The installation of a new master for any lodge is a cause for celebration, and such was the case for Imperial Sefton Lodge No 680, meeting at the Artists Club, Liverpool. The walk up Eberle Street, Liverpool to the Artist Club was a wintry cold affair, and the warmth of the brethren welcoming the many, many visitors to the lodge proved a marked difference to the temperature outside.
The lodge was opened by the WM, Patrick Kent, assisted by his wardens, Alan Riley and Nicholas Hughes, as senior and junior warden respectively. Outside the door of the lodge was a multitude of distinguished guests, heralded by the entrance of Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, David Boyes, who stated that John James stood without and demanded admission.
A plethora of guests then entered the lodge to accompany John James, they were; Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Dermot Maloney, Provincial Deputy Grand Secretary Mick Southern, Provincial Senior Grand Warden, John Reynolds, grand officers, Paul Shepherd, Peter Williams and Paul Broadley and Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master Phil Gunning
Following the necessary salutations having been attended to, and substitution of officers for their involvement in the forthcoming installation ceremony complete, presenting officer, David Boyes presented master elect Ian McGovern, to WM Patrick Kent. The installation ceremony proceeded very smoothly, assisted by not one but two Provincial Grand Directors of ceremonies, David Boyes and Robb Fitzsimmons, who is also a lodge member.
Ian was installed into the chair of King Solomon in exemplary fashion by Patrick, and the working tools in each degree were superbly orated, Mark Crawford in the third, Nicholas Hughes with the long version in the second, and James Turnbull completing the first, an excellent rendition of ritual by all three brethren.
Immediate past master Patrick Kent led the salutations in each degree as the lodge dropped from the third to the first degree in turn, and in the first degree, a rousing rendition of ‘Prosper the arts’ took place, with number of the lodge being hand clapped with a very unique illustration of a number zero at the end.
David Boyes did an exemplary address to the newly installed WM of the lodge, as did Robb Fitzsimmons with his address to the wardens, and in a masterclass of ritual prowess, David Hawkes delivered the address to the brethren of the lodge. It was soon the turn of John James, to bring the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, as well as his own, for a very well-orchestrated and enjoyable installation ceremony.
Dinner at the Artists Club is always a sumptuous affair, and with a large contingent of guests in attendance, the dining room was full of laughter and judicious use of the lodge firing glasses to great effect. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Artist Club and Imperial Sefton Lodge it will be an occasion to live long in the memory, and lodge secretary, Mark Crawford will only be so happy to arrange for more visitors to attend this unique and popular lodge.
At dinner, master of the lodge Ian, thanked the lodge for the honour and privilege of allowing him to become master of the lodge and the second time. A heartfelt toast was given by David Boyes to immediate past master Patrick on a wonderful installation ceremony, as well as to the virtues of Ian, and his delight in seeing Ian installed as WM of Imperial Sefton Lodge, long may the arts prosper.
