Rivington Lodge No 8013 is one of a few lodges who now boasts a full set of light blue officers in line to the chair. With the support of the more experienced Masons, it’s fantastic to see the lodge doing so well and leading the way with superb ritual, engagement, charity and friendship.The lodge was opened by the WM David Scott, who thanked the members of his lodge for their support during his second year as master. He then called on Peter Allen, a member of the lodge and Group Chairman of Chorley and Leyland Group, to take the chair of King Solomon as installing master.
As expected, Peter was exemplary in his delivery as installing master and welcomed Gary Longthorne as master elect of Rivington Lodge. Gary, having delayed his final step into the chair as master last year, stepped up to take his oath and was installed as master.
Following his installation, the working tools were given by light blue brethren, many of which were introduced by Gary into the lodge. Shaun Bilsborough gave the third degree working tools, Darren Holmes gave the second degree working and Floyd Allen gave the third degree working tools. Each young brother was word perfect and confident in their delivery, adding to the splendid ritual experienced throughout the whole ceremony.
Gary’s delay into the chair was led by his wish to install his son as master, following his own year in the chair, and as master, one of his first duties was to install his son, Jack Longthorne, as senior warden of the lodge. It was a lovely moment between father and son, made even more special by the support from the rest of the lodge members. With Shaun Bilsborough then installed as junior warden, Darren Holmes as senior deacon and Floyd Allen as junior deacon, the future of Rivington is very bright.
To complete the installation, the address to the brethren of the lodge was given by Frank Wilkinson, who was the principal guest for the evening, and representative for the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Peter Allen gave the address to the master, Malcom Warren gave the address to the wardens, Keith Bennet gave the address to the deacons and acting Provincial grand officer Paul Wharton-Hardman gave the address to the stewards. As expected, each delivered fantastic ritual.
Before the lodge was closed, Frank brought greetings from Mark Matthews and the lodge presented Frank with cheques to Home Start for £500 and £500 also to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Frank thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
At the festive board, the atmosphere was lively, full of laughter and good conversation. Frank gave his own personal greetings to the master and the lodge members, congratulating them on a splendid installation ceremony and a bright future. The raffle raised a further £300 for charity and Ray Goth sang the Master’s Song before the night was ended, with everyone leaving happy.
