Marquis of Lorne Lodge No 1354 held its annual installation of a new master of the lodge. The lodge WM and installing master for the ceremony was John Phillips. The principal guest representing the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews was Philip Gunning, accompanied by Len Hart and Ian Green the Wigan and Leigh Group Chairman, the lodge DC was Aiden Murphy.
The lodge master elect was Andrew Hardman, Andrew retired from the Fire Service in 2024 after 32 years, he returned to work as a trainer on a part time contract in the same year. Andrew has been a school governor and a previous chair of governors at a different school for many years, also he has been a long-standing member in the lodge. He has assumed all positions if and when needed, he joined and worked competently through all the offices until he became WM in 2010.
Since 2010, Andrew has sat in the chair of King Solomon four times, and in his time in Marquis of Lorne Lodge he has proved to be an excellent mentor, and personally assisting in many local charity events and frequently contacting the widows with his usual chat and friendliness.
He is a member of Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters No 9057 where he was WM in 2016, and has since taken on the role that he holds today as DC. Andrew is also a member of the Lodge of Unity No 613. He has held various Provincial ranks in his time of being a Freemason and has achieved the high rank of being promoted to PPGSwdB. He is a companion of Chapter of Truth No 6235, where he holds the office second principal.
The lodge was opened by John Phillips with the same smile and relaxed attitude that always puts the lodge officers at ease. Philip was intruded to John and as was expected from both, the comical exchange of greetings.
The ceremony proceeded in the usual competent way with Andrew taking the chair of King Solomon once again, no doubt home from home for him. All the officers were installed and addresses given that were exceptionally well done by Aiden Murphy, Ian Mann and Garry Bryan.
At the conclusion of the installation, Philip thanked and gave his appreciation to the newer master Masons for the way they presented the working tools of each of the three degrees. He mentioned that the practices they had done ultimately shone through.
Finally, Philip gave the address the brethren of the lodge and conveyed the best wishes from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Cheques were then presented by Andrew, Philip read them out as follows; Leigh Masonic Hall £250, Growing for Giving £500, ManLeigh Mental Health Charity £250, Blessing in Disguise £250, Astley Youth Band £250, and the Atherton and Leigh Bank £500, making a grand total of £2,000. Philip thanked the lodge of behalf of those who get the benefit of the monies given with considerable generosity, once again thanking them very much. The Lodge was finally closed in peace and harmony.
At the festive board, Philip expressed to the brethren the benefits of using the Masonic Charity Foundation. Aiden gave a glowing accolade to Andrew in his commitment to Freemasonry and the Marquis of Lorne lodge and assisting as DC when Aiden has not been available for practices, and giving the utmost attention to detail. Peter Whalley sang a beautiful rendition of the Master’s Song, throughout this there was a tremendous applause in appreciation to such a valued and dedicated member.