The venue for the installation of Peter Ryan into the WM’s chair of Olympic Lodge No 4461 was the Geoffrey Hirst Suite, Woolton Golf Club. The WM David Cairns opened the lodge in due form and completed all the domestic business he then proceeded to open the lodge up to the third degree.
It was then announced that Graham Williams, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, accompanied by David Atkinson Mersey Valley Group Chairman and other distinguished grand and Provincial grand officers, were outside the lodge and sought admission. David Cairns asked the brethren to be upstanding to receive them.
WM David welcomed Graham and after the salutations had been completed, the installation ceremony began with Stephen Cornwell occupying the WM’s chair as installing master for the ceremony. The master elect Peter Ryan was then presented to Stephen and confirmed his obligation. Peter was then installed into the chair of King Solomon.
Robert James explained the working tools in the third degree, Mark Edwards explained the working tools in the second degree and Anthony Standish explained the working tools in the first-degree. When all the officers of the lodge had been appointed to complete the ceremony, Peter Williams carried out the address to the wardens and then Matthew Wilson gave the address to the WM Peter Ryan.
Graham Williams congratulated Peter Ryan on being installed as WM. Peter then presented two charity cheques to Graham, one for £200 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and one for £200 for the Friends of Tithebarn. Graham thanked Peter and the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
It was an excellent ceremony and when the WM had completed the communications received by the lodge the brethren retired to the festive board. Responding to the toast to his health Graham replied it was a fine ceremony of installation with no prompts, everyone who took part today should be satisfied with a job well done. It had been a very good ceremony and it was good to see light blues brethren taking offices in the lodge.
Graham also spoke about the Membership Challenge, there had been a two-year digital campaign by UGLE which had been successful in parts of the group, and it seems to be attracting younger brethren who are now taking part in rehearsal to learn the ritual. There needs to be more community engagement with the local community being invited into Masonic halls. Graham also mentioned the Group Ball at Widnes Rugby Club on the 5 May 2025, this then concluded his response.
