Everton Lodge installation

Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Kevin Poynton represented the Provincial Grand Master at the installation meeting of Everton Lodge No 292.

Tom Liddell, (left), being congratulated by Barry Fisher.

The proceedings held in the Roman Suite at Liverpool Masonic Hall, commenced with the entrance of Kevin and Liverpool Group Deputy Chairman Sam Robinson. They were escorted by Grand Officers of Everton Lodge, Rev Harry Ross, Rev Walter Balmer and by visiting Grand Officers, Steve Walls, Clive Jefferies, Stanley Sutch and Mike Winterbottom. They were preceded by the lodge deacons and attended by Provincial Grand Stewards Geoff Cuthill and Robb Fitzsimmons together with other senior Past Provincial Grand Officers.

The installation ceremony was conducted in a smooth and sincere manner by past master Barry Fisher who installed another past master Tom Liddell into the Chair of King Solomon. Tom was master of Everton Lodge previously in 1987 and 2001 and continued with a seamless ceremony. It was refreshing to see that the new master was able to appoint a number of ‘light blues’ as his officers for the coming year. In particular, both wardens’ chairs and deacons’ offices were filled by junior brethren.

The explanations of the working tools in each degree were given by younger brethren Andrew Chatterton, Jim Eddowes and a flawless rendition of the first degree tools given by Brian Gillbanks. Visiting Provincial Steward Robb Fitzsimmons once more proved his masterly grasp of ritual when he gave a flawless address to the newly appointed lodge stewards.

Tom Liddell, being congratulated by Kevin Poynton.

Following the investiture of officers, Kevin Poynton rose and congratulated Tom on behalf of the PrGM and gave him hearty greetings. Kevin wished Tom a most successful and busy year in office and also congratulated Barry Fisher and all of the other brethren who had taken part in the ceremony on the conduct of the installation. Tom acknowledged Kevin’s remarks with thanks and he then presented Kevin with cheques on behalf of the brethren of Everton Lodge for large donations of £250 each to the Liverpool Masonic Hall Building Fund and to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Kevin thanked the lodge and said these were wonderful contributions to our most deserving causes. He went on to reaffirm the importance of supporting the hall which is the home of Liverpool Freemasonry and assured the lodge that the cheques were gratefully received and would be faithfully applied. He particularly emphasised that his thanks were given on behalf of those who would benefit from the donation given to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.

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

Tom Liddell, being congratulated by Sam Robinson.

Pictured from left to right, are: Sam Robinson, Tom Liddell and Kevin Poynton.