It was a sunny spring evening at Litherland Masonic Hall, where Latham Lodge No 2229, which was consecrated in 1888 and is a past master’s lodge, met to install David Boyes as their new master. The lodge was opened in the first degree in due form by WM Stephen Bousfield. The minutes were duly confirmed, the lodge accounts were approved and auditors Roy Pyne and Stephen Oliver were elected.
After Stephen had opened the lodge to the third degree, the lodge director of ceremonies, Martin Stewart, retired to form the procession. Martin then returned to proclaim that Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Malcolm Bell was without and demanded admission.
Malcolm processed into the lodge room accompanied by grand officers, Graham Chambers and Rob Fitzsimmons. Ormskirk and Bootle Group Vice-Chairman Malcolm Sandywell and two acting Provincial grand officers; Provincial Grand Almoner Alan Riley and Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Arnie Neale.
Stephen welcomed Malcolm to Lathom Lodge and offered him the gavel which he politely declined. Russell Skidmore remained in the junior warden chair for the ceremony. Malcolm Sandywell occupied the senior warden chair and Ken Rouse remained as inner guard. Salutations were then given by the brethren to Malcolm. Stephen then adjourned the master Mason’s lodge and labour was resumed in the second degree.
Kevin Poynton then presented the master elect David Boyes to Stephen. David then advanced to the pedestal and recited his obligation faultlessly. Labour was resumed in the third degree and David was installed into the chair of King Solomon during a Board of Installed Masters. David then invested Stephen, with the immediate past master collar.
The Board of Installed Masters was then closed and Stephen proclaimed David as master of Latham Lodge from the east, west and south and presented the working tools of the three degrees to David.
After Stephen had presented the Warrant of Lathom Lodge, Book of Constitutions of the Order and a copy of Lathom Lodge by-laws to David, he then appointed his officers. Kevin Poynton delivered the address to the master and also to the junior warden. The brethren of Latham Lodge then rose and were addressed by Martin Stewart.
After David had been informed that the ceremony of installation was concluded, Malcolm rose and spoke to the brethren, he offered David the personal congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. He then wished David a busy and happy year in office and the health to enjoy it. He then congratulated the installing master, Stephen and hoped that all of the brethren would continue to enjoy their Masonry.
David then presented Malcolm with the lodge’s charity donations, which totalled £600. £500 to West Lancs Freemasons’ Charity and £100 to Daddy’s with Angels. Malcolm thanked the brethren of Latham Lodge and their guests for their generosity and said that the donations would improve peoples’ lives.
Alms were then taken to the total of £126.70. After the first rising, the director of ceremonies formed the procession and Malcolm Bell, grand officers, Malcolm Sandywell and the acting Provincial grand officers departed. The lodge was closed by David, the National Anthem was heartily sung by the brethren and after the master and his wardens had retired, the brethren then retired to the bar prior to the festive board.
At the festive board, the brethren rose with rapturous applause to welcome Malcolm Bell, Malcolm Sanywell and David. After the chaplain, Roy Pyne, had said grace, Malcolm proposed a toast to David. The brethren were then treated to a delicious three course meal, comprising of black pudding with sauteed onions, crispy bacon and grain mustard sauce, slow roasted belly pork and for dessert, cherry and almond tart and vanilla ice cream. This was all washed down with tea and coffee.
After the chaplain had returned thanks and the Chorley raffle, which raised £154 and the senior warden’s toast to the grand officers, Malcolm rose. He firstly thanked the senior warden for the toast and said how delighted he was to have the company of the grand officers, Roy Pyne, Graham Chambers and Rob Fitzsimmons. He then congratulated David, Stephen and all of the officers who took part in the ceremony. He then wished that David had a very happy and busy year in office.
Stephen, then proposed the toast to David, who responded by saying that it was an honour to be installed into the chair of Latham Lodge. After the tyler’s toast was delivered by Kevin, the evening being at an end and the principal guest having retired, the brethren retired to the bar for further refreshment.
