St Helens Masonic Hall was the venue for the installation of Paul Holden into the WM’s chair of Lodge of St George No 6048.The WM Jonathan Holden opened the lodge in due form and completed the domestic business of the Lodge.
Director of Ceremonies Chris Maloney requested the admission of the Provincial Grand Almoner Paul Broadley, who was the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Mark was accompanied by the Mersey Valley Group Vice Chairman John Gibbon and other distinguished brethren. Jonathan said that the lodge brethren would be pleased to receive Paul into the lodge. The brethren were upstanding and Jonathan welcomed Paul into the lodge.
The lodge was opened in the second degree and the installation began with Jonathan installing his father into the chair of King Solomon, which must be a rare occurrence. The installation was carried out in an exemplary manner after being opened in the different degrees under the guidance of the DC Chris Maloney.
The third degree working tools were delivered by Max Velasco, the second degree working tools were delivered by Tim O’Hanlon and the first degree working tools were delivered by Joel Cummings, all delivered in an excellent manner.
When all the officers had been appointed, Chris delivered the address to the WM Paul Holden and the address to the wardens, Paul Broadley completed the installation by addressing the brethren of Lodge of St George, he also congratulated Paul on being installed as WM and Jonathan on the way he installed his father.
The WM then handed Paul a cheque for £400 as a donation to St Helens Masonic Hall. The WM also announced that they were going to make Allan Prescott an honorary member after being a member for 39 years and presented Allan with a slate with his Masonic history inscribed on it. The lodge was then closed and the brethren retired to the festive board.
In response to his toast, Paul Broadley said that at one time the Lodge of St George were about to hand in the warrant but with the support of the hall, the lodge had continued and now had 31 members including 5 entered apprentices and congratulated the three brethren who delivered the working tools. The lodge is now a busy lodge as they have another two potential candidates and a joining member.
Paul Broadley also spoke about the hall donation of £400, without the building lodges would not be able to meet and raise monies for deserving charities. Paul also mentioned the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting on t8 May at the Winter Gardens Blackpool, which is a marvellous event and if able everyone should attend.
