The final installation of Prospect Lodge No 7880 took place in 2023, ahead of their final meeting in November, on what would have been their 60th year celebration.
With 15 visitors and 11 Prospect Lodge members present, the officers delivered a strong ceremony and installed Tony Barrow into the chair of King Solomon with much heart. Provincial Junior Grand Warden David Rigby was the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and was accompanied by John Robson Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
David entered with John and the Chorley and Leyland Group Treasurer Colin Preston. After their welcome and salutes Prospect Lodge’s secretary Ken Ingham presented Tony Barrow as master elect and Tony recited his obligation.
On arrival back into the lodge, the working tools of a master Mason were given by Steve Gooding, followed by David Penkar who gave both the fellow craft’s and entered apprentice tools, both light blue Masons showing skill and understanding of each.
Terry Cunningham, the installing master, presented the warrant and byelaws of the lodge, book of constitutions together with the banner of the lodge to Tony as WM. Tony then appointed and invested his officers ahead of their November meeting.
The address to the master was given by Ken Ingham and David Rigby, as the principal guest, gave the address to the brethren of Prospect Lodge. As the installation ceremony ended, David was presented with a cheque from Tony for a total of £750 and handed to Colin as the group representative with donations of £400 to Standish Church, £200 to WLFC and £150 to Chorley Masonic Hall. David thanked the brethren on the lodger for their generosity.
On the final rising before closing the lodge, secretary Ken Ingham gave notice of motion that at the next regular meeting of the lodge, a vote to close the lodge and surrender its warrant should be held and, if approved, both should be surrendered.
Following the notice of motion Tony Barrow and David Stanbury proposed and seconded that if approved, the lodge charity funds would be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in honour of the late Bill Heyes’ great grandson. Social funds would be donated to Chorley Masonic Hall Building Fund and the remaining lodge accounts gifted to WLFC. All tools and regalia would also be offered back to the original donors.
As the lodge closed everyone enjoyed a happy festive board full of celebration of the lodge and its members. David responded to his toast and gave an off the cuff positive and emotional speech to the lodge members which was very well received. In response Tony addressed his lodge members and hoped they would see their next meeting as the start of a new journey instead of the end.
After an entertaining master’s song given by Brain Flynn and final toasts, everyone left after a great installation ceremony and happy brotherly festive board.