Paul Helm was installed as WM at the 101st installation ceremony of Newby Bridge Lodge No 4598. The lodge was honoured by the presence of grand officer and Provincial Grand Secretary Peter Taylor, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
Peter was accompanied by a glittering array of six further grand officers, Norman Thompson, David Grainger, Rowley Saunders, Alan Jones, Barry Fitzgerald and Philip Preston. In addition, nine masters of other lodges were also present, along with four acting Provincial grand officers; Provincial Grand Charity Steward Andrew McClements, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Kevin Rigg, Provincial Grand Steward Stephen Renney and Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald, as well as Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Chris Gray, group vice-chairman Harry Chatfield, and group secretary Tony Jackson.
Outgoing master Phil Burrow has, once again and for the third time, been a very prolific visitor throughout the group. Phil’s avuncular manner has made him many friends in the group and beyond. Indeed, one attendee had travelled from South Yorkshire just for the occasion.
WM Phil opened the lodge in due and ancient form and after completing the regular business, director of ceremonies Gary Mansfield retired for a short time. Gary re-entered the lodge and informed the WM that the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, stood outside and sought admission. Peter Taylor and his escort of grand officers, Provincial grand officers and group officers were admitted, introduced and saluted.
Senior warden and master elect, Paul Helm, was presented to WM Phil by Gary Mansfield. Assistant secretary Tim Gill read to Paul the list of qualifications necessary for every candidate for the master’s chair in a most sincere manner. All below the rank of an installed master then retired for a short time, still leaving a very full lodge room to witness Phil Burrow place Paul into the chair of King Solomon with great dignity and care.
After the appointment of the lodge officers, the stewards were addressed by Provincial Grand Steward Stephen Renney in a highly polished manner. The address to the master was delivered impeccably by lodge secretary Phil Preston. The address to the wardens was delivered by Phil Burrow, and Peter Taylor gave the address to the brethren of the lodge with understated grace.
The third degree working tools were presented and explained by Dave Wilson. The second degree tools were presented by Reg Wilkinson and it is so nice to see them presented in their long form. The first degree tools were presented by Fraser Nicholson, a young Mason rising through the progression of the lodge and who is very much in command of himself and his Craft.
Shortly after occupying the chair of King Solomon and as the lodge reverted to the summons, Peter again rose to bring the greetings of Mark Matthews, complimenting the exemplary work of all those who had taken active roles in the ceremony, especially installing master Phil Burrow. Peter was presented with a cheque for £1,000 for the benefit of Cardiac Risk in the Young, a charity especially relevant to the Newby Bridge Lodge brethren. Peter thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generosity.
Plaudits were heaped on Gary Mansfield, occupying his first year as director of ceremonies, fresh out of the chair of King Solomon last year. Gary is also currently WM of Lonsdale Lodge of Installed Masters No 9422, clearly a man who likes to stay busy!
At the first rising, David Grainger brought the greetings of the grand officers present, congratulating all those who had taken part in the ceremony, especially the three brethren who had presented and explained the working tools of the three degrees.
At the second rising, Barry Robinson brought the greetings of the Provincial officers and Carl McWhan, WM of Barrow Lodge No 3928, brought the greetings of all the remaining visitors on the third rising.
Alms collected in the lodge room amounted to £237.55 plus applicable Gift Aid and the raffle at the festive board raised £428.00, a magnificent result all round. Dave Smith sang a superb rendition of the Master’s Song ‘a cappella’.
