1897 heavy maul presented to New WM

The Provincial Grand Master was represented by John Wreyford, Past Junior Grand Deacon, at the installation meeting of Commercial Travellers Lodge No 2631 which was held in the Adams Suite at Liverpool Masonic Hall.

Jeff Thompson, (left) is congratulated by IPM Mike Gillespie.

The installation ceremony commenced with the entrance of John and Liverpool Group Chairman David Hawkes. They were escorted by a Grand Officer of Commercial Travellers Lodge Roy Pyne and preceded by the lodge deacons and attended by Provincial Grand Stewards Geoff Cuthill and Robb Fitzsimmons. Also in attendance was Greg Pinnington, Steward of Quingenti Lodge No 8516, together with senior Past Provincial Officers, both of the lodge and visiting.

Lodge stalwart Jason Hengler acted as the installing master during the full ceremony of installing Jeff Thompson into the Chair of King Solomon. Jeff then appointment Jason as lodge DC. Professionally, Jeff is a senior care assistant specialising in the care of adults with learning difficulties. Despite his busy and demanding professional life, Jeff is also determined to pursue his Masonic career and his great interest in Freemasonry.

Jeff was presented with the master’s gavel in the usual way to assist him to ‘keep order in the lodge.’ This particular gavel is unusual in that it is in the shape of a heavy maul and was presented to the lodge by the first master, Thomas Salter in 1897.  Unfortunately the gavel ‘went missing’ several years ago and was presumed lost. However, several years later the gavel was found in a builder’s skip in Liverpool city centre by a member of the public. Having read the inscription on the base of the gavel, this gentleman handed it in at Liverpool Masonic Hall and it was restored to the lodge.

Pictured from left to right, are: Jason Hengler, Jeff Thompson and new senior warden Wayne McDonald.

It is pleasing to note that the majority of the lodge offices have been filled by ‘light blue’ brethren in progression and it bodes well for the future of Commercial Travellers Lodge that it has so many younger members to sustain and take the lodge forward. The explanations of the working tools in each degree were given by younger brethren Geoff Ferris, Dave Waring and Ciaran Murphy. Provincial Grand Steward Robb Fitzsimmons once more demonstrated his flawless address to the newly appointed lodge deacons.

Following the investiture of officers, John Wreyford rose and congratulated Jeff Thompson on behalf of the PrGM and gave him hearty greetings. Kevin wished Tom a most successful and busy year in office and also congratulated Jason Hengler and all of the other brethren who had taken part in the ceremony on the conduct of the installation. Jeff acknowledged John’s remarks with thanks and he then presented him with cheques on behalf of the brethren of Commercial Travellers Lodge for donations to the Liverpool Masonic Hall Appeal and to the Freemasons’ Grand Charity. John thanked the lodge and said these were wonderful contributions to most deserving causes. He particularly emphasised that his thanks were given on behalf of those who would benefit from the donations given to the charitable organisation.

The ceremony completed, John and his entourage processed from the lodge after what had been a most enjoyable evening in the lodge to a sumptuous festive board.

John Wreyford, (left), with Jeff Thompson.

The lucky WM's gavel.

Gavel base.