Alistair McIntyre was installed as WM of City of Lancaster Lodge No 281 in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield. Peter was accompanied by grand officers Chris Butterfield, David Edwards, John Lee, Chris Blackwell and Neil McGill. Chairman of Lancaster Group Scott Devine and Vice Chairman Chris Larder. They were joined by Provincial Senior Grand Warden Michael Tax, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Tony Jackson, Provincial Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies Larry Branyan and Morton Richardson, along with Provincial Grand Stewards Andy McClements and Phil Renney.
The lodge was opened by WM Lee Fisher who conducted the installation ceremony assisted by director of ceremonies Adrian Wells. The installing officers were senior warden Chris Butterfield, junior warden Andrew Ridal and inner guard Terry Ridal. The Master Elect was presented for installation by David Parker from Preston Guild Lodge No 4408.
The Master’s tools were presented by Adrian Wells. The third degree working tools were presented by Kevin Isted from Vale Lodge No 5256, the second working degree tools by Connor Isted and the first degree tools by Jack Baxter.
The WM appointed Michael Cole as senior warden who was not able to attend and will be invested at the next regular meeting. Connor Isted was appointed junior warden.
The address to the master was given by David Parker from Preston Guild Lodge, to the wardens by Brian Cambidge from Morecambe Lodge No 1561, to the brethren of City of Lancaster lodge by Peter Schofield and to the Stewards by Andy McClements.
On completion of the installation ceremony, Chris Butterfield presented immediate past master Lee Fisher with his past master’s jewel which was a founder’s jewel from John O’Gaunt Lodge No 3815.
Peter Schofield was presented with a list of donations that the lodge had made with £1,000 each to Breast Cancer Now and St John’s Hospice and £200 to the Group Food Bank appeal. Peter thanked the brethren of the lodge for the donations.
The organist was David Tattersall and the Master’s Song was performed by Nigel Parrish. A total of 44 brethren attended the festive board. The toast to the WM was given by David Parker.
WM Alistair McIntyre is 29 years old and has been a Freemason for 10 years. He joined City of Lancaster Lodge while attending Lancaster University and is also a member of Royal Arch and other Masonic Orders. He has been married to wife Emily for six months and is employed as a civil servant.
