On a mild autumn evening, the brethren and visitors of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511, consecrated in January 1912 by the Earl of Derby, met to install Andrew Clark as the new WM. As lodge director of ceremonies and master elect from the start of the proceedings, Andrew announced the arrival of the WM, Walter Lyon. Walter opened the lodge in due form and the minutes were approved. After the lodge was opened up to the third degree, Walter thanked the brethren of the lodge for their help and support during his two years as WM.
Junior warden James Clark was informed that there was a report and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, David Boyes, entered the temple and announced that Deputy Provincial Grand Master Frank Umbers demanded admission. The lodge was also honoured by the presence of grand officer Robb Fitzsimmons as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews. Robb was accompanied by grand officer Neil Ward with Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Stephen Dunn along with Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Greg Pinnington, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Ian Jolly, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon, Alan Routledge and Provincial Grand Stewards Stuart Flynn, Chris Wright and Dean Scrutton.
Walter welcomed Frank and Robb to the lodge and offered Frank the gavel, which he declined. Salutations were then given to Frank, Robb, Neil, Stephen Derringer and Stephen Dunn. Walter then asked Malcolm Sandywell to occupy the chair of King Solomon for the duration of the ceremony. Malcolm adjourned the master Masons lodge and labour was resumed in the second degree. Ray Tompsett remained as senior warden, Mike Dutton occupied the chair of junior warden and Jim Carrie occupied the position of inner guard.
Frank proceeded to present Andrew to Malcolm, who recited the qualifications for the office of master to Andrew. Andrew then advanced to the pedestal and recited his obligation. After labour had been resumed in the third degree, Malcolm opened a Board of Installed Masters and Andrew was installed expertly into the chair of King Solomon. Master masons, fellow crafts and entered apprentices were then admitted and saluted Andrew. James Clark presented the working tools for each degree in an excellent manner.
After Malcolm had presented the Warrant of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge, Book of Constitutions of the Order and a copy of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge by-laws to Andrew, who then continued to appoint and invest his officers for the ensuing year. The address to the senior warden was delivered by Ray Tompsett and the address to the director of ceremonies, Malcolm, was delivered by Robb.
James Clark did wonderfully well to deliver the address to the master to his father, Andrew, and the wardens were addressed by Mervyn Davison. The brethren of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge then rose and Robb gave the address to the brethren. Andrew was then informed that the ceremony of installation was concluded and Robb rose and brought the greetings and congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Robb congratulated Malcolm and James and hoped that the lodge would enjoy a happy, productive and healthy year and that all of the brethren would enjoy their Freemasonry.
Andrew then presented Robb with charity and other donations made by the lodge, which totalled an impressive £1000. The charity donations were: £250 to Derian House, £250 to Queen’s Court Hospice, £250 to Northern Lights and £250 to West Lancs Freemasons’ Charity.
Alms were then collected to the total of £130, during which the Provincial Grand Organist, Stephen Derringer, entertained the brethren. After the first rising, David Boyes formed the procession and Frank Umbers accompanied by the distinguished guest and the acting Provincial grand officers, retired. After the risings, Andrew closed the lodge and the brethren sang the closing ode. Malcolm then escorted Andrew out of the lodge and the brethren retired to the bar.
At the festive board, the brethren rose to welcome Andrew and the distinguished guests. After the chaplain had said grace, Robb and Frank proposed a toast to Andrew. The brethren were then presented with a very tasty three-course meal comprising: a scotch egg followed by roast sugar-baked ham followed by warm cherry Bakewell tart and raspberry ripple ice cream. This was all washed down by a selection of fine wines and tea and coffee. When, during the wine taking, Andrew proposed a toast to his wardens, he said that he was very proud of his son, James.
After the chaplain had returned thanks and the senior warden had proposed the toast to the grand officers, Robb rose and firstly thanked the senior warden for the toast, going on to thank the organist, Stephen, the acting Provincial grand officers and Stephen Dunn. He congratulated Andrew and Malcolm for the excellent manner in which they had conducted the ceremony. Also congratulating James for his presentation of the working tools and the brethren on behalf of the recipients of their charity donation. Finally thanking everyone for their camaraderie and friendship.
The raffle was drawn, which raised £180. The immediate past master, Walter, then proposed the toast to the Andrew, who replied by thanking Walter for his two years as master. He also thanked Malcolm and everyone for attending and making the installation meeting such a special evening. The brethren of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge then presented Robb and Stephen Dunn with flowers, for which they thanked the brethren.
After the tyler’s toast had been given which brought the meeting to a close, the principal guests having retired, the brethren retired to the bar to continue their merriment.
