On a cool afternoon in Prescot, the brethren, along with their guests, which totalled 80 from across the great Province of West Lancashire, which included the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews, an inspiring beacon of joyful charisma, along with many other good men, marched through the doors of Prescot Masonic Hall.
Dominion Lodge No 4289 was opened promptly and on time at 15:30 hrs as the sound of the opening ode was sung by all in high spirits and was followed by the outgoing WM and his faithful wardens opening the lodge for what promised to be another enchanting season of the Craft with their melodious voices echoing off the walls like a great rallying cry that would inspire many a good heart to follow in their footsteps and do so with immense pride as well as a beaming smile.
The dapper lodge secretary, dressed in his dark blue Provincial apron, commenced the confirmation of the minutes which had been circulated to all the membership. Ballots were held for a joining and rejoining member, which proved favourable for both gentlemen on the ballot sheet.
This happy moment was followed by an even happier moment with the admission of Warren Morris and Ian Byron into this lodge of great men who strive tirelessly to be better than they were the day before. Joining members then were admitted, the lodge was opened in the third degree and Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Cheshire, David Dyson, an Assistant Provincial Grand Master, grand officers, acting Provincial grand officers, and past Provincial grand officers processed into the lodge room. All of whom were dressed in deep blue aprons, with shoes that would have made any armed forces personnel smile.
Mark was offered the gavel of the lodge, but politely refused it on this occasion. Salutations were given to Mark and the grand officers, along with responses that were given by said grand officers. The fellow crafts retired for a short period of time and the lodge was returned to the second degree and the master elect was presented.
The lodge was opened in the third degree and master Masons retired. They re-entered the lodge room; salutations were given. Fellow crafts re-entered in the second degree, saluted and gave salutations to the new WM, so too did the entered apprentices shortly afterwards, who followed suit. The officers were then presented with their collars of office and some jovial words from Jonathan Critchley.
The working tools in all three degrees were perfectly recited by the brethren charged with that task. The Dominion Lodge Warrant, Book of Constitutions of the Order, a copy of Dominion Lodge by-laws and the Dominion Lodge Banner were presented to WM Jonathan Critchley by Steven Flood. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald did a sterling job as he oversaw proceedings in this humble temple, which had no room left on this spectacular occasion.
The installation ceremony for the master elect, Jonathan Peter Chritchley, a man of such notable esteem that he was deemed a fit and worthy successor to the outgoing legendary fellow that is none other than Steven Flood, whose kindness and generosity rival his devotion to this amazing lodge of wonderful gentlemen who excel daily in showing what Freemasonry can do as a tool of improvement of oneself as well as society as a whole.
The incoming master of this lodge, Jonathon, thrived during his part of the installation ceremony. He stood like the groom on his wedding day, chest out, shoulders back, and beaming from ear to ear. But unlike the main man at a wedding, this colossal figure known as Jon to his friends, who is always the embodiment of style and sophistication wherever he goes, showed nothing but the quiet confidence of a gentleman who was sure in his words and actions, which undeniably stated ‘I’ve made it!‘. He glided with ease across what is now his lodge to command and care for.
Mark was presented with cheques for various charities which had been donated over the previous 12 months: West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for £1000, Not Forgotten Society for £1000, £500 to the Air Ambulance, £500 to the 35 Liverpool Boys’ Brigade, £250 to St. Helens branch of Royal Engineers Veterans, £250 to Little Troopers, £250 to Standing Tall, £250 to South Liverpool Judo Academy, £250 to Widnes REME Association, and £250 to Medical Detection Dogs.
The Provincial Team showcased the very best of what this glorious Province of West Lancashire has to offer, with each member of the team excelling in their task. Alan Ledger was outstanding with the address to the wardens as was Paul Wharton with the address to the brethren. The address to WM Jonathan Critchley was delivered with great aplomb by Mick Southern, whose delivery was flawless as it usually is. Scott McMillan rivalled Mick on his quest for perfection by an equally flawless explanation of the tools to the master.
The reporting officers stood and gave their report in their usual eloquent fashion. The charities were then honoured by all present in the lodge room. Then Jon stood for his first ever risings, which he accomplished like an old hand. The distinguished brethren then left the lodge after the first rising and then it was on to the second and third risings, swiftly followed by any other business followed by the closing of the lodge by the remarkably chilled-out Jonathan Critchley and his new wardens. The lodge was closed in peace and a blissful harmonious fashion at 19:50 hrs after a tremendous show of talent all round from the brethren of this extraordinarily well-chiselled lodge of gentlemen.
The festive board was a delightful affair of laughter, joyous conversations, marvellous singing by all, a fabulous raffle with prizes ranging from a globe decanter on a stand affectionately called a Dominion decanter in a nod to the lodge’s logo, to a 40″ screen television. The toasts which included the toast to the health of the new master, which was exquisitely done by Robert McMillian. Concluding with an address from Mark and as always, the culinary delights for anyone’s palate.
Story by Frank Lees.