On a mild autumn evening at Ormskirk Masonic Hall, Rufford Lodge No 7217 consecrated on 27 May 1953, met to install John Thompson as the new WM. Lodge director of ceremonies, Jason Nash, instructed the brethren to rise and the installing master, Brian Southworth, entered the lodge accompanied by his wardens, John Thompson and Jade Beech, the deacons, James Churcher and Richard Wilson, and Noel Darcy who was carrying the lodge banner.
The lodge was opened in the first degree by Brian Southworth and Derek Midgley then spoke about Tom Morris who had passed to the Grand Lodge above. The minutes were duly confirmed and the brethren welcomed joining member Howard Linaker to the lodge. After Brian had opened the lodge up to the third degree, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Bryan Cambidge entered the temple to announce that Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stuart Boyd demanded admission. Stuart Boyd was accompanied by Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Stephen Dunn, Provincial Grand Charity Steward Andrew McClements, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Ian Jolly and Provincial Grand Steward Stuart Flynn. Brian welcomed Stuart to Rufford Lodge and offered him the gavel of the lodge, which he politely declined.
Salutations were given to Stuart Boyd, Mark Holloway and Stephen Dunn. After labour was resumed in the second degree, David Childs occupied the senior warden’s chair, Malcolm Sandywell occupied the junior warden’s chair and David Rawcliffe occupied the position of inner guard.
Derek Midgley presented the master elect John, to Brian. John advanced to the pedestal and recited his obligation faultlessly. Labour was resumed in the third degree and Brian asked the officers of Rufford Lodge to line up in the north. WM Colin Whitehill, who had been unavoidably delayed prior to the meeting, rose and thanked the brethren from his heart for their help during his year in office. Brian then asked Rob Midgley to occupy the chair of King Solomon for the remainder of the ceremony. Rob opened a Board of Installed Masters
and John was installed into the master’s chair in an excellent manner. John then invested Colin with the collar of the immediate past master.
The Board of Installed Masters was then closed and Jason proclaimed John as WM of Rufford Lodge from the east, west and south. The working tools of a master Mason were delivered word perfectly by Richard Jones. James Churcher impressively presented the second degree working tools and Richard Wilson presented the first degree working tools most excellently.
After Rob had presented the Warrant of the Rufford Lodge, Book of Constitutions of the Order and a copy of Rufford Lodge by-laws to John, he appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year. David Child delivered the address to the senior warden and Malcolm Sandywell gave the address to the junior warden. Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Ian Jolly gave the address to the deacons, David Rawcliffe gave the address to the inner guard and Provincial Grand Steward Stuart Flynn gave the address to the stewards. Derek Midgley was most impressive in addressing the new master and finally David Rawcliffe addressed the wardens.
The brethren of Rufford Lodge rose and Stuart Boyd gave the address to the brethren of the lodge. After Rob had informed John that the ceremony of installation was concluded, Stuart rose and spoke to the brethren, offering John the personal congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Congratulating John, Brian, Rob and Jason, he wished the brethren good health to enjoy their Freemasonry.
John presented Stuart with the lodge’s charity donations, which totalled £1700. £700 to West Lancs Freemasons’ Charity, £500 to Ormskirk Masonic Hall, £250 to Derian House and £250 to St Catherine’s Hospice. Stuart thanked the brethren on behalf of the charities. Alms were then collected, which raised £156. After the first rising, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Bryan Cambidge formed the recession and Stuart, Stephen and acting Provincial grand officers retired. The lodge was closed by John and the brethren retired to the bar prior to dining at the festive board.
At the festive board, the brethren rose and warmly welcomed Stuart, Stephen and John. After the chaplain, Brian, had said grace, Stuart gave a toast to John. The brethren were then treated to an exquisite three-course meal comprising: chicken liver and brandy pate, braised ox cheek bourguignon and crème brulee. This was all washed down with a glass of wine, and tea or coffee. The brethren were delighted that Stuart had sat and conversed with them at their tables during the meal.
After the chaplain had returned thanks, the raffle was drawn, which had raised £235, along with the plant pot sales, which had raised £130. The senior warden proposed the toast to the grand officers then Stuart rose, firstly thanking the senior warden for the toast and then wishing John a very successful year as WM. Going on to say that it was great to see the acting Provincial Grand officers in attendance, also thanking Bryan. Stuart continued to thank Stephen and the lodge secretary Derek. Stuart then congratulated the brethren who had presented the working tools and said that friendship was the main pillar of Freemasonry.
McClements, Malcolm Sandywell, Ian Jolly, Jason Nash and Bryan Cambidge.
Immediate past master, Colin, then proposed the toast to John, who responded by thanking everyone and saying that he hoped that it would be a fantastic year. John then presented Colin with his immediate past master’s jewel. Also presenting Stuart and Stephen with flowers, for which they thanked the brethren. After the tyler’s toast had been delivered by Mike Dutton, the evening was brought to an an end and the principal guests retired; the brethren retired to the bar for further refreshment.
