The lodge room at The Palace, St Annes on Sea was buzzing in eager anticipation with 78 brethren present for the start of the 2025 Baines Lodge No 7844, installation ceremony. Brethren from the host South Fylde Group were delighted to be in the company of brethren from Furness and South Lakeland, Southport, Preston, Chorley and Leyland Groups.
All the visitors were at The Palace to witness the installation of Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas into the chair of this fine and distinguished lodge, whose motto is ‘Nil sine labore.’ which, when translated means ‘Nothing without work, labour and effort.’ The focus upon work, labour and effort became apparent for all to see as the lodge members had spent many hours before and during the installation day, practising the ritual to the very highest standard.
Following the opening of the lodge by WM Adrian May, normal lodge business was conducted efficiently and effectively. Immediately following this, the WM requested Ryan Modlin to occupy the chair of King Solomon for the duration of the installation ceremony.
The director of ceremonies Creag Williams retired from the lodge to greet the principal guest, Provincial Junior Grand Warden Ezra McGowan, who was accompanied by numerous grand officers, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax, acting Provincial grand officers and the group vice-chairman. The procession entered the lodge and Ezra McGowan was introduced to the WM. Following a series of salutations and allocation of installing officers, John Lee occupied the chair of installing senior warden, Geoff Diggles occupied the chair of installing junior warden and Malcolm Bell occupied the position of installing inner guard. The installation of David Thomas duly commenced.
The ceremony was performed to an extremely high standard by all the officers. The working tools were very ably delivered by four brethren. The working tools of an installed master were delivered by Tony Cassells, the third degree tools by Ross Kelly, the second degree tools by Adam Dennett and the first degree tools by entered apprentice Jack Lee.
All the addresses were delivered magnificently. John Lee delivered the address to the master, Michael Tax to the wardens, Paul Cummings delivered the address to the deacons, Chris Hardingham to the stewards and Ezra McGowan addressed the brethren of Baines Lodge. At the conclusion of the installation ceremony, principal guest Ezra McGowan brought the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and congratulated all the officers for a job well done, especially the junior brethren who delivered the working tools so perfectly. Ezra was pleased to receive a number of charitable cheques that totalled in excess of £3,500. This was a significant total donation and Ezra McGowan praised everyone for raising this amount.
The brethren moved swiftly to the festive board to enjoy a superb high quality Christmas menu provided by in-house Masonic Event Catering. Under the direction of the director of ceremonies, the WM was pleased to share wine at the end of the first two courses.
The director of ceremonies continued his expert management of the proceedings and the first four toasts were delivered by the WM and toast number five by senior warden, Simon Wright. Simon coupled this toast with the name of Ezra McGowan who suitably responded. Ezra spoke about the need for all brethren to be aware of the membership challenge both in Craft and the Royal Arch. He spoke of Portal and urged all brethren to register and log on as soon as possible. Ezra promoted all the forthcoming events, namely the Provincial Grand Ball on 13 March and both Provincial meetings, Provincial Grand Lodge in May and Provincial Grand Chapter in September. The brethren gave Ezra a rapturous round of applause following his response.
Immediate past master Adrian May proposed the toast to the WM in a very warm and sincere way, thanking him and the lodge for all their support and brotherly love over the year. WM David Thomas suitably responded and assured the brethren of his commitment to taking Baines Lodge forward, working with all his officers to ensure Baines Lodge goes from strength to strength. David Thomas made a number of presentations to key lodge members for their hard work and support. He also praised The Palace stewards John and Pamela Nicholls and made presentations to them as a token of the lodge’s gratitude. David also thanked the catering team, led by Lee Munro and a donation was made to the staff as a token of thanks.
The penultimate toast of the evening was to the founders of Baines Lodge. This was delivered so eloquently and with feeling by the lodge’s newest member Jack Lee. We were all sure that dad John Lee, who was sat close by, was extremely impressed and proud of his son who had spoken so confidently.
During the meal, a raffle was efficiently managed by charity steward David McKee which raised the impressive sum of £720 to be distributed in due course to Masonic and non-Masonic charities. WM David Thomas suggested that the amount raised throughout the evening, which included the charity plate and raffle would pass the £1,000 mark.
Just before John Nicholls delivered the tyler’s toast with such sincerity, the WM presented a beautiful floral display to principal guest Ezra McGowan for his wife. Ezra thanked everyone for their generosity and support during the event.
Report by John Topping.