Liverpool has traditionally been an historic trading city, with Merchants’ Lodge No 241, being part of that history. The lodge was founded on the 25 March 1780 and bears testament to its name, with seafaring merchants forming part of the brethren.
It is one of the four founding lodges from Liverpool Masonic Hall, and as such hosted its installation of its new WM Mogan Athmanathan. The ceremony and evening festive board was under the lodge’s capable hands of its director of ceremonies Kevin Dempster.
There were 36 brethren in attendance at the installation and festive board. Once the brethren had settled and Kevin had called them to order ensuring the tyler’s book had been signed, the WM Joshua Adatoz opened the lodge to the first degree. The lodge minutes were dealt with and any late comers allowed to enter and take their seats.
Kevin then retired from the lodge to ensure that the principal guests and other grand officers were ready to be admitted, returning a short while later for their announcement.
Due to sickness, Dave Johnson, the Liverpool Group Chairman stood in as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and ceremonially entered the lodge in company with grand officers; Stephen Robinson Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire North and East Riding, and Mike Jones, who was also accompanied by John Reynolds the Provincial Senior Grand Warden.
Joshua greeted Dave who apologised for the absence of Kevin Poynton as he had succumbed to the current spate of illness that was circulating. Salutations were given, in the third degree and responses made by Stephen, Dave and John, respectively, before the lodge was resumed in the second degree, allowing the WM to thank his officers for the work they had done during his year.
The lodge was then placed in the charge of Ray Fitzsimmons, who would be the installing master for the ceremony. Harry Moss assisted the lodge by taking the chair of senior warden, Bob Povall as junior warden, and Frank Daniels remained as the inner guard.
There then followed an exemplary, ritualistic ceremony of installation, completed by Ray. Mogan was pleasingly overwhelmed on receiving his first salutations from the Board of Installed Masters, and on receiving the explanation of the working tools of a WM, delivered by Ray.
The newly installed WM Mogan was proclaimed by Ray, to master Masons, fellow craft and entered apprentices. Murray McLeod, a light blue Mason, gave an excellent explanation of the third degree tools.
Ray gave the placement address to the senior warden, with Bob addressing the junior warden. Frank placed and addressed the inner guard and the address to the stewards was given by Ray Parr. Ray Fitzsimmons addressed the WM, with Neil Francis addressing the wardens, the address to the brethren of the lodge being given by Dave Johnson.
The WM having been informed that the ceremony of his installation had been completed, saw Dave rising to bring the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to the WM, wishing him a happy and successful year. Dave also stated that had Kevin been present he would have thanked Ray Fitzsimmons for a superb ceremony, and Joshua for his previous year’s work in the lodge, whilst also thanking Kevin Dempster for his directing the ceremony. Dave gave special thanks to Murray McLeod for the way in which he had delivered the working tools.
The newly installed WM then presented lodge donations to Dave totalling £850. £500 to St Andrew’s Community Foodbank, £150 to the Altcar Pods, £100 to the Liverpool Masonic Hall, for the purchase of an evacuation emergency chair, £100 to Wirral Hospice, and undisclosed donations to the widows of the lodge. A personal cheque was donated to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for £100. Dave thanked the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
Following the ceremony, the brethren retired for a magnificent festive board, consisting of melon boat, free range chicken breast served with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables, cheesecake with cream, tea or coffee.
Dave, in responding to the toast to grand officers, thanked the senior warden and brethren for the toast, to himself and other grand officers. Dave brought his personal best wishes to the WM for a happy year, in what is a fine old lodge, explaining the historical connection between the founding of the lodge and its connection by name to the commerce taking place at the time of the date it was founded.
Dave talked about the three pillars of Freemasonry, making a link to membership and that of the Merchants Lodge, with its link also to its members and the scouting group. Dave welcomed Stephen from, North Yorkshire and took the opportunity to thank his group officers for their work, Steve Dovaston, Ray Parr and Paul Robinson, whilst also congratulating Neil Francis as the new vice chairman for the group.
Joshua proposed the toast to the newly installed WM Mogan, explaining that he had nothing to be scared about as he had been, as there was amongst the lodge many experienced brethren to support and assist him. Joshua expressed his hope that Morgan enjoys his year as the WM.
Kenny Wagner then led the brethren in the song to the WM before Mogan stood to make the response to his toast. Mogan thanked everyone for a great night, and at times as he was sure brethren could see he was like a rabbit in the headlights. He thanked Ray, Kevin and Neil for their work prior and during the installation and thanked Joshua for his kind words, before presenting him with his past master’s jewel.
A toast was given by Neil to the visitors and was responded to by John, thanking the lodge for its warmth hospitality. The lodge than had the pleasure of presenting Dave with flowers for his wife, which were gratefully received. The proceedings were brought to an ending with the Tyler’s toast.