Brethren of Temple Lodge No 1094 held their installation meeting at Liverpool Masonic Hall in Hope Street. The meeting was attended by 40 brethren and was graced by the presence of Kevin Poynton Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. In attendance were David Johnson the Liverpool Group Chairman and Robb Fitzsimmons, both of whom are lodge members.
The WM, Howard Youdan, opened the lodge and welcomed Kevin Poynton as the principal guest, together with accompanying grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers, into the temple. After the formal salutations, the WM invited Robb Fitzsimmons to occupy the chair for the ceremony of installation. The master elect, Andy Williamson, who was originally proposed as a member of Temple Lodge by the WM, was presented before the lodge by Steve Walls, who was his seconder.
There followed a ceremony of installation that was flawless and sincere. Robb led by fine example; Stu Hyde presented the working tools of an installed master. The third degree working tools were delivered by James Langley, a master Mason, the second degree working tools were delivered the long way by Les Bramhill and the first degree working tools were delivered by another master Mason Ashton Float, they all received acclaim for their work.
Robb Fitzsimmons delivered the address to the WM; Stu Hyde delivered the address the wardens and Kevin Poynton delivered the address to the brethren of the lodge. Addresses were also given to the deacons by Howard Youdan, the stewards by Ray Parr and to the inner guard by Les Bramhill.
Upon completion of the installation ceremony, Kevin Poynton rose to bring the congratulations of Mark Matthews to the newly installed master and spoke of the excellent quality of the ritual and congratulated the installing master and the immediate past master for their sterling efforts. He thanked all the brethren who took part for what he described as a truly outstanding ceremony, with special note to the junior brethren who had delivered the working tools.
The WM then presented cheques to Kevin, totalling £1,094, to the following charities; Liverpool Masonic Hall, Water Rescue, West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and the Air Ambulance. Kevin thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
Following the ceremony, the brethren retired for a magnificent festive board. Kevin responded to the toast to his health by urging everyone to contact members who have not been active, offering, a quick hello and a friendly voice. He congratulated Chris Bruffell on his first appointment to Provincial Grand Steward and Robb Fitzsimmons on his promotion.
Kevin then thanked the acting Provincial grand officers for their support during the evening. He encouraged as many as possible to attend Provincial Grand Lodge on 8 May 2024. Kevin thanked the group chairman for his work and was pleased to note that the Liverpool Group had completed the purchase of a blood bike.
The WM responded to the toast to his health, assuring everybody that he will do his best to continue the excellent standard of ritual performed by the lodge and thanked everybody for their continued support and advice. He presented flowers and light refreshment to Kevin, who thanked the brethren for their most generous hospitality. Don McCormack brought the proceedings to an end with the tyler’s toast.