Makerfield Lodge No 2155 was honoured to have as its principal guest David Ogden, the representative of Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews, David was accompanied by grand officer Geoff Bent, Wigan and Leigh Group Chairman Ian Green, group vice-chairman Mike Purcell and Provincial Grand Steward, Ryan Mangall, the lodge WM was David Bridge and the master elect was Phill Kearns.
Phill had an interesting life story in his Masonic career, he was introduced to a Masonic lodge in early 1980, when he was invited to a ladies evening at his father-in-laws lodge, who was a member of Stoneycroft Lodge No 5714 based at Hope St in Liverpool. Phill attended many charity events and he noticed that there were several prison officers who he worked with were Freemasons, but he still resisted the call to join, eventually he was asked by Peter Beswick if he would like to be introduced to his lodge, Monton Progress Lodge No 6361, his proposer Peter Beswick is currently a member and past master of Makerfield Lodge.
He eventually joined Monton Progress Lodge in Eccles, finally moving to Makerfield Lodge in the Leigh Group, he was steward in lodge for one year, missed inner guard position then worked through to be WM in 2018, he volunteered to stay in the master’s chair for another year, unfortunately due to the Covid situation Phill remained in office for a total of three years as WM.
Phill has held many positions in lodge, being assistant secretary, charity steward, social representative, and group representative. When the lodge needed someone to assist and stand in any office, it was just a case of ‘just ask Phill’, as he will do whatever was asked of him.
He joined the lodge of Valour No 4322 in the Wigan and Leigh Group, to primarily increase their numbers; he is currently almoner in Valour Lodge No 4322. Phill joined the Arrowhead Royal Arch Chapter No 8500 and is a companion of the order.
The lodge was open in the usual manner of proceedings with the distinguished guests processing into the lodge in the third degree, David Ogden was presented to the WM, David gave greetings on behalf of Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews. The lodge was eventually adjourned to the second degree for Phil to present his obligation to the WM.
Phil had major difficulties in standing as he had to have major surgery on his legs that made it incredibly difficult for him to walk and stand for more than a couple of minutes due to the bad pain he had to endure whilst on crutches one week before the lodge installation. The installation ceremony had to be tailored to accommodate the situation, kneeling was out of the question, inner workings had to be completed at the master’s pedestal with an awkward manipulation of the pedestal that enabled the installing master David to install Phil into the master’s chair, Phil gave the most amazing smile when he was finally presented with the master’s gavel.
The working tools were the long emulation version that were presented to the WM, which had been learned and presented by all light blues as follows, David Banks master Mason, fellow craft Dan Ackers and entered apprentice Sammy Owens. In Makerfield Lodge the person presenting the tools would bring the other light blues in line to order them the instruction of the particular sign, this dispenses with the director of ceremonies instructing the brethren to take their time from him, this is a highlight for the light blues as they feel they play more of an important part in the ceremony.
Lodge secretary Phil Spencer, gave the address to the WM, director of ceremonies Anthony Roe gave the address to the wardens and David Ogden gave the address to the members of the lodge. Phil presented David with details for those Masonic charities that were read as listed; Leigh Masonic Hall £1100, Wigan and Leigh Hospice £100, Derian House £200, ManLeigh £100, Blessings in Disguise £100, making a grand total of £1600
The lodge went through all the preliminaries in the usual manner to close the lodge in peace and harmony, with the usual chaotic dash to get to the festive board.
At the festive board, there was an abundance of laughter and humour, possibly due to a release of energy form the previous ceremony in the lodge room. The menu on this occasion was of a Greek style meal that went down incredibly well. From the wine takings to the toast list, to the Master’s Song by Paul Hook, to the chit-chat which was in abundance as old friends met and new friends got acquainted.
David’s address to the brethren in response to his toast made a particular strong impression to all present, being quite emotional and pointing out that maintaining our lodges through family and friends is paramount to getting good solid commitment from new members and completing their Masonic journey, he was impressed by the number of light blues in lodge that wore companion ribbons for the Royal Arch.
David Banks was presented with a silver tankard that the brethren of the lodge felt he deserved as his contribution to the lodge was exemplary and being a Freemason certainly helped him improve his own self confidence that was plainly obvious to all. The tankard is a new idea and at the festive board each year it will be handed down to the next lucky member of the lodge.
The WM gave his final comments to thank the lodge in all its support to the past master and to those who will support him on his next journey as WM of Makerfield Lodge.
Finally, there was a large gathering at the bar where a more relaxed and informal conversations ensued.
