On a fine, cool morning, the brethren of the St Helens Lodge of Loyalty No 897, a biker’s lodge, assembled promptly at 10:30hrs at The Point in St Helens, sporting their iconic waistcoats, known as cuts, all of which were adorned with patches which are mementos of many a ride out on their gleaming symbols of freedom and not to mention their most beloved form of transport, their bikes, many of which were parked in the car park, glinting in the morning sunlight for all to admire.
Lodge chaplain, Gregory Cassen, presented WM Andreas Andrea with a shiny new master’s chain, personally purchased by himself, which is adorned with the St Helens Lodge of Loyalty emblem on it in enamel.
The lodge was opened promptly and on time at 10:30hrs by the distinguished WM and his dutiful wardens in a manner which was perfect in every way; not a syllable was dropped by any of these worthy men. The ever-efficient lodge secretary confirmed the minutes of the last regular meeting, which was duly approved by all the brethren present at the lodge meeting. After this, the only lodge officer who was not invested at the installation meeting was presented with his collar of office.
Now came the event which Matthew Marrow, who was slightly nervous to be a part of, found himself to be the leading man of the ceremony. It was impressive to see his upright posture and his poker face, which concealed his nerves remarkably well during his passing to the degree of a fellow craft. His eyes showed a determination akin to a man who was cruising home after a long day in the saddle, having forgotten to fill up at the last service station. His feet did not deviate in his course as he was led around the lodge room by those two graceful deacons, one of whom was his proud father, Phillip Marrow, who was beaming as if he had just strolled out of a dealership with the keys to a new ride and the other deacon, James Upshon, was as sweet as a nut from the opening to the closing moments.
WM Andrea Andreas, with a booming tone of sheer confidence, oversaw this glorious event from the chair of King Solomon and spoke in a voice which instilled confidence in every person in the temple, but also showed kindness and patience in equal measure. The solemn obligation was given in a thunderous tone by Matthew who was showing outstanding courage during this peculiar ordeal which he found himself in the middle of.
Matthew was escorted out of the temple by the deacons, one being his father, beaming all the way out. The lodge was then opened in the second degree flawlessly. The director of ceremonies retired for a short while to assist him before returning to the temple, Matthew re-entered the lodge room flanked by the deacons before undertaking this glorious event that will change his life in ways which he could not imagine.
The solemn obligation was then taken in great fashion by Matthew as an honourable man would do. Andy played his part beautifully without a flaw in his words, he conducted the entire ceremony with his eyes shut which was beyond impressive to witness, his voice never wavered at any point.
Senior warden, Paul Birchenough, performed his role with great humour as a proud Freemason from the Province of East Lancashire, which raised a thunderous amount of laughter throughout the lodge in this magnificent Province of West Lancashire. then Paul presented Matthew with his new apron. The working tools were delivered by junior warden, Darren Simcock, a tall figure of sound morals and a presence to match.
Matthew retired for a short time with the director of ceremonies who returned shortly before Matthew returned to the temple. Andrew Lane’s explanation of the tracing board was incredible, he rivalled the junior warden with his effortless ritual, learned no doubt after many hours of actual effort of toil and tears. Andy succeeded in his duty which he was tasked with and succeeded in the said task many times over. That concluded the ceremony of being passed to the second degree with the WM congratulating Matthew on a successful ceremony.
A Grand Lodge Certificate was presented by Andrew Baxendale who explained it like the great and wonderful orator he is and the significance of the certificate was explained to George Graham, a worthy brother of this lodge and a pillar of the community. Next was to read the approved changes to the lodge by-laws, after this reading the announcement of the master elect for the upcoming year was given. The charities were then honoured.
The master elect was then proposed as WM for the coming year and the current lodge treasurer was kept in post for the next year, the tyler was invited in to be elected to the post before swiftly returning to his post as the guardian of all the secrets of the universe.
Propositions for new and joining members were made in the usual way, the WM’s communications were conveyed to all present and the general business of the lodge was concluded. The WM then gave a heartfelt speech on his last meeting before the installation and general business was given by the secretary, apologies were given and regretted.
Greetings were then given by all the visitors attending. The lodge was closed by the WM and his faithful wardens in peace and harmony at 12:28hrs with a final strike of the unique gavel, which was a former engine part, a piston.
The festive board consisted of a light lunch of sandwiches and chips, laughter, camaraderie and the usual banter which on this occasion was in the cosy setting of the downstairs meeting room.
Story written by Frank Lees.
