Past Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Barrie Crossley was the principal guest and the representative of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, at the installation ceremony to witness Matt Mason being proclaimed as master of Longridge Lodge No 8077.
Barrie was accompanied by Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master Howard Jones and grand officers David Edwards and John Leigh, Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group Scott Devine, group vice chairman Chris Larder, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Larry Branyan and Provincial Grand Steward Andy McClements.
The lodge was opened by the WM Matt Mason who conducted the proclamation ceremony together with director of ceremonies Michael Monks. The third degree working tools were presented by Andrew Thiele, the second degree working degree tools were presented by first-degree Adam Wright and the first degree working tools were presented by first-degree Mark Wadsley. The WM appointed Lance Gorman as senior warden and Martin Slater as junior warden.
In a change from the norm with the exception of the senior and junior wardens, incoming lodge officers were invited to line up in the north to be invested with their collar of office from the WM. On taking up their respective seats, the explanation of each officer’s duties was delegated to nominated brethren from the lodge.
There was no address to the master on this occasion. The address to the wardens was given by Neil Hartley and the address to the brethren of Longridge Lodge by was given by Howard Jones. Barrie Crossley brought greetings from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and congratulated Matt Mason on taking the chair of King Solomon for the second year running and all those who taken part in the ceremony.
Barrie was presented with a list of donations by Matt that the lodge had made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities totalling £4,645. On behalf of the recipients, Barrie thanked Matt and the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
A total of 35 brethren attended the festive board. The toast to the WM was given by Tony Ollerton and the Master’s Song was a group singalong led by immediate past director of ceremonies Michael Monks to the accompaniment of the organist Peter Robinson.
WM Matt Mason originally hails from Samlesbury which is separated from Longridge by the River Ribble. He joined Longridge Lodge on 21 September 2014. Matt is a chef and who has worked for many of the finest eateries in east and west Lancashire, notably learning his trade under Michelin star celebrity chef, Nigel Haworth.
His hobbies include reading non-fiction and horror books, walking and seeing friends when he gets the chance. Freemasonry allows him to get out of the house, meet new people and raise money for charity. Within the lodge, he is well known for bringing parched peas on an Old English night.
