At just 32 years old, Adam Dennett must be one of the youngest masters in Carnarvon Lodge No 2376 134-year history, following the footsteps into Freemasonry of his grandad, Cedric (Dick) Barron, who was initiated in 1982 but sadly passed away a couple of years before Adam joined Carnarvon Lodge in April 2018.
Over 50 brethren were present for the installation, with visitors from Liverpool, St Annes and London making trips for the special occasion. Representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, was Adam’s good friend and mentor Past Assistant Grand Registrar John Lee, who was accompanied by four other grand officers David Randerson, Peter Allen, Neil Ward and Gary Smith.
Also in attendance were Chorley and Leyland Group Chairman David Bishop and both the Provincial Senior Grand Warden and Provincial Junior Grand Warden Mark Humphries and Mike Silver, along with Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin.
The lodge was opened by the WM Chris Upton OBE, who welcomed everyone to the lodge and wished them an enjoyable evening before kicking off the ceremony. As expected, the ritual was spot on from the installing master and Adam was soon sat in the chair of King Solomon, after being presented as master elect by Stuart Cowburn, a life-long friend of Adam’s grandad.
Customary at Carnarvon Lodge installations, the working tools were presented by new and younger light blue brethren, Michael Kipping, Stuart McGrath and Colin Pickup, who all stepped up and delivered the ritual brilliantly.
Following the investment of the lodge officers, which included a full line-up of light blue master Masons from senior warden down to inner guard and including the tyler. The address to the master was given by Rod Bennison, another life-long friend of Adam’s grandad. Kevin Byrne presented the address to the wardens and John Lee addressed the brethren of the lodge as its principal guest and representative.
Before closing the lodge, Adam presented John with a list of cheques from the lodge totalling £2,400, with £2,200 going to Holly’s Hearts as the lodge’s chosen main charity for the year. John Lee thanked the lodge for the generosity and gave greetings from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
At the festive board, it was a very happy but emotional occasion for Carnarvon Lodge’s new master, with mention of his close relationship with his grandad and also Terry Derbyshire, who was a good friend and lodge mentor to Adam, but sadly passed away in 2020. Surrounded by his friends and brothers, Adam gave a positive and heartwarming speech which was echoed by the other Carnarvon Lodge members.
The charity plate in the lodge and raffle at the festive board raised a fantastic £879. The Master’s Song was sung by David Massam, a visitor from Old Masonians West Lancashire Lodge No 7702 in Liverpool. The evening ended and Adam shared a list of upcoming social and lodge events which he encouraged everyone to get involved in to support the lodge during his year as master.
Carnarvon Lodge are welcoming Shaun Butler, UGLE Director of Membership and Communications, to their lodge meeting on 10 March, with a third degree planned on 14 April, and they also have a double 60th celebration on 12 May.
