On the final Friday of February, brethren and guests of Pro Patria Lodge No 9952 were eagerly awaiting the military lodge’s yearly manoeuvres. They all formed up at St Annes Palace Masonic Hall for the installation meeting, an engagement conducted, as is its custom, with order, precision and almost quiet authority.
The temple was filled with brethren drawn from across the country. All present to witness master elect Mike Joyner assume command for the ensuing year. There was a distinct sense that this was not merely a meeting, but a properly organised parade. Director of ceremonies, Juan Topping, pace stick in hand, ensured that every movement was executed in correct order and at the proper time. There was no confusion, no hesitation and no deviation from the plan.
A fanfare was played and the standard was marched in and held steadfast until it was delivered to WM Peter Baldwin, once the brethren had processed into the lodge room in their normal fine military style. WM Peter Baldwin, opened the lodge in firm and capable fashion, maintaining control of proceedings throughout the early business and to that standard normally expected of an officer of the lodge.
Brethren of the lodge were honoured by the attendance of grand officer Stuart Thornber, representing Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Stuart was accompanied by the Chairman of the North Fylde Group John Cross and grand officer Graham Fielding.
Graham Bannister occupied the chair of installing senior warden, Roger O’Loughlin occupied the chair of installing junior warden and Bill Hembrow occupied the position of installing inner guard. All occupied their posts and carried out their respective duties with confidence and clarity. Instructions were delivered distinctly; responses were given correctly and the ceremony progressed without fault.
Carl Spindler swiftly presented master elect Mike Joyner and he took his obligation as expected with the skilled precision of an ex-army catering corps warrant officer. The steady composure of a man long accustomed to responsibility. The Board of Installed Masters was convened and in proper form, and Mike Joyner was installed into the chair of King Solomon for the fourth time, an experienced hand returning to the helm.
Working tools of an installed master were delivered superbly with authority by Bob Wareham and the distinctly remainder of the tools were conveyed in a very specialised manner by Juan Topping which maintained the high standard expected within this lodge. There was substance to the words and sincerity behind them.
The appointment and investiture of the lodge officers was the next advancement. Graham Bannister expertly presented and explained the jewels of the senior warden to Martin Clements, while Roger O’Loughlin skilfully presented and explained the jewels of the junior warden to Terry Stevens-Lewing. The lodge officers were then installed with a special expression of thanks to guest organist Phil Bolton who ‘plays all the wrong notes in the right order’ and a new tyler took sentry duty in the form North Fylde Group Chairman, John Cross, noting with a smile to the new WM, that in this role, it would be the only time a group chairman would be out of the lodge room. Confidence in the year ahead was evident.
The IPM declared the conclusion of the ceremony of installation and Stuart Thornber rose smartly to convey the greetings of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, wishing him a successful, busy, happy and healthy year and continued by congratulating the installing officer on the way he had installed his successor in such a fine manner.
The charitable account of the lodge reflected credit upon all ranks. Despite meeting only four times per year, Pro Patria Lodge had raised £4,300 for Masonic and non-Masonic causes; including: support to Masonic Halls, Cadet Forces, Rossall School, SSAFA and more local initiatives including the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Such output from limited engagements speaks clearly of commitment and discipline. Stuart then went on to congratulate Peter Baldwin on his magnificent efforts in his personal charity expeditions.
All remaining business was duly conducted and the lodge was closed in due form and the mess bar was opened. At the festive board, the brethren assembled. The candle to absent brethren was lit by lodge senior warden Martin Clements and the festivities began, the sprits were high and the engagement was intense. The tone suitably regimental without ever straying from decorum.
The food was duly delivered by the superb mess caterer Lee Munro of Masonic Event Catering, which was up to its fine exquisite standards. The loyal toast was given with all the ex-forces personal standing to attention and heartily singing the national anthem which was followed by a glass of port.
A ‘Westhoughton’ raffle was taken by Martin Clements which, when combined with the charity plate raised £482, proof that efficiency need not exclude generosity. The Master’s Song was performed by immediate past master Mike Baldwin who had previously giving the toast to the master, this was a fabulous insight into Mike’s life, from his early years in the army catering corps, to being the first PCSO in Fleetwood as well as his constant love of motorbiking. The response by Mike Joyner was steady, sincere and devoid of unnecessary embellishment, very much in character.
Stuart Thornber gave his personal response after the toast to the grand officers, noting how it had been six years since he last represented at Pro Patria Lodge having seen director of ceremonies Juan Topping installed into the chair of King Solomon, Stuart then gave special thanks to Bob Wareham for the secretary’s hard work both inside and outside the lodge.
The toast to absent brethren was then given and the candle was extinguished. The double knocks were given and newly appointed tyler, John Cross, just like a new recruit, made his way to his position and defiantly delivered the tyler’s toast that concluded proceedings in proper form. The brethren adjourned in good spirits, the evening’s objectives achieved and command duly transferred. The bar was then filled with brethren for more merriment and enjoyment, happily discussing the evening’s sortie. Pro Patria Lodge stands ready for the year ahead, properly constituted, well officered and firmly on parade.