Brethren of Victoria Lodge No 2360 gathered at the Masonic Hall on Duke Street, Southport, for its 1,086th regular meeting, an evening that perfectly blended solemn Masonic ceremony with heartfelt celebration. The lodge witnessed the raising of Michael Jones to the third degree, an important step in his Masonic journey, as well as honouring Gordon Morrey’s incredible 50 years of dedication to Freemasonry.
The meeting was opened in due form by Brian McCarthy, the immediate past master, at 5:30pm. Following the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting, Brian then invited Roy Crawford to take the master’s chair to conduct the third degree ceremony. Michael Jones was first called upon to prove his proficiency before being entrusted and retiring to prepare for the ceremony. To assist in the proceedings, the WM invited Peter Wall to take the role of junior warden for the ceremony. With the officers in place, the lodge was then opened in the second degree, at which point those below the rank of a fellow craft were asked to retire. Michael was then re-admitted and entrusted before retiring once more to be prepared.
The lodge was then opened in the third degree, and upon his return, Michael was raised in an expertly conducted and sincere ceremony. He was guided through the solemn and symbolic journey that marks a Mason’s transition to a master Mason in the Craft. Jackson Headings then delivered a detailed and engaging explanation of the Traditional History, ensuring that Michael fully understood the significance of the degree he had just attained. Adding to the occasion, Terry Tasker performed a song during the ceremony, providing a unique and memorable moment for all those in attendance.
Following the ceremony, the director of ceremonies led the salutations to grand officers, acknowledging the presence of Neil Latham, Provincial Grand Treasurer. Further salutations were then extended to Provincial grand officers, including Liam Mawdsley, Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. With the third degree ceremony successfully completed, Brian McCarthy resumed his rightful position as WM and the lodge turned to another important moment, the presentation of a 50-year certificate to Gordon Morrey.
Gordon’s life and Masonic career were celebrated in a touching tribute as Phil Stock presented him with his certificate. Born in Wigan in 1945 to William (Bill) and Mary Morrey, Gordon grew up surrounded by the hard work and dedication that farming demands. From a young age, he was involved in the daily running of the farm, learning valuable life lessons alongside his family. However, at the age of 13, Gordon suffered a serious accident when he was kicked in the head by a pony. He spent weeks in intensive care and faced a long road to recovery, which significantly disrupted his education. But true to his determined nature, he persevered and later fully committed himself to farming, eventually managing his own arable farm in Melling with his wife Susan.
Gordon and Susan first met at the Young Farmers Club at Rivington Barn and married in 1969. Their honeymoon was a brief trip to Tenby, cut short because the cauliflowers were ready for picking. Together, they raised their two children, Pauline and Brian, and later became proud grandparents to four grandchildren. Over the years, Gordon and Susan have travelled extensively, enjoying coach holidays across the UK and Ireland and more recently, visiting their daughter’s home in Cyprus for well-earned breaks.
Beyond his career in farming, Gordon has always been passionate about music. A lifelong player of the bodhrán drum and an enthusiastic member of the Wigan Ukulele Club, he has brought joy to many through his performances, particularly at care homes and community events. His love for country and western music is well known, and while Susan enjoys line dancing, Gordon is more content watching, preferably with a pint in his hand.
Gordon’s dedication to Freemasonry has been equally impressive. Over five decades, he has exemplified the values of the Craft, integrity, service and fellowship. The brethren of Victoria Lodge paid tribute to his commitment and Gordon returned thanks to the lodge for the honour and the support he had received over the years.
With the formal presentation concluded, the lodge moved on to other business. Brian then conducted the usual risings, confirming that no new communications had been received from Grand Lodge. Provincial Grand Lodge had sent out electronic communications, but Brian took a moment to highlight key upcoming events, encouraging brethren to support initiatives aimed at engaging newer members, strengthening connections within the Province and celebrating Freemasonry more widely. The lodge then took a collection for charity, raising £125 before proceeding to general business. Items discussed included upcoming social and sporting events, as well as important gatherings for members across the Province. The accounts were proposed for payment, and no further business was raised.
With nothing further appearing for the good of Freemasonry or Victoria Lodge, Brian proceeded to close the lodge by virtue, returning from the third degree to the first degree. With the business of the evening completed, the lodge was closed in due form at 7:40pm, concluding a successful and meaningful meeting.
Following the meeting, the brethren gathered downstairs for the festive board. The chaplain gave grace and the atmosphere was one of warmth and camaraderie as everyone reflected on the evening’s events. A programme was passed around for signatures, providing Gordon with a keepsake of this special occasion. During the toasts, Brian recognised the contributions of grand officers, Provincial grand officers, other masters and visiting brethren. A special toast was raised for Michael Jones, marking his achievement in being raised to the third degree, and of course for Gordon, celebrating his 50 years of dedicated service. Alister Sainter of Fermor Lodge No 1313 responded on behalf of the visitors, expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome.
Then came a particularly touching moment, Gordon was presented with a beautifully crafted cake in the shape of a Masonic apron, along with an engraved tankard inscribed with the words ‘A Mason’s Mason.” He once again’ returned thanks for the kind gesture.
A charity raffle was then held, raising an impressive £230, adding to the £125 collected earlier in the evening, bringing the total raised for charity to a mighty £355. Brian then took a moment to acknowledge all those who had contributed, reflecting on the importance of charity within Freemasonry. Before concluding the evening, special thanks were given to the elders of the lodge for their continued support and guidance. As the evening drew to a close, Brian delivered his final words of thanks, before the night ended in the traditional manner, with the tyler’s toast, bringing a memorable and meaningful gathering to a fitting conclusion.