Visiting is an integral component of Freemasonry, providing Freemasons with the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences. Our hosts share their experiences as visitors can engage in discussions about their exposure to diverse perspectives, rituals and customs observed by various lodges, both domestically and internationally. Collectively, they reflect on the camaraderie and friendships cultivated through their visits and elucidate the reasons behind their encouragement for all Freemasons to embrace the opportunity to visit other lodges, thereby enriching their horizons.
Emblem Lodge No 6727 exemplifies this concept through mutual visiting with the Lodge St Bryde No 579 of the Scottish constitution. The relationship dates back many years, with cross-border visiting regularly taking place, typically at each other’s installation meetings. At the Emblem Lodge installation meeting of 2025, 11 Scottish brethren from Lodge St Bryde attended the meeting held at the Blackpool Masonic Hall. The guest list included high-ranking Freemason, James L Jack, the Senior Grand Warden of Scotland and Past Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire.
A total of 100 brethren attended the installation meeting, filling the lodge room to capacity. Every seat was utilised, even the lodge tyler relinquished his customary comfortable chair to some miscreant. Once everyone had been seated, the proceedings commenced with WM Peter Smith dispensing the general business of the day, which included a ballot for honorary membership.
The next item on the agenda was the installation ceremony itself, during which the lodge was opened in the appropriate degrees. The installing officers were placed in their respective chairs and positions; Duncan Smith as installing senior warden, Steve Jelly as installing junior warden and David Boswell as installing inner guard.
Eventually, on a report, lodge director of ceremonies Paul Easton announced that John Robbie Porter, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, requested admission. John Robbie Porter processed into the lodge room, accompanied by an entourage of grand and Provincial grand lodge officers, including James L Jack, Past Provincial Grand Masters of the Province of West Lancashire, Harry Cox, David Randerson and Duncan Smith. Grand officers; Stuart Thornber, James Woods and John Turpin were also present, along with Blackpool Group Chairman Steve Jelly and North Fylde Group Chairman John Cross. Acting Provincial grand officers, Martin Clements, Ken Greenwood and Colin Rodgers were also in attendance.
The installation of Gordon Major was completed in the traditional Emblem Lodge manner by installing masters Paul Easton, Peter Wright and Michael Fisher. The address to the WM was delivered by Harry Cox, the address to the wardens by Ken Buckley and the address to the brethren of the lodge by John Robbie Porter. The tools of an installed master were presented by Mark Heelis, the third degree working tools by Nick Easton, the second degree working tools by Bob Marsden and the first degree working tools by Mark Porter.
Upon the successful completion of the installation ceremony, new WM Gordon Major had the great pleasure of presenting cheques to John Robbie with a total value of £4,330. These donations will support 18 various local and national charities, including the Showmen’s Children’s Charity. This charity provides assistance to showmen’s children across the country who are affected by disabilities, illnesses, or accidents. One of Emblem Lodge’s most distinguished members is the renowned circus entertainer, Charlie Cairoli, formerly a clown at the Blackpool Tower Circus. John Robbie thanked the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
Following a most enjoyable meal provided by Shaun and his team at Masonic Catering Ltd, the various wine takings and toasts were concluded. John Darrell then sang the Master’s Song, accompanied by George Holden on the piano. In his response to the toast to the WM by Peter Wright, Gordon Major expressed his gratitude to everyone for a truly exceptional day. He acknowledged that the past masters of Emblem Lodge would have been immensely proud of each and every individual’s contribution.
