The Roman Suite in Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street was the venue for the installation of Paul Shrimpton from Everton Lodge No 823. The event was attended by 37 brethren. The lodge’s first business was to ballot for and approve for a re-joining member Stephen Makin back in the fold.
John James, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was the principal guest and he was accompanied by Dave Johnson the Liverpool Group Chairman and Roy Ashley, both grand officers. The representatives were under the guidance and expertise of Rob Fitzsimmons Past Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
The WM, Phil Eddowes, having opened the lodge to the third degree and the principal guests having been announced by Rob, Phil formally welcomed John James as the principal guest, together with accompanying grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers. To hand the gavel over to John James, Phil was in a polite manner, but was told that this had been a ‘nice try’. Salutations were then given.
The lodge was adjourned to the second degree and the WM was assisted by Steve Roberts taking the position of the senior warden and Thomas Maxwell taking the position of junior warden. The WM was pleased to invite his brother Jim Eddowes to take the chair as the installing master for the evening. Andy Chatterton then presented the master elect Paul Shrimpton to the installing master.
There then followed a flawless ceremony of installation, with Jim setting the precedent. The third degree working tools were explained to the newly installed master by Anthony Kenny, the second degree tools by Bob Patterson with the first degree tools being presented by Joe Sutton. Jim Eddowes gave the address to the newly installed master, Bob Patterson gave the address to the wardens, Dave Johnson then gave the address to the deacons, with the address to the brethren of the lodge being given by the principal guest John James.
Upon completion of the installation ceremony, John James rose to bring the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to the newly installed master and spoke of the excellent and enjoyable ritual conducted by the installing master, recognising that a lot of work had taken place.
John James then thanked all the brethren who took part, especially the up-and-coming young members who had delivered an explanation of the working tools, of course it was also recognised, that although perhaps not included as one of the young members Bob Patterson was also thanked.
The newly installed master then presented cheques to John James totalling £800 to the following charities: £200 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £200 to Liverpool Masonic Building Fund, £200 to Friends of Tithebarn House and £200 to Kensington Community Primary School.
It was also recognised that throughout the year, the lodge had also made the following contributions; Liverpool Masonic Hall, £200, MNDA £180, West Lancashire Clay Pigeon and Golf Societies £35, Breast Mates Cancer Support £95, Liverpool Masonic Hall Lift Appeal £200, SSAFA £100, Zoë’s Place Bike Ride £100, Foodbank Appeal £100, Widows £350, and grants to Freemasons £350. John James thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
Following the ceremony, the brethren retired for a magnificent festive board, consisting of black pudding stack, leg of lamb and vegetables, sponge cake and custard, or cheese and biscuits. John responded to his toast by thanking the lodge for the wonderful flowers his wife had received and was also presented with a bottle. John thanked the grand officers present for the work they have done within the group and to Rob Fitzsimmons for the evening.
John continued by congratulating the newly installed officers and hoped that they would have a wonderful time, he congratulated the newly installed WM, and hoped he has a wonderful time in what is indeed a wonderful lodge, before communicating the messages from Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge.
There was an excellent rendition of the Master’s Song given by Ken Orme. The newly installed WM responded to the toast to his health by thanking his immediate past master, and those brethren for attending the evening. He also thanked Andy Chatterton for bringing him into the lodge and was looking forward to his year as the master. The proceedings were brought to an ending with the tyler’s toast.