Garston Masonic Hall on Island Road in Liverpool was the venue for the installation of Ernest Coulthard into the chair of King Solomon for the fifth time in Dormer Lodge No 4389.
WM Paul Boulton opened the lodge in due form and completed all the domestic business of the lodge, including confirmation of minutes and proceeded to open the lodge in the various degrees. Lodge director of ceremonies Barry Thornley entered the lodge and announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Murphy demanded admission. John entered the lodge accompanied by Mersey Valley Group Secretary Brendan Hutchison and other distinguished brethren.
John was greeted and welcomed to the lodge by WM Paul Boulton, who offered him the gavel of the lodge, which John reluctantly returned to Paul, saying that he was looking forward to the installation.
Paul then commenced with the installation and the director of ceremonies collected Ernest Coulthard, who confirmed his solemn obligation as master of the lodge. Paul then installed Ernest into the chair of King Solomon and the lodge of installed masters was then closed. Master Masons were admitted and Brian Mitchell then explained the third degree working tools. The lodge was then closed in the third degree and the fellowcrafts were admitted and Barry Thornley explained the second degree working tools. The lodge was closed in the second degree and entered apprentices were admitted then Paul O’Brien explained the first degree working tools.
John Murphy then rose and gave the address to the brethren; this completed the installation ceremony. John then congratulated the newly installed WM, Ernest Coulthard, on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews. John also brought his own personal congratulations to the WM and to those who took part in an excellent installation ceremony.
Ernest handed two cheques to John, £100 to the Masonic Charity Fund and £100 for hall improvements; the brethren then retired to the festive board after taking refreshments.
At the festive board, in reply to the toast to the grand officers, John Murphy spoke about the importance of registering for the Portal membership system, which is an easy and straightforward process which will enable the brethren to manage their details and connect with other brethren. John also mentioned Royal Arch recruitment; Craft Masons need to be encouraged to join, which will enable them to complete their journey through pure and ancient Freemasonry. John then mentioned the Province of West Lancashire Annual Ball and Banquet at the Community Stadium, Bolton, on 13 March 2026.
