An excellent evening was had at Aughton Lodge No 7996, for the Ormskirk and Bootle Group’s first installation of the season held at Ormskirk Masonic Hall where 58 brethren attended to witness John Doyle being installed into the chair of King Solomon for the second time.
The lodge was opened by the acting master of the lodge Michael Trigg, and following a brief period for departed merit for John Hibbert and James Roberts, Michael opened the lodge to the third degree. At that point there was a report and the DC entered and announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas stood without and demanded admission.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas, accompanied by Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Graham Chambers, grand officers, Malcolm Alexander, Stewart Cranage and acting Provincial grand officers, David Lyon, Martin Stewart, Geoff Roberts and Andrew Oliver entered and where duly seated. Michael then warmly welcomed the David and offered him the gavel of the lodge. David responded by saying he was delighted to be at this installation meeting and was really looking forward to the evening and handed the gavel back.
Following the salutations and responses the acting WM Michael Trigg then asked Malcolm Sandywell to honour the lodge by taking the chair for the installation, which he was delighted to do and in his own inimitable style installed John Doyle into the chair of King Solomon. Malcolm then reverted back to his role as DC for the remainder of the ceremony.
The working tools of each degree were delivered by three light blue brethren; Alex Fry the third degree, John Leahy the second degree and Lee Birchall the first degree, all expertly and flawlessly delivered. The address to the WM John Doyle was delivered by Stewart Cranage. The address to the wardens was delivered by Malcolm Sandywell and the address to the brethren of the lodge was delivered by the David Thomas, all keeping up the standard the light blue brethren had set.
David then went on to congratulate the lodge on its ceremony, its organisation and presentation coordinated by Malcolm. He especially noted the involvement of the light blue brethren, enthusiastically shaking many of them by the hand in appreciation of their efforts. He stated that the lodge was in fine form and has a bright future with four younger light blue brethren in the officer’s positions for the coming season, and stating that the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews hoped we would all have a happy, busy, and above all, enjoyable year in Freemasonry.
At the first rising, the acting officers where assembled and David, accompanied by grand officers, retired from the lodge. The lodge was then closed and everyone retired to the anti-room were a toast by David to John and his officers was given in the usual West Lancashire Freemasonry way. After all had been toasted, the brethren retired to a happy and convivial festive board with excellent food, laughter and banter for a truly enjoyable evening which was had by all.
