It was a cold spring evening at Litherland Masonic Hall, where Old Crosbeian Lodge No 4992, which was consecrated in 1928, met to install Paul Grainger as their new master. The lodge was opened in the first degree by the WM David Cairns and the minutes were duly confirmed.
After the successful ballot for a joining member, William Kildare, David opened the lodge in the second degree. The lodge director of ceremonies and master elect, Paul Grainger then retired to form the procession. David then opened the lodge in the third degree and Paul returned to proclaim that Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Thomas was without and demanded admission.
Brethren of the lodge were honoured by the presence of David Thomas, who was accompanied by Stephen Dunn, Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group, Malcolm Sandywell, Vice Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group and by two acting Provincial grand officers, Alastair Horn, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon and Arnie Neale, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
David Cairns welcomed David Thomas and offered him the gavel, which he politely declined. Salutations were then given to David Thomas by the brethren. Salutations were also given to Provincial grand officers Chris Taylor and Stephen Dunn. After David Cairns had adjourned the master mason’s lodge and labour was resumed in the second degree, Rob Beaver took the chair of King Solomon as the installing master. Ian Donaldson remained as senior warden, Rick Gillett took the junior warden’s chair and Pater McGrady took the inner guard’s position.
Chris Taylor then presented the master elect, Paul Grainger. Paul then advanced to the pedestal and recited his obligation. Labour was resumed in the third degree and then Paul was installed into the chair of King Solomon during the Board of Installed Masters. Paul then invested his IPM, David, with his collar. The Board of Installed Masters was then closed and master Masons were admitted. After they had saluted Paul, Yoshi Katakura delivered the third degree working tools. Fellowcrafts then entered, saluted Paul and the second degree tools were presented by Alun Jones. The lodge was then closed from the second degree to the first degree. Entered apprentices were admitted, saluted Paul and Mark Farrell presented the first degree working tools.
After the David had presented the warrant of the lodge, the Book of Constitutions and the bye-laws of the lodge to Paul, he then appointed his officers. Chris delivered the address to the senior warden and Ian Donaldson addressed the junior warden. After Chris had delivered the almoner’s address, Alastair Horn addressed the deacons. Chris then addressed the stewards and the wardens. The brethren of Old Crosbeian then rose and were addressed by David Thomas. After Paul had been informed that the ceremony of installation was concluded, David rose and spoke to the brethren. He offered Paul the personal congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and thanked David Cairns for his two years as master. He then congratulated the installing master, Rob, and all of the brethren who had taken part in the ceremony. David then wished Paul a very successful year as master of the lodge.
Alms were then taken to the total of £90. After the first rising, the director of ceremonies formed the procession and David, Stephen and Malcolm, accompanied by the acting Provincial grand officers departed. The lodge was closed by Paul and the brethren retired to the bar prior to the festive board.
At the festive board, the brethren rose to welcome, David, Stephen and Paul. After the chaplain had said grace, David toasted Paul. The brethren were then treated to a sumptuous three course meal; goats cheese and caramelised red onion tartlet, chicken and leek pie and for dessert, mixed berry pavlova. This was all washed down with tea and coffee.
After the senior warden’s toast to the grand officers, David rose and firstly thanked the senior warden for the toast and thanked all of the brethren for how warm his welcome had been. He thanked the acting officers in attendance and Stephen Dunn for his invitation to the installation and Stephen’s executive team for all of their hard work throughout the year. He then congratulated all who had taken part in the ceremony and said that he was delighted to see all of the light blues who took part and had taken offices within the lodge. He then congratulated the IPM, David, the installing master, Rob, and wished that Paul had a very enjoyable year in office.
The IPM, David, then proposed the toast to the WM. Chris Taylor then rose to deliver the Master’s Song. A raffle then followed, which raised £120. The school song was then sung in a hearty manner by all. The brethren of Old
Crosbeian Lodge then presented David and Stephen with a gift, for which they were thanked the lodge brethren. After the tyler’s toast was delivered by Chris, the evening being at an end and the principal guests having retired, the brethren retired to the bar for further sustenance.