David Briscoe was installed in the chair of King Solomon at Antient Briton Lodge No 1675 by John Fagan for the first time in this lodge, having previously been WM in two other lodges in his Masonic career. This ceremony was attended by 39 brethren and it was held at the Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street in the company of the principal guest Dave Johnson, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
The lodge was opened in due form by the installing master John Fagan. Following the opening, the director of ceremonies John Shaw, announced and admitted Dave Johnson who was accompanied by the Liverpool Group Vice Chairman Bob Paterson. John gave Dave a very warm welcome saying that he hoped that Dave would enjoy the ceremony and the festive board.
David Briscoe, having been presented as master elect, was duly installed into the chair for the ensuing year by John Fagan. John was ably assisted by Roy Ashley (SW), Roy Cowley (JW) and Bernard Ashley (IG). The address to the master was delivered by Roy Ashley. This was followed by the address to the lodge brethren by Dave Johnson, who then brought the personal greetings from the Mark Matthews to the WM and a special mention to the installing master John Fagan for conducting an excellent ceremony and the brethren acting as Principal officers.
Dave was pleased to accept a number of the charitable donations made by the lodge during the year, they were; to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity £100, McMillan Cancer Support £100, Liverpool Masonic Hall £100, Food Bank Appeal £80, Antient Briton Lodge Widows £200, and Walton Trauma Centre £100. A fantastic amount of £680. Dave stated that the donations would be greatly appreciated by all the recipients and thanked the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
After the lodge was closed, all the brethren then retired to the dining room for a splendid five course festive board of black pudding stack, braised steak and onions and a selection of fine cheese and biscuits. In his response to the toast to his health, Dave spoke about membership, retention and the importance of enjoying Freemasonry. He gave mention to the excellent work carried out by everyone who took part in the installation ceremony.
