Blackpool Masonic Hall hosted the installation of James (Jimmy) Cutler into the chair of King Solomon at Brotherhood Lodge No 3967, with brethren and visitors gathering for the occasion. WM Ian Fortt welcomed those present and following the opening ode, opened the lodge in the first degree.
After the minutes had been confirmed and the initial business completed, the lodge was opened in the second degree and subsequently in the third degree in preparation for the installation ceremony.
Once the lodge was opened in the third degree, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Bryan Cambidge announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax demanded admission. He was accompanied by grand officer John Turpin and Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly. Also in attendance were Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer Kevin Byrne and Provincial Grand Steward Sir Peter Roscoe.
The WM requested Ron Strangwick to occupy the chair of senior warden, Neil Higgins to occupy the chair of junior warden and Roger O’Loughlin to occupy the position of inner guard. Steve Booth proclaimed Jimmy as WM Brotherhood Lodge. Following Jimmy’s obligation, Graham Kenyon occupied the chair of King Solomon for the remainder of the ceremony.
The working tools were explained by Thomas Cowburn for the third degree, Thomas Kenyon for the second degree and Lyle Leyson for the first degree. The address to the WM was delivered by Ron Strangwick, the address to the wardens by Ken Buckley and the address to the brethren by Michael Tax.
With the ceremony and the lodge’s remaining business complete, Jimmy took up his duties as WM. Michael Tax and the distinguished guests then retired and the lodge was closed in due form.
The brethren then retired to the festive board, where the evening continued in good company. Immediate past master Ian Fortt proposed a heartfelt toast to the newly installed WM, followed by Steve James singing the Master’s Song. In response to the toast to his health, Jimmy thanked the brethren for their support throughout his journey in the Craft, paying particular tribute to his proposer, Mark Smith.
Martyn Jones then made two presentations to Jimmy. The first was a framed jewel, gifted to Brotherhood Lodge by the brethren of Houdini Lodge No 83 of the Grand Lodge of Israel, following a visit to the lodge.
Martyn then presented Jimmy with medals entrusted to his care. The medals belonged to Frederick Brown, who died during the First World War and served with the 1st Battalion, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers. The medals have been entrusted to Jimmy’s care through the James Garnett Foundation, of which he is a volunteer.
Following the meal, the brethren retired to the bar, where the celebrations continued in an atmosphere of friendship and fellowship.
Pic 1:
Pictured from left to right, are: Michael Tax, Jimmy Cutler and Ian Fortt.
Pic 2:
Pictured from left to right, are: Michael Tax (seated) Martyn Jones and Jimmy Cutler.
Pic 3:
Pictured from left to right, are: Bryan Cambidge, Kevin Byrne, John Turpin, Michael Tax, Jimmy Cutler, Stephen Jelly, Sir Peter Roscow and Bob Marsden.