Baldwin Lodge No 1398 has installed its newest WM, Allan Whittaker, in a ceremony notable for many reasons. These will become apparent throughout this report. The lodge had decided to move to the more capacious rooms of the Fairfield Masonic Hall in Barrow to accommodate the anticipated attendance.
In the presence of Peter Schofield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who is coincidentally Allan’s first cousin, David Sear, the Installing Master, carried out his duties with gusto, panache and his customary accuracy. There were 77 brethren in attendance, including 10 masters in office, (including Peter Schofield, WM of Lodge of Unity No 613) and the welcome sight of 14 light blues drew much comment.
Grand officers Rowley Saunders and Barry Fitzgerald accompanied Peter, alongside Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Alan Pattinson, vice chairman Chris Gray, secretary Tony Jackson and former chairman Gary Rogerson. Acting Provincial grand officers; Provincial Assistant Grand Standard Bearer Steve Murray, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Steve Ellershaw and Provincial Grand Steward Andy Baxter, together with Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin and Phil Renney, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Directors of Ceremonies, completed the Provincial escort.
On his entrance to the lodge, Peter was offered not only the gavel, but a special private box of sweets to sustain him through the afternoon. The gavel may have been returned, but the sweets remained under his care.
Once the lodge secretary Steve McKellar had affirmed receipt of the dispensation to change both date and venue of the ceremony, Allan was presented to David by director of ceremonies Darren Stainton. The ritual flowed well under Darren’s direction and guidance, clear evidence of a well read and practiced lodge.
David Sear is a man who relishes the big occasion, and clearly delighted in his role as installing master. Allan was placed in the chair of King Solomon with care, dignity and some light touches of humour, clearly enjoying himself in the process.
Once the board of installed masters was closed, the junior brethren re-entered the lodge, and an impressive rank of seven light blues was assembled in the north, to salute their new master. Martin McFall gave a faultless presentation and explanation of the master Mason’s working tools.
Installing senior and junior wardens, John Porter and Bill Coates, assisted the WM to close the lodge in the third degree in a most dignified and excellent manner. Lodge stalwart Dave Nicholson rendered the presentation and explanation of the fellow craft tools with great style.
The lodge was closed in the second degree and the working tools of an entered apprentice were presented and explained by Elliot Haughin, who, at the time of the installation, had only just moved from being an entered apprentice. As the progressive office bearers were appointed and invested, all of whom were taking their respective offices for the first time, it was noted that the new junior deacon, Steve Forster, was unavoidably absent, as his wife had insisted he join her on their honeymoon! Congratulations to the happy couple!
The addresses were given by; Andy Baxter to the stewards, Dave Grove to the WM, Bill Coates to the senior and junior wardens and Peter Schofield to the brethren of the lodge.
Peter rose to bring the greetings of Mark Matthews, the Provincial Grand Master, and congratulated all who had taken part in the proceedings, especially the junior brethren who presented and explained the working tools of the three degrees. Before he retook his seat, Peter was presented with cheques for £100 for the Dalton-in-Furness Christmas Tree Festival, held annually at Dalton Parish Church, and to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for £1398.00. Peter thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
Barry Fitzgerald, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, brought the greetings of the Grand Officers and made special mention of the encouraging sight of all the light blue aprons in the progressive offices.
Richard Wilcock rose to bring the greetings of the Provincial grand officers present and offered effusive congratulations and praise to the WM, the immediate past and installing master, and all who had taken part.
Alms collected in the lodge room amounted to £238.78. At the festive board, the raffle realised £600. Both amounts will be split between the lodge charity account and the junior warden’s fund. To round the evening off, the brethren was treated to a rousing a cappella rendition of the Master’s Song by Gary Rogerson.