Peace and Unity Lodge No 3966, consecrated on 11 November 1919 at the Palatine Hotel on Blackpool’s seafront, relocated to the Imperial Hotel in 1956, moving again in 1986 to Cleveleys Masonic Hall, before returning to Blackpool and Blackpool Masonic Hall in 2022.
Every past master can remember how he felt at his installation meeting, nervous and excited in equal measure and Peace and Unity Lodge senior warden Nicholas Powlesland was understandably no different. As brethren bustled around the lodge room getting everything ready and in place for the main event, Nick had to talk to brethren he had never met before whilst maintaining a smile and his composure for the photographs.
The lodge was opened by the MW Cameron Afzal, the general lodge business was completed and the main event began. On a report, director of ceremonies Creag Williams announced that Ryan Modlin, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of United Grand Lodge requested admission. Cameron replied that he would be pleased to receive him.
Ryan processed into the lodge accompanied by grand officer and lodge member Giles Berkley, Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, acting Provincial grand officers; Provincial Grand Charity Steward Andrew McClements, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon David Sangster, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon Paul Cummings, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon Paul Easton, Provincial Grand Steward Chris Hardingham and Provincial Grand Pursuivant Adam Simpson. Cameron welcomed Ryan to Peace and Unity Lodge, hoping he would have a most enjoyable day.
Cameron invited Paul Bennett of Great Marton Lodge No 3985 to occupy the chair of senior warden, Colin Rodgers also of Great Marton Lodge to occupy the chair of junior warden and Keith Carter of West Lancashire Century Lodge No 2349 to occupy the position of inner guard.
In due course, Nick was presented to WM Cameron Afzal and the brethren by Ian Watson. All those below the rank of an installed master were requested to retire and a Board of Installed Masters was opened. Nick Powlesland was installed as the WM of Peace and Unity Lodge according to ancient custom and tradition. Nick had the great pleasure of investing Cameron Afzal as immediate past master of the lodge, thanking him for the work done during his year.
The installed masters greeted Nick in traditional form and the Board of Installed Masters was closed. Master Masons were admitted, passed around the lodge, saluted, then greeted the WM. The working tools of a master Mason were presented to Nick by Jason Whitehead. Fellow craft Freemasons were then admitted, passed around the lodge, saluted, then greeted the WM as fellow craft Freemasons. The working tools of a fellow craft Freemason were presented by Warren Gill. All remaining Masons were admitted, passed around the lodge, saluted, then greeted the WM as entered apprentice Freemasons. The working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason were presented by Ian Watson.
Cameron’s final job was to present the pillar of the WM and deliver the warrant of the lodge, Book of Constitutions of the Order and lodge by-laws to Nick. Armed with an extensive list, Nick proceeded to appoint and invest his wardens and the officers of Peace and Unity Lodge.
The address to the WM was given by Kenneth Buckley, the address to the wardens by Giles Berkley, the address to the deacons was given by Paul Cummings, the address to the stewards was given by Chris Hardingham and the address to the brethren of the lodge was given by Ryan Modlin.
A very relieved director of ceremonies, Creag Williams, announced the conclusion of the installation ceremony. This was the cue for Ryan to rise and bring the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, congratulating everyone involved in the proceedings of the day.
Nick presented Ryan with cheques for the benefit of Masonic and non-Masonic charities totalling over £5,000. Recipients were; West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity £1,000, Blackpool Masonic Club £300, St Johns Hospice Lancaster Cares £1,000, Blackpool Boys and Girls Club £500, Fleetwood Sea Cadets £300, Fleetwood Army Cadets £300, Batten Disease Family Association £500, Aiming Higher £250, Trinity Hospice on the Fylde £500, Fleetwood Men’s Shed £300, Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society £20, Masonic Bowling Society £20, Masonic Fishing Charity £20, Masonic Golfing Society £20, Boathouse Youth Charity £20, Anita Dodds London Marathon £100. Ryan thanked the brethren for their magnificent donations.
Nick returned to the summons and completed the remaining tasks of the day. On completion of the day’s installation. 56 brethren retired to the Masonic club bar for some well-earned drinks before moving on to the festive board for a fine meal, fine wine, inspiring speeches and great company. A highlight of the evening was father and son Peter Baldwin and Matthew Baldwin performing the Master’s Song, each alternating a verse before harmonising the final verse together.
In his response to the toast to his health, Nick informed the brethren that he was born in Plymouth and his love of music started with guitar lessons at the age of 10, followed by piano studies. Nick graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1987 going on to build a distinguished career in music education, becoming Lead Senior Examiner for Trinity College, London in 2020. Nick and Sandra have been happily married for 35 years and are proud parents to three grown-up sons. Nick and Sandra also attend dancing lessons where Nick overheard a conversation one evening about Freemasonry, on inquiring, Nick expressed his interest in joining and the rest, as they say, is history.
Nick concluded his response by informing the brethren of some forthcoming social events, including a BBQ on 8 August, a family Christmas lunch on 6 December, a ladies and gents to dine on 14 December with the Henhouse Community Choir and the lodge ladies evening on 6 March next year.
At the conclusion of the festive board, Nick presented Ryan with a gift for himself and some flowers for his wife, hoping she would give permission for Ryan to return to Peace and Unity Lodge some other time.
