Woolton Lodge of Unity No 1086 was due to tile at 5pm, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the lodge was opened at 5:15pm. But as Stephen Lynch, director of ceremonies of the lodge, said: “Sometimes it’s just like herding cats.”
After opening the lodge at 5:15pm, the lodge WM Norman Pollock quickly addressed the necessary lodge business and the meeting proceeded to the third degree. The DC Stephen Lynch then retired to organise the procession of grand and acting Provincial grand officers to escort the principal guest into the lodge.
Lodge brethren were honoured to have Assistant Provincial Grand Master Malcolm Bell as their principal guest. He was accompanied by grand officers Kevin Poyton, Steve Kayne and Neil Pedder, along with group vice chairman John Gibbon, as well as Provincial grand officers David Boyes and Paul Brunskill.
The procession of grand and Provincial grand officers entered the lodge, led by the acting Provincial deacons, Steve McNee and Alan Malthouse. Steven Lynch presented Malcolm to Norman, who welcomed him to Woolton Lodge. As is customary, Norman offered Malcolm the gavel, hoping he would keep it for the ceremony. However, with a broad grin on his face, Malcolm replied: “Not this evening sir; you’ll be fantastic.”
After Stephen conducted the salutations, the lodge was adjourned in the third degree, and work resumed in the second degree. Stephen then presented master elect Alan Riley to Norman. Since Alan had previously held the position of WM, Norman asked him to kneel and recite and reaffirm his obligation, which Alan did flawlessly.
All below the rank of an installed master were asked to retire from the lodge, and the lodge was declared a Board of Installed Masters. Alan was installed by Norman Pollock, in an exemplary fashion, to the acclaim of all the attending masters who greeted and saluted the new WM of the Woolton Lodge of Unity.
Once Alan was installed as WM, work resumed in the third degree with the re-admittance of master Masons. Alan’s son, Alan Jr, presented the working tools of a master Mason to his father in a flawless manner; it was clear to everyone that Alan Sr could not have been prouder of his son.
Following this, the fellow crafts and entered apprentices were readmitted to the lodge. After saluting and greeting the new WM, the working tools of the second and first degrees were presented by Paul Fryer, a fellow craft, and Darren Hudson, an entered apprentice. Both presentations were done in fine style.
After installing his officers for the coming year, David Moore delivered the address to the WM. He then proceeded to give the address to the wardens, speaking with clarity, sincerity and warmth. Malcolm Bell rose and from the southeast corner of the lodge, addressed the brethren of the lodge, which provided a dignified conclusion to the installation ceremony.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Stephen Lynch stood before the WM and announced: “WM, that concludes the ceremony of your installation.” At this point, Malcolm Bell rose and said: “That is my cue to extend the greetings and congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Had he been here, he would have congratulated Norman for installing Alan in what was a remarkable ceremony, and he would have acknowledged everyone who participated.” Malcolm also made special mention of the brethren who presented the working tools in an outstanding manner.
Before Malcolm returned to his seat, Alan presented him with cheques to go to Masonic and non-Masonic charities. Malcolm thanked Alan and the brethren of Woolton Lodge for their generosity, announcing that the combined total of the cheques amounted to an impressive £1,091, a testament to the brethren’s spirit of giving and support for those in need.
The festive board was a fantastic event, featuring delicious food and even better company. During his response to the toast to the grand officers, Malcolm spoke about the Royal Arch and emphasised its importance. He encouraged joining, not just because it is the next step in the Masonic journey, but because it is fun and enjoyable. He suggested that if you can join a chapter in a different hall from your Craft lodge, you will have the chance to meet new people and make many more friends. Malcolm said: “When you feel the time is right, give it a try, it’s worth the effort.”
Malcolm also congratulated Alan on taking the chair on the 160th installation meeting of the lodge and he remarked that he too was from a Masonic family, as his dad is a Freemason, as Alan had that evening invested his son as SW of the lodge, and how he found it funny that it was the sons who had been blessed with the good looks.
The evening was ending when Alan called on his tyler, Tommy Lunt, for the final toast. Afterward, the brethren remained standing as Malcolm Bell, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and the other distinguished guests retired. Brethren of Woolton Lodge of Unity now look forward to next year, when Alan will install his son Alan Jr into the chair of King Solomon.