The Liverpool Group held their traditional Remembrance Day service before the magnificent memorial, dedicated to those Freemasons who lost their lives during the two world wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45, situated in the main entrance corridor of Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool.
The service was attended by the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews together with his wife Debbie. Also in attendance was Liverpool Group Chairman Dave Johnson and his wife Joyce. Other grand officers, Provincial grand officers and over 40 other brethren, together with their wives, also braved the wind and the rain to offer their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during two world wars and other conflicts since.
Dave Johnson welcomed everybody and spoke of the need to remember not just the serving members of the armed forces who were killed in action, but to also pay respect to those members of the civilian’s services such as the Merchant Navy, nurses, doctors and firefighters who lost their lives.
Reverend John Williams MBE MA RN (retired) led the service of remembrance, which included a Call to Remembrance, Scripture Readings, the Exhortation, The Last Post, The Silence, Reveille, Prayer of Commemoration and the Blessing. John is a very experienced and long service military chaplain who did a superb job of bringing great dignity and solemnity to the proceedings. We are very grateful to him for his advice and support.
The wreath laying was led by the Mark Matthews who laid a wreath on behalf of the Masonic Province of West Lancashire, and the group chairman on behalf of the Liverpool Group. Wreaths were then laid by another Masonic Order, followed by brethren representing individual lodges, chapters and other services.
Everybody retired to enjoy a delicious buffet provided by the hall caterers. It was nice to see so many people informally relax and catch up over coffee and sandwiches. It was especially pleasing to see Chris Jones at the service.
Chris is halfway through his sponsored walk around the UK raising money for the benefit of the Province of Lincolnshire Masonic Charity Fund Festival. He was welcomed by Mark and Dave who both congratulated and thanked him for his marvellous efforts. Chris has received donations from the Hall, the Group, Blenheim Lodge and other lodges and chapters who meet within Hope Street, for which he was most grateful.
It was a marvellous ceremony which was enjoyed by all attending.