On a cold crisp evening, Arthur Stanley Lodge No 3469, consecrated on 29 November 1910, met to install Peter Hoyles as their new master. The lodge was opened in the first degree by the installing master, Paul McLachlan and the minutes were duly confirmed.
After Paul opened the lodge in the second degree, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Greg Pinnington, who is also the lodge director of ceremonies, sought permission to retire. Paul then opened the lodge in the third degree and Greg returned to proclaim that Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas was without and demanded admission.
The lodge was honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas and Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master Philip Gunning. They were accompanied by grand officers Roy Pyne and Graham Chambers, Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Stephen Dunn, Provincial Grand Almoner Alan Riley, Provincial Deputy Grand Secretary Mick Southern, Provincial deacons Paul Heaney and Martin Howell and three acting Provincial grand officers, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Arnie Neale and Provincial Grand Steward Ryan Magnall.
Paul welcomed David and Philip and offered David the gavel, which he declined. Salutations were then given to Philip, David, Roy and Graham. After Paul had adjourned the master Masons lodge and labour was resumed in the second degree, Greg presented the master elect Peter Hoyles. Peter then advanced to the pedestal and recited his obligation. Paul thanked all of the officers of Arthur Stanley Lodge for their help and support during his time in the chair.
Labour was resumed in the third degree and then Peter was installed into the chair of King Solomon during the Board of Installed Masters. Peter then invested his IPM, Paul McLachlan, with his collar. The board of Installed Masters was then closed and master Masons were admitted. After they had saluted Peter, Peter Whittaker delivered the third degree working tools in an excellent manner.
The visiting brethren were delighted to see the master Masons lodge closed the long way and labour was resumed in the second degree. Fellow crafts then entered, saluted Peter and the second degree tools were faultlessly presented by lodge secretary, Gary Evans. The lodge was then closed from the second degree to the first degree, again by the long way. Entered apprentices were admitted, saluted Peter and acting officer, Brian Magnall, then impressively presented the first degree working tools.
After the IPM had presented the warrant of the lodge, Book of Constitutions and the bye-laws of the lodge to Peter, he then appointed his officers. Peter Whittaker delivered the addresses to the senior and junior wardens, as well as to the senior and junior deacons, the inner guard and the tyler. The addresses to the director of ceremonies and the WM were delivered by David Boyes. David Irving delivered the address to the wardens and Brian Magnall addressed the stewards.
After Peter had been informed that the ceremony of installation was concluded, David rose and spoke to the brethren. He gave Peter the personal congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master and recognised the excellent performance of the installing master, Paul McLachlan, and all of the other officers who took part in the ceremony. David then wished that Peter has a very successful year.
Peter Hoyles then presented David with the charity and other donations made by the lodge, which totalled a most impressive £1,600. The charity donations were; £550 to Rainbow Hub, £150 to EYFS, £150 to Sean’s Place, £150 to KIND, £150 to Alder Hey Ronald MacDonald House, £100 to RNLI and £100 to SSAFA (Armed Forces charity). A donation of £250 was also made to Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association. David thanked Peter and the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
Alms were then taken to the total of £106. After the first rising, the director of ceremonies formed the procession and Philip, David, Roy, Graham, Stephen and Alan accompanied by the Provincial deacons and acting Provincial grand officers retired from the lodger. The lodge was closed by Peter and the brethren retired to the bar prior to the festive board.
At the festive board, the brethren rose to warmly welcome, David, Philip, Roy, Graham and Stephen. After the chaplain had said grace Philip, David, Roy and Graham toasted Peter. The brethren were then treated to a delicious three course meal, comprising of; chicken liver and brandy pate followed by roast beef and finally the cheese plate. This was all washed down by a glass of port and tea and coffee.
After the senior warden’s toast to the grand officers, David rose and firstly thanked the senior warden for the toast and thanked all of the brethren for the warmth of their welcome. He thanked the grand officers, the acting Provincial grand officers in attendance and Stephen Dunn and his executive team for all of their hard work. He then wished Peter health and a very enjoyable year in office.
The IPM, Paul, then proposed the toast to the WM. A raffle then followed, which raised £225. The brethren of Arthur Stanley Lodge then presented David and Stephen with a gift for which they were thanked. After the tyler’s toast was delivered by Bill Hunter, the evening being at an end and the principal guests having retired, the brethren retired to the bar for further refreshment.
