On a fine and sunny Thursday afternoon, installed and past masters, with a few master Mason light blue aprons to highlight and contrast the vast array of dark blue regalia, gathered at The Palace Masonic Hall in St Anne’s on the Sea for the installation meeting of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters No 8966.
WM Juan Topping expertly opened the lodge and dispensed with the routine business of the day. On opening in the third degree, director of ceremonies Michael Brown announced that assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax and principal guest Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield demanded admission.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax and principal guest Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield processed into the lodge room accompanied by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, Duncan Smith and David Randerson, grand officers Godfrey Hirst, Stuart Thornber, John Turpin, Roger Perry, John Robbie Porter and South Fylde Group Chairman Ben Gorry. Supported by acting Provincial grand officers, including: Provincial Grand Sword Bearer James Nisbet, Provincial Grand Charity Steward Andrew McClements, Provincial Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies Jamie Lindsay and Anthony Smith. Provincial Grand Stewards William Buchanan, Matthew Catlow, Andrew Greenlees, Sir Peter Roscow and Matthew Woods, with Provincial Grand Tyler Adam Simpson.
WM Juan welcomed Michael Tax to Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters and offered him the gavel, which Michael politely returned. Michael then introduced principal guest Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield to Juan and Peter was placed in his rightful place next to the WM.
In due course, the highlight of the day appeared, item eight on the summons: to install James Rashid as master of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters for the ensuing year. James was presented for installation by Michael Brown. James re-affirmed his obligation and all those below the rank of installed master retired. A Board of Installed Masters was opened and James was installed as master of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters according to ancient custom for the ensuing year. The first task for James as master was to invest Juan Topping as immediate past master of the lodge, thanking Juan for a wonderful ceremony and all the work he has done for the lodge during his year as master.
The Board of Installed Masters was closed and the lodge opened in the third degree. The working tools of a master Mason were presented to the WM by Craig Scott. The third degree lodge was closed, opened in the second degree and all fellow craft Freemasons were admitted. The working tools of a fellow raft Freemason were presented to the WM by Alan Barnes. The second degree lodge was closed, opened in the first degree and all Freemasons were admitted. The working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason were presented to the WM by Adam Simpson. Juan then delivered the Warrant of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters into the safe keeping of the WM, also presenting to him the Book of Constitutions of the Order and a copy of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters by-laws.
James invested the officers of the lodge and the address to the WM was given by Michael Brown. The address to the deacons was given by Duncan Smith and once all of the other officers had been invested, Peter Schofield rose and gave the address to the brethren, which gave the opportunity for installing master Juan Topping to announce the completion of the ceremony of installation. This was the cue for principal guest Peter Schofield to rise and bring the greetings of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Peter congratulated James Rashid on attaining the chair of King Solomon. He also thanked installing master Juan Topping and all those who had assisted in the installation ceremony.
James had the great pleasure of presenting cheques to Peter for the benefit of various local charities. Peter thanked James and the brethren of the lodge for raising such a wonderful amount. Recipients were: Blackpool Victoria Blue Skies Appeal £500, One Fylde £250, Blackpool Polar Bears £250 and Blackpool Blood Bikes £250.
WM James returned to the summons and after the first rising, grand and acting Provincial grand officers retired. After the second and third risings, the lodge was closed and brethren retired to the bar before enjoying a fine meal at the festive board supplied by Lee and his team at Masonic Event Catering, comprising black pudding benedict stack, fillet-cut bistro rump steak, with chips, onion rings, mushrooms and tomatoes, followed by sticky toffee pudding.
In his response to the toast to the grand officers, Peter Schofield congratulated James on attaining the chair of King Solomon, joining a long line of distinguished brethren who have been masters of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters. Going on to say what a wonderful installation ceremony it has been. Congratulations were extended to all those involved, especially those ‘behind the scenes’ who work tirelessly to ensure everyone has a most enjoyable time.
After a few more wine takings, it was Juan’s turn to rise and propose the toast to new WM James Rashid, informing the brethren that James is a dedicated, hard-working Freemason having held many offices in his own lodge, Onward Lodge No 5540, as well as Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters.
James responded to the toast to his health by thanking Peter Schofield for attending as the principal guest and all those that have attended the installation meeting. Especially those who have taken office and the brethren who presented the working tools and delivered the addresses to the new officers of the lodge.
Lodge tyler Umesh Dholakia gave the tyler’s toast, concluding the festive board and allowing the brethren to retire to the bar for a few more well-earned drinks.
