A packed Ormskirk Masonic Hall temple was the venue for the installation of Colin Whitehill into the chair of King Solomon in Rufford Lodge No 7217 which was consecrated on 27 May 1953. The assistant director of ceremonies, Robert Midgley, called the brethren to order and announced the arrival of the WM Brian Southwell and his wardens.
After the opening ode was sung with enthusiasm, the lodge was then opened in due form up to the third degree by Brian and Robert then retired to form the procession. The lodge was honoured on the evening by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jonathan Heaton, He was accompanied by Stephen Dunn, the Chairman of Ormskirk and Bootle Group and two acting Provincial grand officers, Arnie Neale, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and Henry Noblet, Provincial Assistant Grand Pursuivant. Brian welcomed Jonathan and Stephen and salutations were made to Jonathan and Provincial grand officers.
Brian then adjourned the lodge to the second degree and the lodge’s acting officers were escorted to their positions. David Childs took the senior warden’s chair, Walter Davidson acted as junior warden, Eric Sutton as senior deacon, David Rawcliffe as junior deacon and Malcolm Sandywell as inner guard.
John Lewis then took the chair of King Solomon. Master elect Colin Whitehill was then presented by lodge secretary, Derek Midgley, to receive at John’s hand the benefit of installation. Derek then read the ancient charges and regulations. All those below the rank of an installed master then retired for a short time and Brian, who had returned to the master’s chair, expertly placed Colin into the chair of King Solomon.
Master masons, fellow crafts and entered apprentices were then re-admitted, formed into processional order and greeted Colin in passing. Director of ceremonies, Jason Nash, proclaimed Colin as the new WM. The third degree working tools were confidently presented by Richard Jones, the second degree working tools were presented by James Churcher and the first degree working tools were faultlessly presented by Richard Wilson.
Brian then presented the warrant of the lodge, the book of constitutions and the bye-laws of Rufford Lodge to Colin. Colin then invested his officers. The address to the WM was excellently delivered by Derek Midgley, The address to the wardens by David Rawcliffe. The senior warden’s address was delivered by David Childs. Walter Davidson delivered the address to the junior warden, Jason Nash addressed the deacons, Malcolm Sandywell addressed the inner guard and Robert Midgley addressed the stewards.
Jonathan Heaton then rose to speak eloquently to the brethren, The director of ceremonies, Jason, then informed Colin that his ceremony of installation was concluded. Jonathan Heaton rose again bringing the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, congratulating Brian, John, Jason and all those who had taken part in the installation ceremony. He made special mention of the ‘stars of the show’, the light blues who had performed the working tools and said that it was fantastic to see the light blues progression within the lodge. He then wished all of the brethren well in their Masonry.
The assistant director of ceremonies, Robert Midgley, then presented Jonathan with the charity donations from Rufford Lodge which totalled an impressive £2,000. £750 was donated to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £500 to Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association, £300 to Wigan Scouts, £250 to Derian House Children’s Hospital and £200 to St Catherine’s Hospice. Jonathan thanked Colin and the brethren on behalf of the charities.
The risings then followed, Jonathan and Stephen retired after the first rising, escorted by the acting officers. The lodge was closed by Colin and then the closing ode was sung, accompanied by the lodge organist, Douglas Little. Following the closing ode, the WM and his wardens processed out of the temple and the brethren retired to the dining room for the festive board.
Jonathan and Stephen entered the dining hall to rapturous applause. The chaplain, Eric Ashcroft gave thanks and the brethren were then treated to an exquisite three course meal. Chorizo scotch egg, followed by braised steak bourguignonne and warm cherry Bakewell tart and raspberry ripple ice cream. Tea and coffee were then served to the brethren.
After the toast to Grand Lodge, Jonathan Heaton rose and spoke about how much he enjoys coming to Ormskirk Masonic Hall and he was delighted to see the lodge room and festive board so full of brethren. He then congratulated the IPM, Brian and the new WM Colin. The Master’s Song was then expertly sung by Ian Tupling. The charity plate in the temple raised £197 and the raffle £267.
Eric Sutton, who has been a member of the lodge for 65 years, then continued a tradition unique to Rufford Lodge selling plants to the brethren, with the £130 proceeds going to Masonic and non-masonic charities. Flowers were then presented to Jonathan Heaton and Stephen Dunn who then retired. To end the evening, the IPM Brian was presented with a past masters’ jewel.