The Roman Room at Liverpool Masonic Hall Hope Street, was the venue for the installation of Ian Knowles of Acacia Lodge No 4512. John James Assistant Provincial Grand Master was the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, and was accompanied by Dave Johnson Liverpool Group Chairman, and Ian McBreen a grand officer from Ayrshire Scotland and with Tommie Grimes and Mike Fox.
It has long been a reciprocal tradition for Acacia Lodge at installations, the practice currently in its 34th year, to have guests from the Scottish Constitution, particularly from Lodge Irvine Newtown No 1662. The lodge and guests were pleased to see six brethren from that lodge, in their splendid tartan regalia.
The WM Derek Nuttall having opened the lodge to the third degree formally welcomed, John, as the principal guest, together with accompanying grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers. The gavel was offered back to Derek, after John had informed him politely that it was a nice try. Salutations were given.
The lodge was adjourned to the second degree and the WM was assisted by Gary Cross taking the position of the senior warden, Ray Jones, taking the position of junior warden and Colin Mitchell taking the position of inner guard. Before continuing the ceremony of installation. The master elect was presented by Mike Cove
There then followed a wonderful ceremony of installation, with Derek flawlessly leading the way. The third degree tools were explained to the new WM Ian by Neil Kearney, and both the first and second degree tools by Jamie Rowland, both of whom are master Masons of the lodge. Ray Jones then gave the address to the newly installed master, with Stuart Kane addressing the senior warden. John James gave the address to the brethren of Acacia lodge.
Upon completion of the installation ceremony, John rose to bring the congratulations of Mark Matthews to the newly installed master and spoke of the wonderful and most enjoyable ritual and congratulated Derek for his work. The newly installed WM Ian was also congratulated, by John who also thanked all the brethren who took part, with special note to Neil and Jamie for the explanation of the working tools.
The newly installed master then presented cheques to John totalling £750, for the following charities; £250 SSAFA (the armed forces charity), £250 Sunflower (supporting people with Cancer), £250 Marie Curie. John thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
Following the ceremony, the brethren retired for the festive board. The thoughts of those brethren present are with one of the Scottish contingents who unfortunately required paramedic attention and was taken to hospital. A shortened festive board took place out of respect, and time that was needed for our Scottish guest.
The newly installed WM responded to the toast to his health, which was given by his family friend, and proposer to the lodge, the immediate past and installing master Derek Nuttall. Escapades of past squash courts and Italian family food gatherings being amongst the most favourite.
John thanked the lodge for their generosity and kindness and hoped he would if approved be present at the up and coming 50th celebrations for Stuart Kane, this brought huge approval from the lodge members. The proceedings were brought to an ending with the tyler’s toast.