Carl Horrax was installed as master of Silverdale Lodge No 6926 in the presence of Provincial Junior Grand Warden Michael Silver who was the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
Michael was accompanied by Past Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland Norman Thompson and grand officers Peter Mason, David Holland, Mark Gregory, John Wrennall and Neil McGill. Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group Chris Larder and group secretary Lee Fisher were joined by Provincial Deputy Grand Superintendent of Works Ken Greenwood, Provincial Senior Deacon Keith Bennett, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Steven Ellershaw, Provincial Assistant Grand Standard Bearer Steven Murray, Provincial Assistant Grand Pursuivant Sid Bateson, Provincial Grand Stewards Stuart Bateson and Andy Baxter.
Current WM John Robson was not able to attend the meeting due to recent knee surgery. Lodge director of ceremonies Carl Horrax stood in as WM. Carl opened the lodge in the first degree and conducted the business of the lodge, after which Michael Silver, accompanied by the grand officers, acting Provincial grand officers and the group chairman were admitted. The lodge was opened in the second degree and lodge assistant director of ceremonies Chris Isherwood, then occupied the chair of King Solomon to conduct the installation ceremony.
Chris Isherwood invited Peter Mason to occupy the chair of installing senior warden, Alan Proctor as installing junior warden and Tony Dickinson as installing inner guard. Master elect Carl Horrax was presented for installation by Stephen Fox.
The third degree working tools were presented by Julian Webb, the second and first degree working tools were presented by Richard Parker and Clark Kent respectively. New WM Carl Horrax then appointed Richard Parker as senior warden and Julian Webb as junior warden. The address to the wardens was given by Stephen Fox and Michael Silver gave the address to the brethren of Silverdale Lodge. The address to the stewards was given by Stuart Bateson.
On completion of the installation ceremony, Michael Silver brought greetings from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to the WM and wished him a successful, busy, happy and healthy year. He congratulated Carl on a superb ceremony. Michael was presented with a list of donations that the lodge had made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities totalling £2,345. Michael thanked the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
The organist for the evening was Peter Wood and the Master’s Song was performed by Simon Almond. A total of 56 brethren attended the festive board, where the toast to the WM was given by Richard Parker.
Carl was initiated into Silverdale Lodge in February 2010 and was WM in 2018, He was previously the director of ceremonies of the lodge. Carl joined Sandylands Chapter No 5702 in 2013 and was installed as the first principal in April 2023. Carl has run his own landscaping business since 2004 specialising in artificial grass lawns and home putting greens. He currently lives in Garstang and plans to retire in 8 years’ time.
