There are several famous squares in Liverpool city centre, with perhaps Abercromby Square being one of the most well-known. The gardens at the square form a backdrop to the quadrangle of houses, which once were the homes of cotton merchants, the Chief Custom and Excise Officer of Liverpool, the first Jewish Mayor of Liverpool, and members of the Gladstone family, amongst the many historical residents of the square.
However, the square is named after Sir Ralph Abercromby, who was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, a Scottish soldier and politician. Abercromby is remembered for a daring exploit of landing an amphibious force at Aboukir, Egypt which Napoleon described as ‘one of the most vigorous actions which could be imagined’ and eventually at the Battle of Alexandria in 1801, ending the Napoleonic French control over Egypt.
Sir Ralph was wounded at the Battle of Alexandria, and died seven days later, being buried on the Island of Malta, in the now renamed Abercrombie Bastion, Valetta. In recognition a monument was erected in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, and in Liverpool, a new plot of land was to be called Abercromby Square, with the first houses constructed some 20 years later in 1821.
WM John Conlon welcomed the brethren and guests to Abercromby Lodge No 3699, and wished all present a pleasant evening and that everyone enjoys the installation ceremony to come. The lodge being opened in fine form and proceeding through the degrees, director of ceremonies David Byrne, having previously requested permission to leave the lodge for a short period, was admitted and announced that principal guest, Provincial Senior Grand Warden Michael Tax stood outside the door of the lodge.
Provincial Grand Steward Liam Buchanan led the procession of Provincial Senior Grand Warden Michael Tax, accompanied by Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar and Peter Ramejkis into the lodge. Director of ceremonies, David Byrne introduced Michael to the WM John, who on behalf of the brethren of Abercromby Lodge, hoped that Michael would enjoy the ceremony.
Having requested that Adam Byrne occupy the chair of senior warden, presenting officer Peter Ramjekis then presented Jon Soutter, as master elect. Jon was installed into the chair of King Solomon in time honoured fashion and the necessary salutations to a newly installed master were performed.
Having admitted master Masons, the working tools of a master Mason were performed by Chris Woolerton. This was followed by David Owen who performed the working tools of a fellow craft, with Peter Ramejkis, performing the working tools of an entered apprentice. All three performed excellently with their respective ritual in each degree.
Provincial Senior Grand Warden then Michael Tax rose and gave the address to the brethren of the lodge in a relaxed and sincere manner. Following the conclusion of the installation ceremony, he rose again to give his own congratulations and those of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, to both installing master John, and newly installed WM Jon on the splendid work they had carried out that evening, and in particular the brethren who had performed the working tools, stating that it is not easy to deliver ritual and that they had all made it look easy.
WM Jon requested would Michael accept cheques on behalf of the charities. Michael explained to all those present, that the lodge had donated the magnificent sum of £600 split three ways between; Northwest Blood Bikes, The Big Help Project and West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, thanking all those present, and saying that we may never know the recipients of the charitable donations and thanking the lodge for its generosity. The lodge was duly closed and all retired to the Crompton’s Dining Rooms at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, to continue the celebration of a new WM of Abercromby Lodge.
At the festive board, Michael Tax explained that this was his first visit to Abercromby Lodge and that he had carried out some research on the lodge, noting that the lodge had been formed early in 1914 in what was to become tumultuous times and the start of the Great War of 1914-1918. The lodge has continued to thrive and having celebrated its centenary in 2014, is now in its 110th year celebrating the installation of a new master, living up to its heraldic crest of Sir Ralph Abercromby, which proudly adorns the lodge summons and banner with the Latin inscription ‘Vive Et Vivas’, Live that you may live.
Amongst the many toasts of the evening, regular visitor Michael Alexander of Thomas Harper Lodge No 9612, Warwickshire, gave a very fine rendition of the Master’s Song which was enjoyed by all and a fitting end to a most enjoyable evening.
