Due to the resignation of the master the lodge, the lodge was opened in due form at 6.00pm by Brian Cunliffe. Following the normal business of the lodge and prior to Brian recessing to join the Provincial representative’s procession, he placed regular visitor Michael Melling of Freshfield Lodge No 8165 into the master’s chair.
The director of ceremonies Ken Meath then sought permission to leave the lodge and, on his return, he announced that the Provincial representative David Hawkes, with Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Graham Chambers accompanied by Thomas Lovett, Brian Cunliffe and others awaited outside the door of the lodge and sought admission.
Following salutations, the presenting officer Kenneth Meath presented master elect David Maher who, after reaffirming his obligation, was installed into the chair of King Solomon for the third time. David in turn invested Brian Cunliffe as his immediate past master whilst Michael Melling continued as the evening’s installing master.
The third degree working tools were delivered by Michael Melling, the second degree working tools were delivered by the senior warden David Sullivan and the first degree working tools were delivered by John English, with all being delivered in an excellent manner. The master’s address was then presented by David Sullivan, who was later himself addressed as senior warden with fellow junior warden John English by Tom Lovett. This was followed by the senior and junior deacons Philip Christian and Dale Harrison consecutively receiving their individual addresses at the pedestal whilst being invested with their collars by the master. Inner guard Michael McCulloch who is now on his own pathway to the master’s chair was then addressed by acting Provincial Grand Steward David Lyon. Following his appointment as director of ceremonies, Graham Ashmore continued with the ceremony.
The address to the master was then given by Michael Melling and the address to the brethren of the lodge was then expertly given by David Hawkes, who went on to congratulate the installing master and DCs on their flawless ceremony as well as the brethren of the lodge on the parts they had undertaken. He brought the best regards of Mark Matthews, especially to the new master and hoped that they all enjoyed the splendid evening and the coming year of his mastership.
Prior to David sitting, the WM rose to present David with three cheques to the value of £400 for the benefit of Operation Smile, West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and Litherland Masonic Hall. Other charities consisting of the local foodbank £300 and Motor Neurone Disease £150 had also been supported, all of which David said were very worthy causes and he thanked the master and brethren for their very generous donations on behalf of himself, Mark Matthews and the eventual recipients.
During first rising, the secretary William Hunter announced that a Grand Lodge Certificate had been received for Dale Harrison which Graham Chambers was pleased to explain both its importance and some of its meanings to him. It was duly signed at the secretary’s table and delivered to the master who then formally presented it to Dale.
Following the first rising, alms were collected for the benefit of the lodges future charitable giving and the procession of grand, Provincial grand, acting Provincial grand officers and guests then regressed for refreshments provided by the lodge’s stewards. They were joined by the WM and brethren following the completion of the lodge’s business. Prior to the festive board, the customary and informal rousing first toast to the new master was given by David Hawks, which was raucously applauded by all, and by tradition, required no response.
There followed an evening of convivial conversations and lively discussion amongst the brethren. In his response to the toast to his health, David spoke of three matters of importance to Freemasonry; concerning the recruitment and retention of members. He suggested continuing to explore the return of previous and lapsed brethren as well as inviting suitable friends, neighbours and relatives who may like to know more through speculative conversations and also possibly through white table events. David spoke of the importance of mentoring in the retention of sometimes confused brethren due to the initial complexity of the Craft, so as to reduce their possible stresses and discomfort. This he said was more so now due to the number of new brethren without a personal connection to Freemasonry through family and friends. David then spoke of the further expansion of Royal Arch through a greater awareness of fellow crafts and conversations with master Masons citing Royal Arch as being a beneficial development of their Masonic knowledge.
In response to the toast to his health by Brian Cunliffe, the master expressed his appreciation for the hard work of his officers and brethren in the excellent ceremony they had conducted, and he believed there was a good future year to be had with one brother due for raising and another for passing. He wished the good health of those present and thanked Brian for the toast.
Following the gift of a bouquet of flowers to David for him to take home to his good lady, the director of ceremonies called on the secretary Bill Hunter for the last toast of the evening which was delivered with feeling. David and the distinguished guests then retired from the festive board and the evening ended at 9:45pm when all departed in contented harmony and peace.