Garston Masonic Hall on Island Road Liverpool, was the venue for the installation of Andrew Aitchison into the chair of King Solomon in Yachtsman’s Lodge No 3698. The lodge was opened by WM Len Jones in due form, and the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.
The lodge director of ceremonies Phil Gambrill informed the lodge that Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Murphy demanded admission. Len replied that the lodge would be delighted to receive him. The brethren were upstanding to receive John Murphy who was accompanied by David Atkinson Mersey Valley Group Chairman. On greeting and welcoming John, the WM Len Jones offered him the gavel, John returned the gavel informing Len that he was looking forward to the installation ceremony.
The installation ceremony began with Andrew Jones presenting Andrew Aitchison as master elect. Andrew agreed to take on the responsibilities of the lodge and approached the lodge secretary Andrew Jones who read the rules and responsibilities as master elect, to which Andrew agreed.
Phil Gambrill replaced the Len Jones in the WM’s chair for the purpose of the installation. Andrew knelt before the WM’s pedestal where took the solemn obligation a master elect. The lodge was then declared a Board of Installed Masters and Phil Gambrill demonstrated the signs and placed Andrew Aitchison into the chair of King Solomon.
The Board of Installed Masters was closed, and brethren were readmitted into the lodge and Jimmy Campbell explained the working tools of not only the third degree but also the working tools in the second and first in an explanatory manner. The address to the WM was delivered by Arthur Merrill and the address to the wardens by David Atkinson, and finally John Murphy carried out the address to brethren of the lodge, explaining the duties they have to the WM.
The installation ceremony was completed and John Murphy brought the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, as not only to the newest WM, Andrew Aitchison but also the youngest in the Province. Andrew then presented John with the BACS transfer of £200 to the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity Fund which John thanked the lodge for such a generous donation to a much-needed charity.
Before the festive board, the lodge had a drinks reception at which John toasted the WM and thanked the brethren who had contributed to an enjoyable and well delivered installation. At the festive board, John replied to his toast by saying it had been a great night during the ceremony with the work being added shared out. He added that he had already known several of the brethren but also had made new friends.
John also mentioned about the membership challenge driven from London. In the Province we had 12,000 members that at the last count had dropped to 6,400 for various reasons, our target for this Masonic season is 73 candidates to be initiated not only do we need to recruit younger members but also men who have recently retired. Royal Arch membership also needs to be encouraged, with 22 recruited in the last month.
