On a balmy spring evening in April, the brethren of Lodge of St George No 6048 assembled promptly in the temple at St Helens Masonic Hall, all proudly wearing their badges of rank, collars of office and jewels gleaming, to witness Mark Denton take his place on the seat of the highest office in the lodge, the throne of King Solomon.
The lodge was opened by the outgoing WM Paul Holden exactly on time at 18:00hrs, with the help of his skilled senior and junior wardens whose voices were as strong and sturdy as the very building in which they were standing, showing a confident sparkle in their eyes which conveyed the ancient knowledge that only members of this fraternity have the privilege of knowing.
The secretary of this splendid, incredibly worthy and very hospitable lodge, circulated the minutes to the brethren which were duly approved and passed by all present. WM Paul Holden then proceeded with the business of the lodge for his last night in the role of WM, which he did with such poise and a presence that would no doubt be emulated by Mark Denton during the upcoming year, who patiently awaited his moment to prove himself yet again as he sat in the senior warden’s chair.
Late arrivals were admitted with the permission of the WM. Provincial Grand Officers and visitors were then admitted, and Paul offered the gavel to Assistant Provincial Grand Master Andrew Whittle, which was graciously declined. Andrew was then saluted followed by salutes to the other grand officers.
Paul then asked Allan Prescot to occupy the senior warden’s seat for the duration of the ceremony, which he did with such finesse. John Roughly graciously accepted the junior warden’s seat for the ceremony and performed his duty admirably, showing years of experience, both these fine upstanding men did themselves proud throughout the evening a pleasure to witness.
The moment of truth for Mark Denton was only seconds away, he stepped forward like a man who had not a care in the world, self-assured and brimming with a confidence that radiated like the warm glow of the golden dome under which he was standing the solemn obligation was given by Mark which was perfect. After a short time, he was then proclaimed the new WM to all the ranks of brethren of St George Lodge and the visiting brethren who all congratulated him and wished him well for the upcoming year in the chair. a truly great year to come for this remarkable lodge awaits.
Working tools of all the degrees were presented to the new WM of the lodge, perfectly and without fault by every brother involved, not a sign of nerves shown at all. Clive Jervis gave the address to the WM in much the same fashion as David with his addresses, then Andrew Whittle gave an address to the brethren of the lodge in a way that only he can. His posture and cool demeanour were clearly the result of what hours of practice can accomplish, a true inspiration to all the younger brethren who are aspiring to be where he is in years to come. The lodge warrant was presented to Mark by Paul, now the immediate past master.
Mark presented Andrew with donations to various charities including the Blood Bikes and a breast cancer charity, both very worthy causes. Andrew thanked the brethren of Lodge of St George for their very generous donations.
The officers were appointed and then invested with their collars by the new WM Mark without a missed word. The addresses to wardens and stewards, given flawlessly by David Rigby, was superb and amazing to see.
The charities were then honoured by all brethren present. Communications from Grand Lodge, Provincial Grand Lodge as well as general communications were circulated to all brethren. The lodge was closed at 19:38hrs by Mark and his new wardens peacefully and in such harmony that can only be witnessed by just, upright and worthy men.
The festive board was a joy to attend. It consisted of the usual toasts, laughs, camaraderie delicious food, a raffle for what can only be described as a gigantic bottle of whisky which would be enjoyed by one lucky brother. The master’s song which was performed by the marvellously melodious Graham Williams, who was a sheer delight to listen to as always.
There was also a surprise for the new master in the form of a new road name bestowed by the Widows Sons of ‘Chucky’, along with a figurine which the Assistant Provincial Grand Master had great delight in saying that will look great on his handlebars. It was a spectacular installation ceremony for Mark, which was performed to an exceptionally high level of excellence by every brother involved regardless of rank.
