There were 34 brethren that met at Liverpool Masonic Hall Hope Street for the installation of Louis Magee being installed into the chair of Blenheim Lodge No 7519. This was the first time that Louis had been installed into the chair of King Solomon, and at the age of 36.
The lodge was under the capable direction of the director of ceremonies Phil Patullo, who announced the arrival of the WM John McKenna, and his wardens. Their procession into the temple was accompanied by the lodge organist, Dr Colin Porter, whose choice of the ‘Thunderbirds’ theme provided a fitting and memorable soundtrack.
Steve Walls was the principal guest and the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
Steve was accompanied by Neil Francis the Liverpool Group Vice Chairman and Bob Paterson, who were already seated within the lodge room.
The lodge was opened in due form in the first degree by the WM John McKenna who then proceeded to open the lodge in the second degree and subsequently the third degree. Late arriving brethren, who entered with apologies yet in good spirits, were admitted during the second degree. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Suitable salutations were given and the principal guests made welcome.
The lodge resumed in the second degree; the WM was assisted by John Owen who took the seat of the senior warden for the purposes of the ceremony. Alan Ball remained in the junior warden seat, a roll he was assisting with for the night, whilst Ray Marshall took the seat of the inner guard, for the purposes of installation.
The master elect, Louis Magee, was presented to John by Ricky Chamberlain, and after Louis had affirmed his obligations, the lodge was resumed in the third degree. An excellent installation ceremony followed, conducted flawlessly by John, with the master elect, Louis, delivering his obligation to an impressively high standard. His enthusiasm as the new WM was immediately evident; upon receiving the gavel during his installation, he wasted no time in giving a knock to call the lodge to order, much to the amusement of the Board of Installed Masters.
The newly installed WM Louis Magee was proclaimed to the brethren by Brian Jackson, to master Masons, fellow craft and entered apprentices as they entered the lodge in turn. The working tools were explained in a wonderful way, Mark Crawford presenting the third degree tools, Edsel Igot the second degree tools, and Stef Rawsthorne the first degree tools.
John Owens had great pleasure in giving the placement address to the senior warden, with Alan Ball placing the newly installed junior warden into office, and Ray Marshall placing the inner guard into office. Mark Crawford addressed the deacons and Ray Parr, a visitor to the lodge, addressing the stewards. Dr Colin Porter gave the address to the newly installed WM and Steve Walls gave the address to the brethren of the lodge.
The WM having been informed that the ceremony of his installation had been completed, saw Steve rising to bring the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to the WM, wishing him a happy and successful year. Steve then thanked the installing master John, congratulating him for the excellent fashion in which he had conducted the ceremony. Steve then ensured that the brethren who had conducted the explanation of the working tools, were given congratulations.
WM Louis Magee then presented lodge donations to Steve totalling £1,500. £300 to each of the following; Whitechapel Centre, James Place, Liverpool Masonic Hall, Friends of Bluebell and Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
Steve thanked Louis and the brethren of the lodge on behalf of the recipients for their very generous donations Following the ceremony, the brethren retired to the festive board for a festive meal consisting of black pudding stack, lamb with seasonal vegetables, apple crumble, followed by tea or coffee. Following the meal, all the usual toasts were given.
Steve, in responding to the toast to grand officers, thanked the brethren and the SW for the toast, to himself and other grand officers. Steve also mentioned how important the link was with the Royal Arch, and how the lodge had supported this in many ways. Steve was delighted to see that the lodge had many light blues on the ladder, and how they were the future of the lodge and Freemasonry, and the lodge was in very good hands. Continuing, Steve congratulated those brethren who had recently been promoted, Alan Ball, and Brian Jackson. Future dates were communicated for both Provincial Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Chapter. Steve thanked the secretary Ian Turner for his work and communications. He wished everyone to enjoy their Freemasonry and wished them all health and happiness.
John proposed the toast to the newly installed WM, stating that he had the greatest pleasure in installing him, and he was looking forward to next season. John Owens then led the brethren in the song to the WM, before Louis stood to make the response to his toast. Louis thanked John Owen for the song, and John McKenna as the installing master. Louis stated that he was speechless and dumbfounded by his installation and was looking forward to his year as the WM of Blenheim Lodge.
Tony Walsh made a toast to the visitors hoping the lodge had made a good impression on them and he hoped they would come again. Phil Kavanagh responded saying that he had visited over the past 8 to 9 years, and seen the lodge grow from strength to strength.
Before the tyler’s, toast Phil Patullo gave a personal toast to the new WM having known him since Louis was 10 years old, and how big an asset he would be to the lodge. The proceedings were brought to an ending with the tyler’s toast.