The Masonic Hall in Widnes held a special father and son event, during which John Gibbon, Vice Chairman of the Mersey Valley Group, had the honour of installing his son, Dr James Gibbon, as the new master of Victoria Lodge No 4629.
The lodge was opened in due form at 4pm by the WM David Jameson. After completing the necessary lodge business, the lodge was opened up to the third degree, at which point the lodge DC entered and announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Murphy stood without and demanded admission. David replied that the lodge would be pleased to receive him. Accompanying John were grand officers Neil Pedder, Stewart Cranage, Colin Rowling and John McIntyre.
David Jameson then asked John Gibbon if he would assist the lodge by taking the chair of King Solomon for the next part of the ceremony, John was delighted to accept, especially since his son, James, was about to become the new master of Victoria Lodge for the ensuing year. Once in the chair, John then asked Frank Parle if he would assist the lodge by occupying the senior warden’s chair. Likewise, John asked Norman Pritchard if he would occupy the junior warden’s chair and Neil Pedder to take the position of inner guard. Labour was then resumed in the second degree.
The ceremony of installation could now begin, and Frank Parle picked up the master elect Dr James Gibbon and presented him the WM, his father. John then addressed a few observations to the brethren and then called the attention of the master elect to necessary qualifications of a WM. Andy Pope, lodge secretary, then read the Antient Charges and Regulations to which James affirmed his assent and then advanced to the pedestal and took a solemn obligation as master elect.
Labour was resumed in the third degree and all members below the rank of an installed master temporarily left the lodge. At that point, a Board of Installed Masters was opened and James was installed as master of the lodge, in what can only be described as a master class of ritual.
The working tools of an installed master were presented excellently by the lodge chaplain George Shields. The Board of Installed Masters was then closed and the younger brethren were readmitted. The first and second degree working tools were then presented by Karl Spencer, while Kevin Morton presented the tools for the third degree. Everyone present performed their parts perfectly, it was clear for all to see that a lot of hard work had gone into make this a most memorable evening for James.
John then delivered the warrant of the lodge into the hands of James’s and presented him with the book of constitutions and By-Laws of his lodge. Bursting with pride, John stepped onto the lodge floor and delivered the address to the new WM, his son, with great aplomb and a broad smile. The address to the wardens was delivered in excellent style by Andy Pope and John Patrick Murphy’s addressed to the brethren was delivered impeccably.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, John Murphy expressed his pleasure at being able to attend what had been an outstanding ceremony which would not have happened but for the hard-working lodge DC Matthew Baldwin. John went on to congratulated everyone who had taken part in an Installation that he was sure James would remember for a long time.
Before John resumed his seat, James presented him with notification of several cheques that had been disbursed to the following charities: £200 Girl Guides trip to Switzerland, £200 to Forget me Not. £200 to West Lancashire Fishing Society, £200 to Night Stop Shelter Runcorn, £200 West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and £200 to Widnes Masonic Hall Ltd. After informing the brethren about the charitable donations he received, John congratulated all the Lodge members for donating the impressive sum of £1,200, which would significantly help those worthy causes.
As the lodge concluded its meeting and the WM invited everyone to join him at the festive board. This event was a celebration, as John sat proudly beside his son at the top table. During the evening, Norman Pritchard delivered an enthusiastic rendition of the Master’s Song, showcasing his own unique style.
During the festivities, John Murphy congratulated James and then discussed the challenges that lie ahead for Freemasonry. He emphasized the importance of encouraging brethren who had not yet joined the Royal Arch to do so, as well as attracting new members to the fraternity. John expressed confidence that under the guidance of their new WM, James, Victoria Lodge would continue to grow and thrive.
