On a warm autumn afternoon in Prescot, the brethren of Dominion Lodge No 4289 as well as Masons from far and wide did assemble at Prescot Masonic Hall. The atmosphere was filled with an electric air which could mean only one thing; the start of a new season was upon the brethren, and with it, Steven Flood the WM for this season.
The temple chamber was filled with the great and the good, every man present had a cheerful demeanour and a spring in their step. The lodge opened promptly on time in the usual fashion with the outgoing WM Samuel Conroy proudly as well as flawlessly opening the proceedings for his final time as the current master of the lodge aided as always by his loyal and faithful officers on time with such flair it was a marvel to behold as usual, like a fine Prescot made watch their timing and movements were impeccable.
With all the business was done in the usual way by the ever-dapper secretary, various charity donations were proposed and seconded by the membership, a joint ballot was held and proved in favour for the brothers whom it concerned.
Two re-joining members were admitted into the temple as well as one joining member. Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes then announced the principal guest, the resplendent John Murphy Assistant Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland & Westmorland Richard Benn, grand and acting Provincial grand officers into the chamber.
The gavel was offered to John by Samuel and promptly returned, the salutations were offered to John as well as Colin Rowling and Kenneth Jones as well as the other Provincial grand officers of the lodge led by David so elegantly and effortlessly.
Steven was the very definition of perfection throughout the ceremony and exuded a regal presence from start to finish. All the addresses were delivered with gusto and without any man dropping a syllable. The new season’s officers were appointed and invested on completion of the installation. John Murphy then gave the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to the WM Steven Flood and brethren.
John gave his own personnel congratulations to Steven and the brethren who contributed to the installation. Steven proceeded with donations to the various charities to John which are as follows: £1,000 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £1,000 to The Not Forgotten Society, £500 to 35th Liverpool Boy’s Brigade, £250 REME Association (Widnes) and £250 to Medical Detection Dogs. John thanked the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
The reports were given by the various reporting officers, charities honoured which was followed by any other business before the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 18:00hrs. The festive board which followed was filled with too many side-splitting jokes to recount, heartfelt speeches from Steven and Samuel, a rousing rendition of the Master’s Song and as always good food and even better friends.
