On a breezy and showery afternoon at Litherland Masonic Hall, Prince of Architects Lodge No 4188, consecrated on 23 March 1921, met to install Alan Routledge as their new WM. The lodge was opened in the first degree by installing master, Paul Shirley, who was standing in for Graeme Scott, who was unable to attend the meeting. The minutes were duly confirmed and the lodge secretary, Morgan Denyer, then read out the dispensation from Grand Lodge which allowed Alan, who is the WM of Lodge of Tranquillity No 3887, to also be the WM of Prince of Architects Lodge.
The hard-working lodge director of ceremonies, Richard McHale, then retired to form the procession. Inner guard Matthew Lamont informed the junior warden that there was a report and Richard returned to proclaim that Robb Fitzsimmons, representative of Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews, requested admission. Robb was accompanied by Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Stephen Dunn, Treasurer and Regional Publicity Officer of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Stephen Oliver along with Provincial Grand Stewards Stuart Flynn and Dean Scrutton. Also in the procession were lodge assistant director of ceremonies, Howard Minard, and lodge deacons, John Hill and James Jones.
Paul welcomed the distinguished guests and salutations were then given to Robb, Ian Elsby and Stephen Dunn. The lodge was then opened up to the third degree and after Paul had adjourned the master Masons lodge and labour was resumed in the second degree, Mark Davis occupied the senior warden’s chair, Gary Melton remained in the junior warden’s chair and Steven McCracken took the position of inner guard.
Mike Fox then presented the master elect, Alan. Paul, who had only had three days to re-acquaint himself with the ritual, then recited the qualifications of a master to Alan who then advanced to the pedestal and recited his obligation. Paul thanked all the officers of Prince of Architects Lodge for their help and support of Graeme, in his absence. Labour was resumed in the third degree and then Alan was installed in an excellent manner into the chair of King Solomon during the Board of Installed Masters.
The Board of Installed Masters was then closed and master Masons were re-admitted. John Hill instructed them to salute Alan. Jimmy Jones delivered the third degree working tools in an excellent manner. Labour was resumed in the second degree, fellow crafts then re-entered, saluted Alan and the second degree tools were presented by Matthew Lamont. The lodge was then closed from the second degree to the first degree and entered apprentices were re-admitted and saluted Alan. Richard Fagan impressively presented the first degree working tools.
After Paul had presented the Warrant of Prince of Architects Lodge, the Book of Constitutions of the Order and a copy of Prince of Architects Lodge by-laws to Alan, Mike Fox presented the Hall Stone Jewel of the lodge to Alan, who then proceeded to appoint the officers of the lodge. Mark Davis gave the address to the senior warden and Paul gave the address to the junior warden. Howard Minard gave the address to the junior deacon and Steven McCracken gave the address to the inner guard. Provincial Steward Stuart Flynn gave the address to the stewards; Paul gave the address to the new WM. Alan and Morgan Denyer gave the address to the wardens.
After Alan had been informed that the ceremony of installation had been concluded, Robb rose and spoke to the brethren. He brought Alan the personal congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, also recognising the excellent performance of the installing master Paul. Director of ceremonies Richard and the three brethren who had presented the working tools. Robb was certain that the lodge would go from strength to strength.
Alan then presented Robb with charity and other donations made by the lodge which totalled a magnificent £4202. The charity donations were £1000 to West Lancs Freemasons’ Charity, £400 to Julie Lawson BEM DL Community Events, £400 to Sefton Community Charity, £200 to Daddies with Angels, £200 to Litherland Youth and Community Centre, £400 to Whitechapel In Your Shoes Autism Initiatives, £882 to Cedar’s Resource Centre, £220 to Friends of Leah Cystic Fibrosis and £100 to Litherland Masonic Hall. Robb said that this was an unbelievable figure and he thanked the WM and the brethren for their generous giving on behalf of the recipients.
Alms were then collected to the sum of £161. After the first rising, the director of ceremonies formed the recession; Robb, Stephan and Stephen, accompanied by lodge deacons and acting Provincial grand officers, retired from the lodge room. The lodge was closed by Alan and the brethren retired to the bar prior to the festive board, where Robb congratulated Alan, Paul and Richard.
At the festive board, the brethren rose to warmly welcome Robb, Stephen Dunn, Alan and the lodge wardens, Mark Davis and Gary Melton. After the chaplain, Barry Jones, had said grace, Robb proposed a toast to Alan. The brethren were then treated to a delicious three-course meal of pea and ham soup followed by roast beef, cherry and almond tart, and vanilla ice cream, then finally, the cheese board. This was all washed down by copious amounts of red wine, white wine, a glass of port and tea and coffee.
After the chaplain had returned thanks and the senior warden had proposed the toast to the grand officers, Robb rose and thanked the senior warden for the toast. He then thanked Stephen Dunn for the invitation and the acting Provincial grand officers for their attendance. Robb talked about brethren putting their arm around newer members and helping them so that they can enjoy their Freemasonry more. He thanked Paul for the excellent manner in which he had conducted the ceremony and also congratulated the three brethren who had presented the working tools. He thanked the lodge for their superb charity donations and noted that the lodge still held raffles during the summer break. After thanking the secretary, Morgan, Robb hoped that the brethren would continue to enjoy their Freemasonry.
Past master Mike Fox then proposed the toast to Alan, saying that he brought calm and enthusiasm to the role. He then presented Alan with a signed souvenir programme of the installation. After the Master’s Song had been expertly sung by John Hill, Alan rose and thanked everybody for their help, also thanking Paul for standing in at such short notice.
A raffle then followed, which raised £275. After the tyler’s toast had been delivered by Bill Hunter, the evening being at an end and the principal guests having retired, the brethren continued to enjoy each other’s company at the bar long into the evening.
