Liverpool Masonic Hall Hope Street was the venue for the installation of Mick Mansaray into the chair of King Solomon in Everton Lodge No 823. This was the first time that Mick had been installed into the WM’s chair of a lodge.
The lodge was under the control of the DC Paul Robinson, who prior to the lodge opening announced the arrival of WM Paul Shrimpton and his wardens, into their respective positions. 43 brethren attended the installation and festive board. Paul Shrimpton opened the lodge, and having dealt with the minutes, opened up through the first degree to the third degree.
Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons then entered the lodge and announced that Tony Harrison, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, was outside and sought admission. Tony was accompanied by Dave Johnson the Liverpool Group Chairman, grand officers Roy Ashley and Paul Broadley and acting Provincial deacons Geoff Green and Bob Taylor, and Provincial Grand Steward Stuart Kidd. Neil Francis the Liverpool Group Vice Chairman, was also in attendance.
The principal guests were admitted, and salutations were given and returned with thanks. The lodge resumed in the second degree, and the WM was assisted by Jim Eddowes who took the seat of King Solomon for the purposes of the ceremony. the junior warden, Tom Maxwell, remained in his seat whilst Steve Roberts took the chair of senior warden, for the purposes of installation.
Brian Gillbanks and Bob Taylor then presented the master elect Mick Mansaray to the installing master. Mick affirmed his obligations, and the lodge was resumed in the third degree. There then followed an excellent ceremony of installation, completed by Jim. The newly installed WM, Mick, was proclaimed by Jim, to master Masons, fellow craft and entered apprentices. The working tools were explained by Tom Maxwell presenting the third-degree tools, Joe Sutton, a light blue, presented the second degree tools and Jim Eddowes presented the first degree tools.
Steve Roberts had great pleasure in giving the placement address to the senior warden, with Bob Patterson addressing the charity steward, mentor and wardens. Ronnie Stowers addressed the inner guard and tyler. Jim Eddowes gave the address to the newly installed WM. with Dave Johnson addressing the deacons. Tony Harrison then gave the address to the brethren of the lodge.
The WM having been informed that the ceremony of his installation had been completed, saw Tony rising to bring the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to the WM, wishing him a happy and successful year. Tony then thanked the installing master Jim, congratulating him for the excellent fashion in which he had conducted the ceremony. Tony then ensured that the brethren who had conducted the explanation of the working tools, were given special congratulations.
The newly installed master then presented lodge donations to Tony totalling £1,355. £200 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £100 Liverpool Masonic Hall Building Fund, £100 Friends of Tithebarn House, £50 Liverpool Foodbank appeal, £200 Kensington Community Primary School, £50 Joseph Lappin Garden, and throughout the year, £210 Lodge Widows, £100 Sturge Weber, £100 Altcar Pods, £245 Prostrate Cancer (Bob Paterson sponsored Walk). Tony gave thanks to
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ing the ceremony, the brethren retired for a festive meal consisting off, Roasted Tomato & Red Pepper Soup, Chicken Breast Red Wine Onions, Grilled Mushrooms, Sauté potatoes, Red Wine Sauce, Apple Pie and Custard, followed by Tea or Coffee. Toasts were given Mick and the brethren of the lodge on behalf of the many recipients for their very generous donations.
Mick was pleased to be able to take wine with current WM’s from other lodges; Steve Roberts of Wallasey Lodge No 3036, Stuart Kidd of Woolton Lodge No 6448 and Matt Wilson of Toxteth Lodge No 1356.
In responding to the toast to grand officers, Tony thanked the brethren and the SW for the toast, to himself and other grand officers. Tony brought his personal best wishes to the WM for a happy year, and how he had enjoyed the delightful way the ceremony had been conducted, and how the working tools had been delivered. Tony also thanked the lodge again for their very kind donations that they had made.
The topics from Grand Lodge were communicated, up and coming dates were communicated. Tony congratulated those brethren who had recently been promoted, and the Liverpool executive members present. Tony once again thanked the lodge for their warm welcome, and a fantastic evening that he had enjoyed, saying that the lodge had come together for a ceremony that could not be faulted. Tony also thanked the lodge for the wonderful flowers that had been received at his home address.
Paul Shrimpton proposed the toast to the newly WM Mick, assuring him that he would have a great year, and had lots of support from within the Lodge. Roy Ashley then led the brethren in the song to the WM, before Mick stood to make the response to his toast. Mick thanked the visiting brethren, including the principal guests, and presented Tony with a personal gift, before receiving his jewel from Paul.
A toast was made to the visitors with a response from Michael Grimes. The proceedings were then brought to an ending with the tyler’s toast.