Occasionally in a Masonic season, there comes up what on paper appears to be a fairly ordinary prospect: an installation ceremony for one of the group’s more senior lodges, a lodge with a good reputation for the quality of its ritual and ceremonies. But the chemistry between the protagonists, the incoming and outgoing WMs, officers of the lodge, brethren and director of ceremonies conspire to create something truly special.
Such an event happened at the installation of Martin McFall as the new WM of Baldwin Lodge No 1398. The ceremony took place at Barrow in Furness Masonic Hall, to allow greater numbers than would have been comfortable at Dalton in Furness Masonic Hall.
WM Paul Williams opened the lodge and the secretary rose to read the dispensation for the change of both venue and date. There was a very refreshing notification of two forthcoming initiations at other lodges in the group.
Paul opened the lodge in the second and third degrees and the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies entered the lodge room to inform the WM and brethren that Past Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, representative of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, requested admission. Paul replied that the lodge would be honoured and delighted to receive him and his retinue.
Tony entered accompanied by Chris Gray, FSL Group Chairman, Norman Thompson, PPGM of our neighbouring province of Cumberland and Westmorland, Dave Grainger, PAPGM, and fellow officers of United Grand Lodge Rowley Saunders, Paul Broadley, Barry Fitzgerald and Gary Rogerson. All these brethren and the Provincial Officers present were greeted with the appropriate salutations, and the brethren were thanked most sincerely by all concerned.
Senior warden Martin McFall, master elect of Baldwin Lodge, was presented to WM Paul Williams to receive at his hand the benefit of installation. Martin recited his obligation, his flawless delivery leaving everyone eager for more.
The brethren concerned had clearly committed so much time and effort to the work that it shone. Once Martin had occupied the chair of King Solomon and master Masons were re-admitted, Elliott Haughin gave a fine rendition of the working tools of a master Mason. The master Mason’s lodge was closed in the long format impeccably by installing wardens Bill Coates and John Porter, an unexpected treat in what was proving to be a feast of good ritual.
Dave Nicholson presented and explained the working tools of a fellow craft Freemason in an excellent and zealous manner. WM Martin then closed the fellow craft’s lodge with what he ‘hoped would be equal zeal’, bringing a lovely humorous touch to the proceedings.
The lodge having resumed work in the first degree, director of ceremonies Darren Stainton presented and explained the working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason in a most excellent manner.
At the investiture of the officers, senior warden Dave Nicholson was given the address and presented with his gavel and column by John Porter. Bill Coates likewise gave the address to the junior warden Dave Sear, who was also presented with the gavel and column of that office. Worthy of note was the retirement of John Browne as charity steward after several years of service, being replaced by Allan Whittaker. The senior and junior deacons were given their address by Kevin Rigg. Stephen Renney, at very short notice, gave the address to the stewards, Dave Hughes, Danny Lightfoot, Neil McDougall and Edwin Pullin.
Dave Grove gave an authoritative address to the WM and the senior and junior wardens were given their address by Bill Coates with consummate dignity.
Tony Harrison rose and gave the address to the brethren of Baldwin Lodge with his customary ease and avuncular manner. He had barely retaken his seat when the lodge reverted to the circular and he again stood, this time to bring the greetings and congratulations of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. He thanked the WM, immediate past master and director of ceremonies for their work on the day and for their preparation.
Tony made special mention of the three brethren who had presented and explained the working tools of the three degrees and singled out Darren Stainton as the quietest director of ceremonies he had heard all year, as few prompts were required during the ceremony.
As Tony retook his seat, WM Martin presented him with cheques for West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for £1398.00 and Dalton-in-Furness Festival Association for £100. Tony thanked Martin and the brethren for their generosity on behalf of the eventual recipients of the donations.
Alms collected in the lodge room amounted to £217.75 and the raffle at the festive board raised £520.00. Well done, brethren!
