Stephen Linton, the WM and installing master of Blenheim Lodge No 7519, had the great pleasure and honour to install his friend and ex-army colleague John McKenna into the chair of King Solomon. The ceremony took place at the Roman Suite, Masonic Hall, Hope Street. 34 brethren and 8 guests were in attendance. The ceremony and festive board were under the excellent control of the lodge director of ceremonies Phil Pattullo. WM Stephen Linton and his wardens were ceremonially admitted into the lodge.
The lodge having completed the usual business, opened to the third-degree. At this point, Assistant Provincial Grand Master John James, accompanied by Liverpool Group Chairman Dave Johnson, Michael Fox and Chris Brufell both of whom are Provincial Grand Stewards, and accompanying grand officer were admitted. John, after being offered the gavel, respectively returned it to the WM Stephen Linton.
The lodge was adjourned to the second degree and the WM was assisted by John Owen taking the position of the senior warden, Alan Ball taking the position of junior warden and Ray Marshall as inner guard. Before continuing the ceremony of installation, the master elect John McKenna was presented to the WM by Ricky Chamberlain. Once the lodge was declared a board of installed masters, Stephen thanked all his officers and lodge members for their work and support during his time in office.
There then followed a sincere ceremony of installation, with Stephen the installing master leading the way. Proclamations were declared by Brian Jackson and the third degree tools were explained to the newly installed master by Mark Crawford. The second degree tools were explained by Edsel Igot, and the first degree tools being presented by Stefan Rawsthorne. All those that presented claiming praise from the principal guest and the brethren.
John Owen presented the gavel and column to the newly installed senior warden, with Alan Ball presenting to the junior warden. Ray Marshall gave the address to the inner guard and Mike Fox as the acting Provincial Grand Steward, addressed the newly installed stewards of the lodge.
Philip Kavanagh, visiting from the Chorley and Leyland group, a friend of the installing and new WM John McKenna, gave a heartfelt and sincere address to the WM. The address to the wardens was given by Tommie Walsh. John James then gave the address to the brethren of Blenheim Lodge.
Upon completion of the installation ceremony, John James rose to bring the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to the newly installed master and spoke of a most enjoyable ritual. John thanked all the brethren who took part, with special note to those brethren who had given the explanation of the degrees working tools.
The newly installed WM then presented five cheques for £300 each to John James, for each of the following charities; Combat Stress, Zoë’s Place, James Place, Whitechapel Centre and Friends of Tithebarn. John thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
Following the ceremony, the brethren retired for a magnificent festive board. John James responded to his toast, thanking the lodge for his welcome and the toast to his health. He thanked Dave Johnson for his hard work within the group as the chairman and the Provincial Grand Stewards present. John talked about membership, the Royal Arch and the charity donations made by West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. John thanked the installing master Stephen for an excellent ceremony, and wished a good year for the newly installed WM.
Stephen proposed the toast to the newly installed WM, his friend and ex colleague, both having joined Freemasonry eight years ago. He congratulated John for his 43 years of Army Service and his work as one of the directors of Liverpool Masonic Hall. Stephen stated that he could not think of a better man to serve as WM of the Lodge.
John responded to the toast to his health, thanking Stephen for his installation the toast, and how he was looking forward to returning the pleasure when he will hopefully install Stephen into the chair of second principal in their Chapter. John Owen assisted by those present gave a rendition of the Master’s Song. The proceedings were brought to an ending with the tyler’s toast.