Members and visitors of Composite Lodge No 5382 were honoured and delighted to welcome Gareth Jones, as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master mark Matthews, to their installation meeting to witness Bernard Lloyd being installed as WM for the forthcoming year.
The meeting was somewhat overshadowed by the death of the lodge secretary Allen Wildsmith and as such, the lodge was opened in memoriam by WM Alan Kennedy and then the usual business of the lodge was dealt with quickly and efficiently. Bernard was then obligated as master elect and following this, Alan opened the lodge in the third degree and then as a board of installed masters.
The installation was then carried out with Alan installing Bernard into the chair of King Solomon in a most exemplary and sincere manner. Having been carefully placed in the master’s chair, Bernard took stock for a few moments to soak up the atmosphere and come to terms with the fact that he had become WM once more. Gareth then presented a very warm and heartfelt address to the brethren of the Lodge.
On completion of the ceremony, Gareth rose and brought the congratulations and good wishes for a happy and healthy year from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Gareth said that had Mark been present, he would have witnessed a most excellent installation ceremony and similarly, on Mark’s behalf, congratulated the installing master Alan Kennedy, for his most excellent work.
Bernard rose to respond to Gareth where he thanked him for conveying those very kind wishes, he said he was most proud to be installed as WM and looked forward to his year ahead and then presented Gareth with charitable donations by way of a cheques for; £50 made out to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £50 to ‘Together Dementia support’, £25 to Papyrus and £25 to the Lullaby Trust. Gareth thanked Bernard and the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
The meeting having ended, a very friendly festive board ensued. Gareth, in responding to his toast, commented that he hoped that the lodge would continue to grow and that Bernard would enjoy his year as WM of the lodge, now nearing its centenary year. He also reminded everyone to enjoy their Masonry and mentioned the importance of recruitment both to the Craft and to the Royal Arch and how we should all support our local Masonic halls or risk losing them for good!
Bernard responded cheerfully to the toast to the master, and all in all, a very good evening was rounded off with good cheer.