On a bright and chilly afternoon, but not cold enough for any self-respecting northern brother to don his big coat, the brethren of Prescot Lodge No 5470 as well as their guests, which included members of the Biker’s Lodge No 897 in St. Helens, as well as representatives from the Mersey Valley Group assembled at Prescot Masonic Hall for a glorious installation ceremony of their new WM, Alan James Campbell, for the forthcoming year.
The lodge was opened promptly at 15:30hrs by the immaculately dressed outgoing WM, Paul Gerrard, who sat for his final evening on the chair of King Solomon. His dutiful wardens were word perfect as always with the precision of a world class performance troop.
The minutes were circulated for the last regular meeting of this fine lodge to all the brethren by the sophisticated secretary of this most worthy lodge, quickly proposed and duly approved by all members present in the manner that is usual at lodge meetings, this was done while the delightful melodic rhythm of the lodge’s organ played in the background. A great pleasure to hear and masterfully executed by that extraordinary musician that is George Rowe.
George Moffat was senior warden for the rest of the evening and George Rowe occupied the junior warden’s chair. Mark Denton occupied the position of inner guard for the evening’s main event and all these fine gentlemen went above and beyond in their duties on the night.
Alan James Campbell, master elect, was then ready to shine, standing bolt-upright, chest out, like he had no doubt done on many parade grounds during his time in the Royal Navy. Paul then commenced Alan’s installation into the chair of King Solomon. This was done in a calm, steady manner and without any trace of nerves nor hesitation. It was evident that all the lodge officers involved in this unforgettable night, had done much studying of their respective roles and the results of this showed a great dedication to the Craft.
George Flynn performed his part admirably with the composure of a man who radiated an awe-inspiring skill, making it evident to all the brethren and assembled guests what perseverance in any task, no matter how small, will show with spectacular results.
The brethren who were requested to partake in that most honourable task of delivering the working tools for all the degrees and each brother was amazing in their words and actions, all of whom excelled at the assignment at hand without the shadow of uncertainty nor any hint of doubt burdening their shoulders. It was brilliant to behold and a masterclass in how to perform with an audience present. In addition, all the addresses were perfect in delivery, spoken in a measured pace, yet with an overwhelming force that commanded respect.
The director of ceremonies for the evening, John Whalley, was invested as the new director of ceremonies for this remarkable and hospitable lodge after a ceremony that was so well rehearsed and acted out on the evening that it was mentioned by the visiting Provincial grand officers who witnessed it and thus added to the minutes as proof of unrivalled excellence.
The new WM, Alan, then proceeded to invest the lodge officers for the forthcoming year, his voice rang out from wall to wall of the temple chamber and those who were there watched with admiration and listened to his inspiring words. John Gibbon, who is also the vice chairman of the Mersey Valley Group gave a passionate address to the brethren of this honourable lodge and the ceremony of installation was thus completed.
A total charity donation of £700 was presented to Graham Chambers, representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, this included £300 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity, £200 to the Lilac Centre in St. Helens, £100 to the Merseyside Society for Deaf People and finally £100 to Kids in Need and Distress (KIND).
All communications from grand lodge and Provincial grand lodge were conveyed to all present on this fine evening. There were no general communications and apologies were given on behalf of absent brethren by the secretary.
Greetings from the grand officers were given and it was requested that the secretary should minute the great pleasure that the grand officers had while watching this extraordinary ceremony. The grand officers retired from the lodge.
The Provincial grand officers re-iterated the sentiments of the grand lodge officers regarding the ceremony.
The lodge having concluded the business for this meeting, was closed by the newly installed WM and his wardens for the upcoming year, at 17:22hrs in peace and harmony. A splendid lodge which had conducted a fabulous ceremony and every member should be very proud of themselves for all their hard work and rigorous practice which had paid off.
The festive board was as jolly as ever, filled with banter, laughter, jokes and good food, which as always was a delight to enjoy with the usual toasts and responses to those toasts. Graham Williams enchanted the room with his vocal prowess during the Master’s Song which was more than pleasing to the ears of everybody there as well as the joyous sense of being able to be counted amongst this extremely honourable fraternity of worthy men known to the public as Freemasons but to each other as brothers.
