The WM of Centurions of Merseyside Coronation Lodge No 2923, David Hitchmough, opened the lodge ably assisted by his wardens, SW Kevin Gates-Lundon and JW Brian Gillbanks. The WM then duly opened the lodge in the second degree and the acting director of ceremonies, Peter Duggan, retired to attend upon the principal guest.
WM David Hitchmough then opened in the third degree and the DC then advised the WM that John James, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, demanded admission. John James was admitted and the brethren saluted John with five grand or royal signs. The brethren then saluted the Chairman of Gladstone Group Paul Storrar and the rest of the grand officers with three grand or royal signs.
The WM then closed the lodge in the third degree and resumed working in the second degree. David Hitchmough was proclaimed as master for the following year the brethren saluted the WM with three grand or royal signs. David then appointed and invested his officers. Mike Jones gave an address to the wardens and Peter Duggan gave an address to the senior deacon John Williams, and Peter Duggan then delivered the address to the inner guard the DC informed the WM of the completion of his proclamation.
That was the cue for John James to rise and bring to the WM and brethren of the lodge the congratulations from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthew, along with his best wishes. The WM then closed the lodge in the second degree and resumed in the first degree.
The WM stood and on behalf of the lodge brethren, proudly presented John James with cheques for £200 to Alder Hey Hospital and £200 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. John gave thanks to David and the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
After the WM had completed the first rising to enquire of any communications from the United Grand Lodge of England, John James and the Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar and other grand officers retired. David Hitchmough then concluded the risings in record time as the brethren needed refreshment, and gave the senior warden Kevin Gates-Lundon permission to close the lodge.
The tyler Bro John Daly was admitted bearing the new sword, which had been expertly hand made by David Escreet, an entered apprentice of Liverpool Charter Lodge No 7650.