It was a sunny and bright afternoon when the brethren from Lodge of St George No 6048 and their guests started to flow through those consequential doors into the temple chamber at The Point in St Helens. The doors have seen decades of bejewelled history as well as many a gentleman in a sharp suit pass through them toward destiny, and this installation would be no different, as Clive Robinson would ascend to that most prestigious of offices, the WM of his exemplary lodge.
The lodge opened promptly at 17:00hrs by the outgoing WM Paul Holden and his wardens, flawlessly as always, all of whom had the unmistakeable sparkle of anticipation in their eyes, all these fine pillars of the community were eagerly and possibly nervously awaiting the main event of the day which they alone had the privilege of setting in motion. Their voices echoing across the splendid art deco chamber from wall to wall with an awe-inspiring confidence that only comes from years of hard work and toil not to mention a steely determination of never giving up on one’s goals no matter how difficult it may seem during the initial steps on the journey towards greatness.
Late members were admitted; they gave apologies which were accepted by the outgoing WM. The secretary, Jonathan Holden circulated the minutes to all brethren for his last time as the lodge secretary. The minutes were duly proposed and seconded by the entire membership and deemed a true record. There was a ballot conducted for one joining member which proved successful for Baul Urbano III, a future asset to the lodge.
Following the ballot, the deacons retired for a short period to assist in forming the procession of refulgent officers, their regalia, shimmering jewels and mirror finish on their shoes serving as an outward expression of each man’s body and mind. On entering the chamber, the deacons were perfectly in tune with each other in step as always which resulted in an entrance worthy of any parade ground in the world.
Robert Fitzsimmons the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, Andrew Whittle Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Atkinson the Mersey Valley Group chairman and other grand and acting Provincial grand officers were then admitted into the glistening gilded sumptuousness that is the Masonic temple at St Helens.
David Rigby took the senior warden’s chair for the installation; John Roughley took the position of the junior warden for the ceremony. These extraordinary brethren displayed true examples of honour and utmost discipline as they performed those duties admirably; David also gave phenomenal addresses to the new wardens. The time had come for Clive Robinson’s big moment, the installation of him to be WM had begun, the installing master Paul Holden was outstanding throughout this part, his voice carrying around the temple for the last time as WM.
Clive, standing bolt upright and with an unshakeable air of confidence, a shining example of a just and upright man worthy of his place in history, took the solemn obligation which was humbling to watch and listen to, his voice was flowing all the way through it. There is no doubt that he will make a wonderful WM of the Lodge of St George
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There was a perfect execution of the junior and senior warden’s roles during the installation ceremony which was carried out by John and David as junior and senior wardens respectively. The deacons were also superb in the execution of their duties. The working tools of all the degrees from those of a master Mason down to entered apprentice were delivered by Paul Underwood, Steven Fairhurst and Keith Lewis respectively all of whom did remarkably well like old hands at the task.
The outgoing DC, Christopher Maloney was outstanding as always at his final job of office, a task which the newly appointed director of ceremonies Jonathon Holden will be eager to replicate which started with a brilliant address to Clive Robinson as WM. The officers where then invested for the upcoming year at the lodge. The address to the brethren of the lodge was given by Robert Fitzsimmons clearly, confidently and with a measured pace, a marvellous job indeed.
Following congratulations from Robert Fitzsimmons on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, cheques were presented to Robert as donations to; Angel Starfish Project, St Helens Masonic Hall, both of £100, as well as a third to be delivered later which raised £650 from a Filipino night the previous week. Robert thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
Charities were honoured by all brethren; no propositions were given by the acting secretary at this time and all the communications were circulated to the brethren. Grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers then retired from the temple chamber. Apologies were given on behalf of absent brethren, greetings from visitors were conveyed to the WM and finally other business was then submitted to the brethren. The lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 19:03hrs by the WM Clive Robinson and his wardens.
This concluded an incredible evening conducted by the brethren of the lodge, all of whom can hold their heads up high. The festive board was truly wonderful to be involved in, from the various toasts to the amazing Master’s Song which was sung with great delight by Graham Williams on the night, The raffle raised money for the lodge fund, the usual convivial and friendly banter amongst members and guests flowed as well as the drink and good cheer which concluded a night which Clive will remember for the rest of his life.