A visit of a Provincial Grand Master to any lodge is always a cause for excitement for the brethren, and that was certainly the case for the visit of Mark Matthews to Croxteth United Service Lodge No 786 who meet at the Artists Club in Liverpool.
The snug bar area was already filling up fast as members and visitors enjoyed a pre-meeting drink, whilst the many acting officers in attendance were put through their paces by Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Barry Fitzgerald and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes, in preparation for their procession that was to follow.
Three visitors carrying a very special delivery of two deacon’s wands, which lodge treasurer Joe Williams had requested from Southport Regalia arrived ‘just in time’. Alister Sainter, who is a regular visitor to the lodge, had brought them with him, accompanied by Brian Griffiths and Richard Jenkinson.
Members and visitors were called to order and the lodge was opened in due form by WM Peter Wall, assisted by acting senior warden, Steve Buckley of Eureka Lodge No 3763 and junior warden William Culshaw. Having completed the lodge business, a ballot for two joining members was held, which proved unanimous in favour for both, and Howard Dinsdale and Neil Spruce were admitted as the newest members of the lodge.
Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald announced to the WM Peter, that the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews stood without and demanded admission. A procession had been formed outside of the door of the lodge, which was led by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes and consisting of Provincial Grand Steward Mike Fox, Provincial Grand Registrar John Gibson, Provincial Grand Sword Bearer Martin Clements, Provincial Junior Grand Warden Michael Silver, Provincial Senior Grand Warden Anthony Humphrey, Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar, Assistant Provincial Grand Master John James and the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
Mark was conducted to Peter who welcomed Mark to the lodge and wished for him to have a very enjoyable evening. Once all the guests were seated and the necessary salutations were attended to, Peter again rose and offered the gavel of the lodge to the Mark who commented that on this happy occasion, he was more than happy to observe proceedings.
Peter Wall was then proclaimed as WM of Croxteth United Service Lodge and saluted accordingly. Joe Williams led the salutations in the third degree and delivered the working tools of a Master Mason. Having resumed labour in the second degree and salutations performed, Tom Dinsdale delivered the working tools of a fellow craft Freemason. Finally, it was the turn of the inner guard, Joseph Williams, to deliver the working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason.
The investment of officers continued apace and at the conclusion of the installation ceremony, Mark Matthews rose and gave his own personal congratulations to Peter, and the many officers of the lodge who had taken part in the ceremony itself.
When the first rising was completed, the procession was once again reformed and the guests retired to the fine surroundings of the Halliday Room. The lodge was duly closed soon after, and with the maximum 40 guests sat down to dine, the conversation and laughter around the many tables confirmed the friendly reputation of Croxteth United Service Lodge.
At dinner, many praises were delivered with regards to Peter and his willingness to support the lodge by not only taking the WM of the lodge in the first place, but by remaining in the chair so that the lodge can continue to flourish and go from strength to strength. Provincial Senior Grand Warden Anthony Humphrey, delivered a very humorous toast, and all stood to honour the toast to Peter. The last words should be left to Mark Matthews, who stresses the importance of enjoying your Freemasonry, and from the smiling faces and laughter around the room, the brethren had certainly taken those sentiments to heart.