Blackpool Lodge of Fellowship No 7692 has been in existence since 1960 and is a lodge that prides itself on fine ritual, but fine ritual and exceptional standards are not achieved by lethargy, they are built on the relentless effort and passion of the lodge members themselves and Blackpool Lodge of Fellowship embodies that spirit. Appreciation must be extended to everyone for their outstanding work and commitment in making this installation meeting and the visit of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews with the Provincial team such a success.
Under the expert guidance of lodge director of ceremonies Phil Houldsworth, WM Neil Higgins opened the lodge and proceeded to complete the various items on the summons, including a ballot for a candidate for initiation, which proved successful. A ceremony for the new master to look forward to.
Item five on the summons, to install Wayne Beacher as master of the lodge, soon came to the fore and In due course, there was a series of knocks on the door and Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald announced that Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews stands without and demands admission. WM Neil replied that he would be please to receive him.
Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews processed into the lodge room accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Randerson, grand officers John Turpin and Giles Berkley. Along with acting Provincial grand officers, Provincial Senior Grand Warden John Reynolds, Provincial Junior Grand Warden Ezra McGowan, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald, Provincial Grand Charity Steward Andy McClements, Provincial Grand Mentor Ray Lamb, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon David Sangster, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon Paul Cummings, Provincial Grand Pursuivant Adam Simpson, Provincial Grand Stewards Chris Hardingham and Adam Turner with Provincial Grand Tyler Neil Higgins. (Although Neil was otherwise engaged). along with Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, group vice-chairman Bob Marsden and group secretary John Darrell. Accompanied by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Brian Cambridge.
Wm Neil welcomed Mark to Blackpool Lodge of Fellowship and offered him the gavel of the lodge which Mark promptly returned to Neil. After salutations had been given to those that deserve them, the major business of the day commenced.
WM Neil invited Provincial Grand Senior Warden John Reynolds to occupy the chair of installing senior warden and Provincial
Grand Junior warden Ezra McGowan to occupy the chair of installing junior warden. Arthur Caldicott had the honour of presenting master elect Wayne Beecher to the WM. Wayne confirmed his obligation.
A Board of Installed Masters was opened and Wayne Beecher was installed in the chair of King Solomon by installing master Neil Higgins according to Blackpool Lodge of Fellowship’s traditions and ancient customs.
Waynes first task was to invest Neil Higgins as immediate past master of the lodge and the installed masters present then greeted new WM Wayne and the Board of Installed Masters was closed.
Master Masons were admitted, who passed around the lodge and saluted WM Wayne in passing and gave greetings. The working tools of a master Mason were presented by Alan Taylor. After resuming in the second degree, fellowcraft Freemasons were admitted, who passed around the lodge and saluted WM Wayne in passing and gave greetings. The working tools of a fellowcraft Freemason were presented by Brian Rimmer. Finally, entered apprentice Freemasons were then admitted, who passed around the lodge and saluted WM Wayne in passing and gave greetings. The working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason were presented by lodge fellowcraft Steve Jackman.
Neil duly presented to Wayne the Warrant of Blackpool Lodge of Fellowship, Book of Constitutions of the Order and a copy of lodge by-laws.
Wayne proceeded to appoint and invest the officers of the lodge. Then the address to the master was given by Arthur Cartain, the address to the wardens was given by Provincial Senior Grand Warden John Reynolds and the address to the brethren was given by Provincial Junior Grand Warden Ezra McGowan.
On conclusion of the ceremony, Wayne had the pleasure of presenting cheques to Mark Matthews for the value of £3050, including £1500 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £1550 to Blackpool Carers Centre, £15 each to West Lancashire Golf Society, West Lancashire Clay Pigeon Shooting Society, and £20 to West Lancashire Bowling Society. Mark thanked Wayne and the brethren for the magnificent amount raised, informing everyone that this will enhance the lives of the recipients.
After the conclusion of the ceremony and the grand and acting Provincial grand officers had retired, Wayne completed the remainder of the items on the summons, after closing the lodge, the brethren moved to the festive board to enjoy a fine meal with the usual wine takings, informative speeches and witty responses. Matthew Baldwin sang a solo version of the Master’s Song to Wayne.
