Wavertree Gateacre Queensway Lodge No 2294 held it’s installation meeting at Liverpool Masonic Hall; WM Stuart Virgo had been elected by the brethren to remain in the role of WM – a sure sign that the lodge knows a good thing when they see it!
The brethren of the lodge did not want a simple proclamation ceremony; instead, they opted for an installation ceremony for a past master to ensure that the evening would be special for the WM as well as demonstrating the lodges high standard of ritual.
The lodge was duly opened and after the brief business of the lodge had been completed, Sam Robinson, representative of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, entered the lodge room accompanied by Chairman of the Liverpool Group Neil Francis.
The installation ceremony was conducted in an excellent manner by the installing master, Dave Colquhoun, and Stuart Virgo was placed in the chair of King Solomon for the forthcoming year. Director of ceremonies, Jorge Perez, conducted the proceedings with great flair and elan. The address to the WM Stuart Virgo was given in a faultless manner by Dave Colquhoun and the address to the wardens was delivered admirably by Dave Bell. Sam Robinson gave the address to the brethren in an outstanding manner.
At the completion of the installation ceremony, Sam Robinson rose to bring the heartfelt congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to Stuart Virgo for occupying the chair of the lodge again. He also thanked the installing master, Dave Colquhoun, for a first-class ceremony and finally, Sam Robinson brought the best wishes from Mark Matthews to the brethren of Wavertree Gateacre Queensway Lodge for the forthcoming year.
In return, the WM rose and presented Sam Robinson with a list of charitable giving made by the lodge in 2026. Included in the list were donations to Scouts Jamboree £250, West Lancashire FreemasonsCharity £750, Alder Hey Childrens Kidney Fund £500, Derian House Childrens Hospital £500, Christian Aid £500, Samaritans Purse £500 and two other charities with a grand total of £3,500. Sam thanked the brethren on behalf of the recipients for their generosity in supporting such worthy causes.
There is now a ‘father and son’ act in the lodge. Keith Griffiths was invested as senior warden and his son, Luke Griffiths, was invested as junior warden of the lodge. The festive board was a joyous affair with brethren of the lodge and their guests seated at round tables to ensure the conviviality of the occasion. The brethren all sang the MastersSong as Stuart Virgos health was toasted.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end and with that refrain from the tylers toast happy to meet, sorry to part and happy to meet again – the brethren made their way home.
Report by Neil Francis.