A large number of brethren gathered at Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street, for a wonderful celebration of Michael Cove and his achievement of 50 years in Freemasonry. The principal officers of the lodge and WM ceremonially entered the lodge room and were placed in their respective positions.
Ian Knowles, the WM of Acacia Lodge No 4512, welcomed everyone and opened the lodge into the first degree. After approving the minutes of the previous meeting, the lodge was opened through the second degree and into the third degree. Having opened to the third degree, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Phil Renney announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master John James was without and demanded admission.
John James was ceremonially admitted into the lodge, accompanied by Liverpool Group Chairman Dave Johnson, Ian McBreen a Grand Lodge Officer from Ayrshire Scotland, Michael Fox, Michael Daly, both Provincial Grand Stewards, Provincial Grand Registrar John Gibson and lodge Provincial deacons Stuart Kane and Gary Cross.
Ian welcomed the guests saying how honoured the lodge was to have them present. As per ceremony, Ian offered the gavel the John, who on this occasion accepted it. The appropriate salutations were given and the lodge was taken back to the first degree, and those who had left the lodge previously were admitted.
Upon taking the chair, John informed the brethren how gratifying it was to see so many present for this important celebration, and how this wonderful organisation has an extraordinary history, due to the contributions made by remarkable men and tonight is about such a man, Michael Cove PPJGW. John directed Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Phil Renney to escort the celebrant to a convenient, and more comfortable chair.
John thanked the lodge for facilitating Michael in his attendance, considering that he is, undergoing extensive treatment to enable him to return to full strength. John wished him well and hopes that he makes a full recovery.
Michael was born in 1943 to William Henry and Margaret Edith in London, and after spending a somewhat nomadic life, due to his father’s navy postings. Michael settled in Liverpool with his father working for Express Lifts after serving in the navy.
The first school that Michael attended was Blackmoor Park Primary, progressing to Hillfoot Hey Gramar School, appearing to be enjoying his time there as the headmaster said, he was the only boy he caned who had a smile on his face. Michael was heavily involved in sports.
After leaving school, Michael’s first job was at a central heating manufacturer, working in the office. After moving onto several other jobs, Michael was eventually employed working in Nems Musical Store in Whitechapel. Due to the connection with the owner of the store Brian Epstein, Michael got to see several musical celebrities. It was also at this time that Michael became a member of Danny Leroy and the Asteroids, which later became ‘The Asteroids’, playing rhythm guitar. It was during this time working in the shop and playing in the group at numerous venues, Liverpool, Warrington and Widnes, that Michael had met a number of well know musical celebrities, including Cilla Black, and Sammy Davis Jnr.
Michael recalled to the brethren how Sammy Davis Jnr had called into the music shop looking for a particular record, which the shop did not stock, but with Michael’s knowledge, he assisted Sammy. This resulted in an invitation to a private party, with Sammy Davis Jnr, which for some reason Michael did not attend.
Moving on through several other jobs, Michael eventually worked as a groundsman at Ormskirk Cricket Ground, mixing work with a favourite pastime, playing cricket. Michaels reputation as a groundsman circulated throughout and eventually was approached by Liverpool College to be their head groundsman, a job that included a cottage, spending 20 years doing something he loved, whilst also getting paid.
In his private life, one of Michael’s great influences has been his long-life partner Anne, first meeting in 1973, with both feeling that they are lucky having each other.
Michael’s interest in Freemasonry took a few years to develop, and it was due to his father’s association with Acacia Lodge, and welfare visits by brethren during his father’s illness, that he felt it was an organisation he would be happy to join. On 21March 1975, Michael was initiated into Freemasonry and Acacia Lodge by his father. Being installed as master of the lodge in 1982, involved Michael having a very busy Masonic time, with him continuing to be a stalwart of the lodge, in 2014 taking up the role of DC a position he has held since that time.
In 1993, Michael was appointed PPSGD, a very high rank for a first appointment, followed eight years later to the present distinguished rank of PPJGW. The brethren agreed with the suggestion from John that Michael is an intelligent man of undoubted integrity and commitment and is an inspiration to all those who know him, and if used as an example to follow a brother cannot go wrong.
Michael was then presented with a certificate raised by the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, to mark this special occasion. The certificate was read out by the group chairman and presented to Michael by John, the brethren applauding and cheering the occasion.
The control of the lodge was passed back over to Ian, and the lodge was eventually closed. The brethren then retired for a celebratory festive board with Colin Mitchell, giving a healthy and historical toast to the celebrant regarding their friendship and Masonic meetings, especially on the cricket ground, when various signs and quotes were made by Michael and his father, prior to Colin becoming a brother. Colin gave well earned praise to Michael for his commitment, high standards and how he continues his DC work with panash, and how lucky Acacia Lodge is to have such a brother.
Michael responded recalling his initiation ceremony and meeting what appeared to be an old scary warden, to his progress within the lodge. Michael thanked all the guests and brethren for attending what was a very special night for him.