Liverpool Masonic Hall on Hope Street hosted the installation of Christos Kontovas into the chair of King Solomon at Downshire Lodge No 594, as the lodge celebrated its 175th anniversary. WM Robert Martin opened the lodge in due form and completed its domestic business, including the successful ballot and admission of joining member Andy Bond.
Robert Martin then opened the lodge in the third degree. Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes, announced that Deputy Provincial Grand Master Frank Umbers demanded admission. Frank Umbers processed into the lodge room accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Johnson, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Andrew Whittle, Liverpool Group Chairman Neil Francis and other distinguished brethren.
Installing master Oliver Winder formally welcomed Frank to Downshire Lodge and offered him the gavel, which Frank politely returned. Presenting officer Geoff Gill introduced Christos Kontovas as the master elect. After accepting the duties of master, Christos knelt at the WM’s pedestal and took his solemn obligation. Oliver declared a Board of Installed Masters and following the prayer and obligation, installed Christos into the chair of King Solomon.
After the Board of Installed Masters was closed, the lodge resumed in the third degree. All master Masons entered and saluted the WM. Colin Harrop presented the third degree working tools. The lodge then opened in the second and first degrees, with Phil Clements and Andrew Zachariades presenting the respective working tools. Once the officers had been appointed and invested, Terry Longworth completed the installation ceremony by delivering the address to WM Christos Kontovas.
Frank Umbers addressed the brethren and conveyed the congratulations from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to WM Christos Kontovas. Frank congratulated Oliver on the installation ceremony and also thanked the other brethren who had contributed to the ceremony.
Before Frank returned to his seat, Christos presented him with cheques for the following charities: West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £175; The Hope Foundation Liverpool, £175; Merseyside Deaf Association, £175; International Seafarers’ Welfare, £175; Liverpool Seafarers’ Centre, £175; Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, £175; NWC Widows Sons Blood Bikes, £175; Clare House Children’s Hospital, £175; and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, bringing the total amount donated to £1,750.
The lodge then heard a 175th anniversary oration which recounted the history of the lodge, followed by a dedication prayer delivered by secretary Geoff Gill. The lodge was closed in due form, after which the brethren attended a drinks reception and festive board.
Responding to the toast to his health, Frank described Downshire Lodge as a strong organisation that continued to attract new members and expressed confidence that it would reach its bicentenary. He also highlighted several future events: a major celebration of the bicentenary of West Lancashire Provincial Grand Lodge at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, on Friday 27 November 2026; the 166th Annual West Lancashire Grand Ball at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton, on 5 March 2027; and the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at the Winter Gardens on 12 May 2027.
Frank thanked Oliver Winder for the warm welcome and excellent installation, adding that he had been ‘blown away’ by the charitable donations.
Story by Alan McCluskey.