Although Ormskirk Priory Lodge are low in members, it was quality not quantity that prevailed on the night Stuart Cunningham was due to be installed as master of the lodge, in the presence of John Robbie Porter, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master.
The lodge was opened by the current master of the lodge John Rawcliffe, who conducted the installation ceremony ably assisted by officers of the lodge and visiting brethren. Once the lodge was opened, the acting director of ceremonies, Ian Kennedy retired to form the procession. John Robbie Porter then entered and was accompanied by Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master Philip Gunning, who a member of the lodge and Stephen Dunn, the Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group.
Once everyone was settled in their positions, the master elect Stuart Cunningham was presented by Ian Kennedy to the master. The installing officers for the evening were senior warden, Alastair Frew, junior warden, Mike Dutton and inner guard, Brian Heaney.
After Stuart was installed into the chair of King Soloman, the third and second degree working tools were presented by John Rawcliffe and the first degree tools by the newest member of the lodge Jason Wilde, both of whom gave flawless explanations.
The address to the master was given by John Wallabank. Stuart was then presented with the Hall Stone Jewel by Fred Hargreaves, who gave an explanation of its significance to the brethren. John Robbie Porter then gave the address to the brethren of Ormskirk Priory Lodge in his own inimitable way, which was well received by all.
Before he could sit down, John Robbie was presented with a list of donations that the lodge had made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities to the value of £500. These included £100 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £100 to Noah’s Ark Rescue, £100 to Queenscourt Hospice, £100 to Community Cancer Navigator Service and finally £100 to Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital. John Robbie then thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations from such a small lodge, and he made a special comment to the two brethren who delivered the working tools.
Everyone then retired to the dining room for a festive board of vegetable broth, sugar baked ham and roasted vegetables followed by passion fruit curd with mango ice cream. During the meal, a raffle was held and raised the magnificent sum of £185, as well as an additional £121 from the alms plate collection. Following the presentations to the principal guests, the tyler gave the final toast, and everyone departed in peace and harmony.
Article by Mike Dutton.