Garston Masonic Hall on Island Road Liverpool was the venue for the installation of Kevin Flynn at the Lodge of Harmony No 220. This is the second time that Kevin has been installed into the chair of King Solomon, the first time was in 1993 at Appleton Lodge No 6468 based in Widnes.
The lodge was opened in due form by WM Bob Rowland and the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The next business on the summons was to ballot for joining member Mick Southern which was successful. The next business was to approve the lodge accounts which had been audited for receipts and summaries, these were proposed, seconded and approved by the lodge.Pictured left: diners at the festive board. Pictured centre: Stephen Walls replying to the toast to his health. Pictured right: Kevin Wagner (left) giving a toast to WM Kevin Flynn.
Director of ceremonies Geoffrey Ireland left the lodge duly returned and announced that Stephen Walls, representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson along with grand and Provincial grand officers requested admission. WM Bob Rowlands announced that he would be pleased to receive them. The brethren were upstanding and Bob greeted Stephen and formally welcomed him to the lodge. Stephen replied that he was looking forward to an excellent ceremony.
On completion of the salutations in the first degree, WM Bob Rowland opened the lodge in the second degree and at this point Eirwyn Jones replaced the WM for the purpose of the installation ceremony. Installing master Eirwyn Jones opened the lodge in the third degree and Ken Wagner presented Kevin Flynn as master elect. Kevin reaffirmed his obligation and accepted the duties of WM, Kevin approached the East, knelt at the WM’S pedestal and took the solemn obligation as master elect of the Lodge of Harmony.
A Board of Installed Masters was declared and Eirwyn Jones invested Kevin with the collar and jewel of his office and then placed him into the chair of King Solomon after explaining the signs and words. Geoff Bush then requested the newly installed WM to close the Board of Installed Masters and he opened the lodge in the third, second and first degree. Geoff explained the working tools of all the degrees after the brethren had been re-admitted in the various degrees.
Peter Bush gave the address to the inner guard, Mick Southern gave the address to the large number of stewards, Mal Yates gave the address to the tyler, then Ken Bradley delivered the address to the WM Kevin Flynn, Ken then addressed the wardens and explained the duties of their offices. Stephen Walls then addressed the large contingent of younger brethren of the Lodge of Harmony which completed the Installation.
Stephen Walls then brought the congratulations of Mark Matthews to WM Kevin Flynn and then added his own personnel congratulations to the WM and also to those who had taken part in the ceremony. Kevin handed Stephen a list of the donations which had been electronically sent to the charities earlier in the year. The Lodge of Harmony celebrated the initiation of three brother Mason by donating £2,440 to Masonic and non-Masonic charities. Included in that figure was £2,200.00 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity.
Tonight, the lodge is adding to this year’s giving by donating a further £4,400 as follows: £1,000 to West Lancashire Freemasons Charity, £1,000 to Cardiac Risk in the Young for screening and support, £1,000 to Prostate Cancer Research UK, £500 to St Michael’s Church restoration fund, £500 to Garston Masonic Hall and £400 to St Bartholomew’s Youth Choir for purchase of equipment.
The brethren retired to the bar after the lodge was closed at which point Stephen proposed the toast to the newly installed WM Kevin Flynn. The brethren retired to the dining room for the festive board with 49 dining. At the festive board Stephen Walls replied to the toast to his health by stating that he had been a great friend of Kevin for several years and it had been an excellent ceremony and a great night surrounded by friends.
Stephen explained that Kevin will not let anyone down and he will move the lodge forward. There are here tonight a lot of younger brethren who are the future of this lodge, but they must not be rushed forward which could be detrimental. The charitable donations this evening has proven the generosity of the lodge and there are plenty of examples on how the hall engages with the community.
The light blues are doing well in this lodge and also in the Royal Arch, although we encourage joining, the brethren must not be rushed. Provincial Grand Lodge at the Winter Gardens Blackpool will be on 8 May 2026. and is open to all brethren. Another event is the Province of West Lancashire 165 Grand Ball and Banquet at Community Stadium Bolton on 13 March 2026.