There is a lot of love and support shown at all the Longton Lodge No 6237 meetings and this one was extra heartfelt, especially for their master elect James Heaton, a light blue Mason. Neil Ward was the principal guest representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
The meeting was opened by exiting master Nigel Monks, who has served for the last two years as a splendid master for the lodge, leading the way for the future of other light blue Masons following him into the chair of King Solomon.
Nigel’s delivery as installing master for the ceremony was exemplary and James was soon installed as master of Longton Lodge and it was clear the ceremony had been very emotional. James’s father, Arthur Heaton, was at the installation meeting but, he is living with Alzheimer’s which has affected his memory and he has not been able to attend Longton Lodge, his mother lodge, for nearly 2 years. Understandably, his attendance was very special for James and for the rest of the Longton Lodger members.
The working tools were delivered by Bob Wilkinson, Philip Clayton and Michael Singleton, with each one presenting the ritual brilliantly. Having completed the installation ceremony, James proceeded to invest his officers into their places for the ensuing year to help him in the ruling and governing of the lodge.
When everyone was in place, the address to the master was given by Philip Monks, followed by the address to the wardens by Neil Atkinson and Neil Ward, Provincial Membership Officer for the Province of West Lancashire, delivered the address to the brethren of Longton Lodge as the evening’s representative of the Provincial Grand Master.
All the ritual throughout the meeting was presented with great understanding and at a relax pace. Before closing the lodge, James stood to present Neil with the charity donations from the lodge which totalled £2,790. Neil gratefully received the donations and continued with best wishes from the Provincial Grand Master.
Also present at the meeting was David Bishop, Group Chairman of the Chorley and Leyland Group, who also expressed his congratulations for a splendid ceremony. 40 plus brethren then made their way downstairs to the festive board were toasts and celebrations took place to welcome James as the new master of Longton Lodge.
Neil Ward, a great friend of the lodge, was then able to give his own greetings and congratulations to Nigel, James and the officers who took part in the installation ceremony. The evening ended following a raffle for charity and everyone left after experiencing a splendid heartfelt installation followed by a happy and enjoyable meal and friendship.
