On a typically wet autumnal evening, the brethren of Victoria Lodge No 4629 along with many visitors. met for the installation of Kevin Morton into the chair of King Solomon for the ensuing year.
Due to last-minute unforeseen circumstances, lodge director of ceremonies Matthew Baldwin was unable to be in attendance, which led to his father, John Baldwin stepping into his place. Having done so, he started proceedings by the announcement of the arrival of WM James Gibbon, who opened the lodge in due form and the minutes were approved.
Junior warden Karl Spencer announced that there was a report, and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, David Boyes announced that grand officer John McIntyre, the representative of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, requested admission, to which WM James Gibbon informed him the lodge would be delighted to admit him and salutations were given to John, along with the other grand officers present.
The Master Mason’s lodge having been adjourned and work resumed in the second degree. Mehrdad Daliri occupied the chair of junior warden and Andrew Baldwin occupied the chair of senior warden with Bob Bazley occupying the position of inner guard.
Having been presented to James, who recited the qualifications of the officer of master, Kevin advanced to the pedestal and recited his obligation. Labour resumed in the third degree and James opened a Board of Installed Masters during which Kevin was expertly installed into the chair of King Solomon. As the lodge returned to the second and first degrees, fellow crafts and entered apprentices returned and saluted Kevin. Working tools were presented by Karl Spencer, Graham Dunne and John Baldwin. Outgoing master James presented the Warrant of Victoria Lodge into the safe keeping of the new master, along with the Book of Constitutions of the Order and a copy of the by-laws of Victoria Lodge. Kevin then proceeded to invest the officers of the lodge.
With the ceremony of installation being concluded, John McIntyre rose to bring the greetings and congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. John congratulated Kevin and James, wishing the lodge a happy, healthy and productive year.
Kevin presented John with charity and other donations made by the lodge totalling £1600. Donations were: £200 St Ambrose Church in memory of George Shields, £250 West Lancs Masonic Charity, £250 Halton Haven, £250 Widnes Masonic Hall, £300 Widnes RU under 11s, £100 Sponsor a Barrel Scouts Beerfest, £250 Widnes Soroptimists for birthing packs for underprivileged women.
At the festive board, a lovely four-course meal consisting of mushroom soup, roast beef dinner, jam roly-poly, followed by cheese and biscuits was served.
After the chaplain returned thanks and the senior warden had proposed the toast to the grand officers, John rose to congratulate Kevin on becoming WM, John also thanked James for the excellent manner in which he had conducted the ceremony, along with those brethren who had presented the working tools. He finished by thanking everybody for their friendship and camaraderie.
During the festive board a raffle raised £200 which was donated to Little Lights formally known as Zoes Place, a charity very close the heart of the lodge.
Principal guests having retired and the Tylers’ toast being delivered, the brethren retired to the bar to continue their enjoyment of the evening.
Story by David Jameson
