On a bright and sunny spring evening, brethren of Vale of Skelmersdale Lodge No 8719, which was consecrated on 9 December 1976 and is celebrating its golden jubilee this year, met to install Fred Hargreaves as their master for the ensuing year. This is the second time for Fred in the chair at Vale of Skelmersdale, the first time in 1998.
The brethren stood while the installing master, Ian Broomfield and his wardens, Philip Dickinson and Michael Cawley, processed into the temple. Ian then opened the lodge in the first degree. The brethren then stood to honour Norman Brown and Lee Harkin, who had gone to the Grand Lodge above. After the minutes were duly confirmed, Ian opened the lodge in the second degree. The director of ceremonies, Michael Hennessey, then sought permission to retire. Ian then opened the lodge in the third degree and Michael returned to proclaim that Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas was without and demanded admission.
Vale of Skelmersdale Lodge brethren were honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas and Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Murphy. They were accompanied by grand officers; Stephen Dunn, Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group and acting Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Arnie Neale and acting Provincial Deacons, Keith Lyndsay and Jim Holt.
David was welcomed by Ian and offered the gavel, which David politely declined. Salutations were then given to David, John, the grand officers and Provincial grand officers. After Ian had adjourned the master Masons lodge and labour was resumed in the second degree, the director of ceremonies presented the master elect, Fred Hargreaves. Fred then advanced to the pedestal and recited his obligation word-perfectly.
Ian then thanked all of the officers of Vale of Skelmersdale Lodge for their help and support during his two years in the chair. Labour was resumed in the third degree and then Fred was installed into the chair of King Solomon during the Board of Installed Masters. Fred then invested his IPM, Ian.
The Board of Installed Masters was then closed and master Masons were admitted. After they had saluted Fred, Peter Scott delivered the third degree working tools in an excellent manner. Fellow crafts then entered, saluted Fred and the second degree tools were presented by Martyn Huyton-Berry. The lodge was then closed from the second degree to the first degree. Entered apprentices were admitted, saluted Fred and Phil Dickinson then presented the first degree working tools.
Following the IPM had presenting the warrant of the lodge, book of constitutions and the bye-laws of the lodge to Fred, the director of ceremonies presented the crest of the lodge to Fred. After Ian had delivered the master’s address, Fred then appointed his officers. Ken Meath then delivered the address to the senior warden and Graham Radford delivered the address to the junior warden. After Ken Meath had delivered the address to the wardens, Bryan Davidson delivered the address to the deacons. Michael Cawley finally delivered the address to the inner guard. David then rose to address the brethren of Vale of Skelmersdale Lodge.
After the director of ceremonies had informed Fred that the ceremony of installation was concluded, David rose again and spoke to the brethren. He gave Fred the personal congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and congratulated the installing master Ian and all of the other officers who took part in the ceremony. David then wished that Fred has a very successful year.
Ian then presented David with the charity and donation made by the lodge, £500 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. David thanked the lodge on behalf of all the recipients of the donation. Alms were then taken to the total of £163. After the first rising, the director of ceremonies formed the procession and David, John, the grand officers, Stephen and the acting Provincial officers departed. The lodge was then closed by Fred and the brethren retired to the bar prior to the festive board.
At the festive board, the brethren rose to warmly welcome, David, Stephen and Fred. After the chaplain had said grace David, John and the grand officers toasted Fred. The brethren were then treated to a scrumptious three course meal of; melon balls followed by roast beef and all the trimmings and finally cherry Bakewell tart with raspberry ripple ice cream. This was all washed down by tea and coffee.
A raffle then followed which raised the excellent sum of £280. This amount, combined with the charity plate, will be going towards a £5,000 charity donation which the lodge hopes to make in December at their golden jubilee meeting.
After the senior warden’s toast to the grand officers, David rose and firstly thanked the senior warden for the toast and thanked the brethren for the warmth of their welcome. He thanked the acting officers in attendance and Stephen Dunn and his executive team for all of their hard work. He then wished Fred the very best of health and a very enjoyable year in office.
The IPM, Ian, then proposed the toast to the Fred, saying that it had been a great honour for him to install Fred. After the Master’s Song was sung by Bryan Davidson, Fred rose and told the brethren how proud he was to be the master during the golden jubilee year, as he had been the first candidate to be initiated after the lodge was consecrated in 1976. After the tyler’s toast and the principal guest had retired, the brethren returned to the bar for further liquid refreshment.
