Over 20 Masons assembled in the Geoffrey Hirst Masonic Suite within Woolton Golf Club for the installation ceremony of Olympic Lodge No 4461 WM of the lodge, Fred Hulse, had sadly and unfortunately passed to higher service so immediate Past master Tony Standish occupied the chair of King Solomon and requested the brethren to stand to sing the opening ode which they did in fine voice. Tony then opened the lodge in due form and the minutes of the last regular meeting were confirmed and signed and Tony then opened the lodge to the second and third degrees.
Director of ceremonies Rob James retired from the lodge and on being readmitted informed the brethren that Assistant Provincial Grand Master Andrew Whittle stood outside and demanded admission. Andrew, accompanied by Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson and Peter Williams and other Provincial grand officers entered the lodge in due form. Tony warmly welcomed Andrew and after he had been saluted in due form was offered the gavel of the lodge. Andrew said it was always an honour to be presented with the lodge’s gavel but as he knew so much hard work had been rehearsed for the ceremony had much pleasure in returning it.
Tony adjourned the lodge to the second degree and asked Stephen Cornwell to assist him and occupy the master’s chair. Stephen asked Tony to assist him by occupying the senior wardens chair; Peter Ryan as junior warden and Kevin Birchall as acting inner guard. From the senior warden’s chair Tony thanked the members of the lodge for their support throughout what had been a very sad and trying year.
Ron James then presented the master elect, David Cairns, who assented to the ancient charges and regulations and then proceeded to reaffirm his obligation. The lodge was adjourned back to the third degree and all below the rank of an installed master were requested to leave the lodge for a short while. A board of installed masters being convened and David was installed a very sincere and confident manner.
Rob James provided the explanation of the working tools of an installed master. The lodge was closed to the third degree and master Masons were readmitted, saluted the newly installed master in due form and had the third degree tools explained by Peter Ryan. David closed the lodge to the second degree and the explanation of the second degree tools were explained by Rob James. Rob also explained the first degree tools.
David continued the ceremony by appointing and investing his officers. The address to the deacons was given by Rob James; to the inner guard by Tony Standish; to the master by Matt Wilson; to the wardens by Rob James and the brethren of the lodge by Andrew Whittle.
The ceremony of installation being concluded Andrew rose to convey the congratulations and best wishes of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews saying that Mark wished David a very happy year in office and the rest of the brethren that they enjoy their Freemasonry. Andrew also heartily thanked those who had taken part in the very sincere ceremony.
David then presented a cheque for £200 for the West Lancs Freemasons’ Charity which Andrew accepted and said that we would never know the recipients, but the money was thankfully received and would be faithfully applied.
After the almoner had taken a collection, the secretary reported that all grand lodge communications had been circulated to the brethren, Rob then formed the procession for grand officers to retire. After Andrew and the other grand officers had retired, the lodge was closed in due form and the brethren retired to the dining room to continue the festivities.
Article by Colin Roberts.