by John Edwards, a visitor from Hardshaw Lodge No 8722 who had been invited by James, then James delivered the first degree tools.
The address to the master was given by Andrew Clarke, the address to the wardens by Malcolm Sandywell and the addresses to the brethren of the lodge by Malcolm Bell, who made a point of personally congratulating the two brethren who presented the working tools. Walter then presented the donations totalling £1,910 to Malcolm, who said they would be gratefully received by the recipients.
After the retirement of the distinguished guests, the lodge was closed in peace and harmony and the brethren retired to the dining room for a sumptuous meal provided by the chef Gary and his hard-working team. The atmosphere at the festive board was lively and in response to the toast to the grand officers, Malcolm reiterated the need to focus on recruitment and also retention of the existing brethren, not only in the Craft but also in the Royal Arch.
A raffle was held and in conjunction with the collection in the lodge room, the princely sum of £264.95 was raised for Masonic charities.