Liverpool Masonic Hall saw Arthur Dooley installed as WM of Neptune Lodge No 1264. Unfortunately for the brethren and guests of Neptune Lodge, Arthur was not installed via a triumphant seahorse-drawn chariot like the lodge’s namesake but in a more sedate and solemn manner as befits the traditions of Freemasonry.
The lodge was opened in due form by the WM, Ian McIntosh and following the brief business of the lodge, Provincial Senior Grand Warden Alan Ledger, representative of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, entered the lodge accompanied by Chairman of the Liverpool Group, Neil Francis.
The installation ceremony was conducted in a first-rate manner by the installing master, David Perkins and in due time, Arthur Dooley was placed in the chair of King Solomon for the forthcoming year. Director of ceremonies David Campbell conducted the proceedings with great skill and flair, and Alan Ledger gave an impeccable address to the brethren.
When the business of the installation ceremony was completed, Alan Ledger rose and offered the earnest congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to Arthur Dooley for occupying the chair of the lodge for the fourth time. He also thanked the installing master, David Perkins, for a first-class ceremony as well as the other brethren who had assisted in the installation ceremony. Finally, Alan offered the best wishes from Mark Matthews to the brethren of Neptune Lodge for the forthcoming year.
WM Arthur then presented Alan Ledger with details of two donations that the lodge had made that evening: £500 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and £500 to Liverpool Masonic Hall. Alan thanked the brethren on behalf of the recipients for their generosity in supporting such worthy causes and he added that the lodge had already donated £4,000 to various charities during 2026.
The festive board was a jubilant occasion with the brethren of the lodge and their guests enjoying an excellent three-course meal. During the festivities, Arthur presented Derek Nuttall with a gold pocket watch and chain in appreciation for being the ‘pig’ (permanently invited guest) who had attended Neptune Lodge continually throughout the season.
On behalf of the brethren of Neptune Lodge, Arthur made a very special presentation to Ian McIntosh who had guided the lodge with great distinction during his mastership over the previous two years. The gift was a unique sculpture of a pig which recognised the fact that Ian, who lives in Colwyn Bay, had travelled to Neptune Lodge as a visitor many years ago and stayed and eventually became WM of the lodge. Ian thanked the brethren of the lodge for their support and kindness and said that the pig would have a special place in his house!
Alan Ledger and the Liverpool Group Chairman Neil Francis then retired from the festive board, where the celebrations continued. Another excellent evening of Freemasons enjoying themselves.
Report by Neil Francis
