Hesketh Lodge No. 950, the oldest lodge on the North Fylde, held its installation meeting at Fleetwood Masonic Hall, where a strong attendance of distinguished guests gathered to witness the installation of Bill Acton into the chair of King Solomon for the fourth time.
The lodge was opened by WM Mark Ivison, assisted by a team of lodge officers. Following the formal opening, the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, correspondence was acknowledged, apologies were received from absent brethren and routine business was conducted. A ballot was then held to elect Provincial Grand Chaplain Rev. Canon John Hall as a joining member, which proved unanimously in his favour.
The lodge was subsequently opened in the higher degrees before receiving distinguished guests led by principal guest, grand officer Ted Rhodes, representative of Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews. Ted was accompanied by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Harry Cox, Chairman of the North Fylde Group Eddie Wilkinson and other grand and Provincial grand officers. The deputation received a warm welcome from the brethren. Appropriate salutations were given and warmly acknowledged.
Following the admission of new member Rev. Canon John Hall, attention turned to the principal business of the evening. Prior to the ceremony, the secretary read the minutes from the meeting held 100 years ago, providing a fascinating reminder of the lodge’s rich history and long-standing presence on the Fylde Coast.
The WM then invited master elect Bill Acton to approach the pedestal. Having reaffirmed his obligation, the lodge was opened in the third degree and a Board of Installed Masters was opened. Bill was then sincerely and expertly installed into the chair of King Solomon by Mark Ivison. The occasion marked Bill’s fourth installation as WM, reflecting the high regard in which he is held by the members of Hesketh Lodge.
Following the conclusion of the installation ceremony, the newly installed WM was proclaimed in each degree and warmly greeted by the brethren in the traditional manner. The working tools of the respective degrees were presented, and the warrant of the lodge was delivered before the WM appointed and invested the officers for the ensuing year.
An address to the brethren was delivered by Ted Rhodes, who subsequently conveyed the greetings and congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. He offered warm congratulations to both the newly installed WM and the immediate past master on the excellent standard of the ceremony and the dignified manner in which the proceedings had been conducted.
The almoner’s report was delivered in his absence, with updates provided regarding brethren currently facing health challenges. A charitable collection was then taken in support of worthy causes.
During the risings, greetings were exchanged on behalf of both the grand officers and the Provincial grand officers, to which the WM responded in suitable terms. Visitors were also thanked for their attendance, with Russell Forsyth replying on their behalf and expressing appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the lodge.
With all business concluded, the lodge was closed in harmony and solemn prayer. The brethren then retired to enjoy an excellent festive board, where they enjoyed prawn cocktail followed by hunter’s chicken with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables, together with a choice of desserts, coffee and mints. The meal provided the perfect opportunity for brethren and guests to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate a successful Installation.
The evening brought to a close a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable occasion, conducted with dignity, precision and good humour throughout, reflecting great credit on the officers and members of Hesketh Lodge.
