Litherland Masonic Hall was the venue for the installation of Graeme Scott into the chair of Prince of Architects Lodge No 4188, which was consecrated on 23 March 1921.
The afternoon’s proceedings were expertly overseen by the lodge director of ceremonies, Richard McHale, who called the brethren to order when announcing the arrival of the WM, Michael Fox, and his wardens. Michael then opened the lodge in due form.
Richard then retired to form the procession and the lodge was honoured by the presence of Provincial Senior Grand Warden John Reynolds, representative of the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews. John was accompanied by Grand Lodge Officer Roy Pyne, Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group, Stephen Dunn, and three acting Provincial grand Officers: Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Arnie Neale and Provincial Grand Stewards Ryan Mangnall and Colin Higginson.
Mike then opened the lodge up to the third degree and salutations were given to the grand lodge officer and the Provincial grand lodge officers. The lodge resumed in the second degree, and installing lodge officers for the evening took their places. James Jones occupied the senior warden chair, Stuart Irvine occupied the junior warden chair and Stephen McCracken the position of inner guard.
The Master Elect, Graeme Scott, was then presented to the installing master Mike Fox by Barry Jones. Graeme then recited his obligation impressively, and the lodge was resumed in the third degree. The ceremony of installation was then excellently delivered by Mike. The newly installed WM Graeme was then enthusiastically proclaimed as master of the lodge. The third degree working tools were delivered by Jeffrey Grundy, the second degree working tools by Matthew Lamont and Howard Minard presented the first degree working tools.
The address to the senior warden was expertly delivered by James Jones, and Stuart Irvine delivered the address to the junior warden. The address to the junior deacon was delivered by Howard Minard, and Stephen McCracken gave the address to the inner guard. Ryan Mangnall then addressed the stewards. Morgan Denyer addressed the wardens and Barry Jones was very impressive in addressing the new WM.
After Graeme had been informed of the end of his ceremony of installation, John Reynolds rose and spoke to the brethren. He conveyed the congratulations of Mark Matthews and wished Graeme a very successful year in office. He then congratulated the officers of Prince of Architects Lodge for the excellent ceremony and shook hands and congratulated the installing master, Mike.
Graeme then presented the lodge donations to John, totalling a most impressive £2335. £1000 to West Lancs Freemasons’ Charity, £435 to Casus Pax, £200 to Motor Neurone Disease Association Merseyside and £100 each to Charity Cancer Research UK, Daddy’s with Angels, Walking with Giants, Whitechapel in Your Shoes, Litherland Youth and Community Centre, Lord Lieutenant’s Charity and finally Litherland Masonic Hall. John thanked the brethren for the most generous donations. Alms were then collected to a total of £275. The lodge was closed by Graeme after the grand lodge officer, Provincial grand lodge officers, and acting Provincial grand lodge officers had retired during the risings.
Following the ceremony, John led a toast to the new WM prior to the festive board, to which no response was needed. The brethren then warmly welcomed the new WM Graeme to the festive board, accompanied by John Reynolds, Stephen Dunn and the lodge wardens. There followed a delicious three-course meal, consisting of chicken liver parfait, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and lemon posset, followed by a well-stocked cheese board. This was washed down by a selection of wines, port, and tea or coffee.
Michael Fox then proposed the toast to the newly installed WM, Graeme. After the junior warden’s toast to Provincial grand lodge officers, John Reynolds rose to address the brethren. He congratulated the new WM and Mike, his installing master. He also congratulated the director of ceremonies, Richard, telling him that he had done a brilliant job and that the ceremony ‘ran like a West End production’. John then thanked the acting Provincial officers and finally wished the lodge success and harmony for the year ahead.
John Hill then led the brethren in the song to the WM, who then responded by praising the team who had performed the ceremony. The junior warden then delivered the toast to the visitors and paid tribute to two Scottish visitors in particular, Gordon Scott and Kenny Goven, from Irvine St Andrews Lodge, No 149. Then followed the raffle, which raised £260 for Masonic and non-Masonic charities. John was then presented with flowers and the lodge tyler delivered the final toast. The afternoon and evening being at an end, the brethren then retired to the bar for further refreshment.
