On a warm Autumn evening, Litherland Masonic Hall was the venue for the installation of John Boyd into the chair of Eureka Lodge No 3763, which was consecrated on 18 February 2016. WM Steve Buckley welcomed the brethren and visitors and then, after the opening ode had been sung with gusto, he opened the lodge in the first degree. After the minutes had been confirmed, Steve conducted the risings.
The hard-working director of ceremonies, John Lennon, then retired to form the procession. The lodge was honoured by the presence of Provincial Junior Grand Warden Paul Wharton, representative of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Paul was accompanied by grand officer Graham Chambers, Ormskirk and Bootle Group Vice Chairman Malcolm Sandywell and Provincial Grand Steward, Stuart Flynn.
After Steve had greeted Paul and the salutations had been given, Steve then opened the lodge up to the third degree. When labour was resumed in the second degree, the installing lodge officers for the evening occupied their respective places. Stan Edwards occupied the senior warden’s chair, Don Fraser remained in the junior warden’s chair and Ken Rouse occupied the position of inner guard.
Master elect, John, was presented to the installing master, Steve, by Robbie Bright and Stan Edwards. After the secretary, Phil Wardle, had read the ancient charges and regulations to John, he advanced to the master’s pedestal and recited his obligation most impressively. Labour was resumed in the third degree and the ceremony of installation was then excellently delivered by Steve. During the Board of Installed Masters, Tommie Grimes eloquently explained the working tools of a master. Newly installed master John was proclaimed to master Masons, fellow crafts and entered apprentices by Steve. The third degree working tools were explained by Joe Butterworth, the second degree working tools by Patrick Donelan and Dougie Watson presented the first degree working tools.
The address to the deacons was superbly delivered by Derek Midgley. Stuart Flynn then addressed the stewards in an impressive manner and Joe Williams eloquently addressed the new WM.
After the WM had been informed of the end of the ceremony of installation, Paul Wharton then rose and spoke to the brethren. He conveyed the congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, shook John’s hand, then congratulated Steve and shook his hand as well. After he had congratulated the brethren who had delivered the working tools, he wished John a very successful year in office.
John then presented the lodge charity donations to Paul, totalling a most impressive £1850. The donations were: £200 to Knife Savers, £200 to Bootle Scout Group, £200 to North West Air Ambulance, £200 to Cancer Research UK, £200 to Papyrus, £200 to Circle and £650 to Clatterbridge Hospital. Paul thanked the brethren for their most generous donations. Alms were then collected to the total of £123. The lodge was closed by John after the grand officer, Provincial grand lodge officers and acting Provincial grand lodge officer had retired during the risings.
Following the ceremony, Paul led a toast to John and Steve at the master’s drinks prior to the festive board. The brethren then warmly welcomed the new WM John to the festive board, accompanied by Graham Chambers and Malcolm Sandywell. There then followed a delicious three-course meal, consisting of vegetable soup, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and apple crumble with custard. This was washed down with tea and coffee.
After the junior warden’s toast to Provincial Grand Lodge, Paul Wharton rose to speak to the brethren. He spoke of the warmth and laughter that he had experienced at the festive board. He congratulated John and Steve. Paul then thanked the acting Provincial grand officer, Stuart, and group vice chairman, Malcolm, and finally he wished the lodge a fantastic year ahead.
Steve Buckley proposed the toast to the newly installed master and Don Fraser then led the brethren in the song to the master. After the raffle was drawn, which raised £200, John then responded to the toast by saying that he was excited for the year ahead. Don then delivered the toast to the visitors. Paul was then presented with a gift from the brethren of Eureka Lodge. The brethren then retired to the bar to continue their celebrations.
