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Andy initiates his son
Andy Hayton, Worshipful Master of Rufford Lodge No 7217 had the special pleasure of initiating his son...............<more>
Ormskirk’s new group officers
Phillip Gunning has been appointed to succeed J Roy Worthington as Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges..........<more>
Ball marks Roy’s retirement
More than 140 people attend the Ormskirk and District Group Ball in the Briar's Hall Hotel, Lathom.............<more>
Council chairman thanks Freemasons
The Chairman of the West Lancashire District Council, Councillor William Cropper held a reception at the WLDC Offices in Ormskirk for representatives......<more>
Provincial Tie goes on sale
Provincial Grand Chapter at Preston saw the sale of the new Provincial tie go
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on sale for the first time..............<more>
£4,000 presented to charities
The Ormskirk Group held its biannual Masters’ and First Principles’ Festival on Monday
at the Ormskirk Masonic Hall..............<more>
120 SEE INDIAN DEGREE TEAM
The Grand Master of the Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team visited St Michaels Lodge No 5756 at the Mill Hotel, Croston........<more>
£4,300 raised at sportsman’s dinner
The third annual Ormskirk and District Group sportsman’s dinner was held in the Park Hall restaurant, Ormskirk...........<more>
MARK IS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Following the decision of WBro Jack Moorhouse to step down after 10 years as the Provincial Communications Director and Ormskirk Group Communications Officer.....<more>
Christmas fun at children’s party
More than 70 children celebrated Christmas at the Ormkirk and District Masonic
Group’s Christmas party.......<more>
Collection shared by home and chapel
The Ormskirk and District Group celebrated the advent of Christmas with a Carol Service on at Lathom Park Chapel...........<more>
PARK HALL LODGE RECEIVES GRAND PATRON CERTIFICATE
Park Hall Lodge No 8357 has received its certificate to show that it is a Grand
Patron of the New Masonic Samaritan 2010 Festival.............<more>
Thomas will have a new wheelchair for Christmas
Following an appeal from David and Hannah Needham to raise funds for a new wheelchair for their son............<more>
Lodge receives Grand Patron Certificate
The Provincial Grand Master RWBro Colin Penty Wright visited Arthur Stanley
Lodge No 3469, on Monday 19th November and presented it with........<more>
Ormskirk Royal Arch Chapter of Unity and Perseverance Celebrates 150 Years
Chair has been used for 150 years
The handsome chair used by Masters and First Principals in Ormskirk Masonic Hall has now been in use for more than 150 years..........<more>
Ormskirk Masonic Group of Lodges
The Ormskirk Group of Masonic Lodges Open Day attracted many visitors to the Masonic Hall............<more>
St.John’s Lodge No. 673 Communication - Charitable Giving
In May 2006, members of St John’s Lodge No. 673 were delighted to celebrate the Lodge’s 150th year. Eighteen months of planning......<more>
St. Peter's Church helped by local Freemasons
Parishioners in Mawdesley have been actively raising funds to rejuvenate the ancient central heating system in their village church, St Peter’s........<more>
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Andy initiates his son
Andy Hayton, Worshipful Master of Rufford Lodge No 7217 had the special pleasure of initiating his son, Christopher, into the Lodge at the April meeting.
Christopher was proposed by his father and seconded by Micheal K Iddon. The initiation ceremony was very well attended, with several close friends of Andy visiting the Lodge to see him initiate his son.
During the festive board the Immediate Past Master Mike Iddon presented Christopher with a scroll from the Lodge as a memento of the evening.
WM Andy Hayton, with his son Chistopher, the lodge team and close friends.
Members of Rufford Lodge 7217 and guests after the ceremony
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Ormskirk’s new group officers
Phillip Gunning has been appointed to succeed J Roy Worthington as Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges.
Phillip was initiated into Anfield Lodge No 2215 in December 1975 and was installed as the Master in 1985. In 1990 he was appointed Provincial Grand Steward and promoted to PPrJGW in 1995. In 2002 Phillip was appointed Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Phillip was exalted into St Michael’s Chapter No 5756 in 1986 and became First Principal in 1994. In 1998 he was appointed PPrAGSoj and promoted to PPrGSN in 2005.
Phillip was a founder member of Red Rose of Lancashire Lodge No 9640 and Red Rose of Lancashire Chapter No 9640 (EL)., He is also a member of Ormskirk Priory Lodge No 4007, Lathom Lodge No 2289, Qunigenti Lodge No 8586, Adoniram Lodge No 552 and Silver Jubilee Chapter Installed First Principals No 8818.
Phillip has also served as Group Charity Delegate for the Fourth Liverpool Group, Fourth Liverpool Group Representative MTGB 1997 Festival, Regional Care Officer Sandon, Wellington and Gladstone Groups and Vice Chairman of the West Lancs Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society from 1992 to 2004.
Frank A Umbers PPrAGDC has been appointed as the Group Vice Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group. Frank was initiated into Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511 in 1989 and became Worshipful Master in 1999. Frank was appointed Assistant Director of Ceremonies in 2001 and in 2002 he became Treasurer, a post he held until 2006 when he was appointed Director of Ceremonies which duty he still holds. Frank also serves as the Group Representative a post he has held since 2003. In 2007 Frank was appointed as Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Frank was exalted into Stanley of Bickerstaffe Chapter No 3511 in 1996 and was installed as First Principal of the Chapter in 2004. Frank was appointed to the office of Director of Ceremonies in 2006.
Frank is also a member of Prince of Architects Lodge No 4188 in the Bootle Group which he joined in 1995, He was installed as Worshipful Master of the lodge in 2000.
Phillip Gunning
Frank Umbers
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Ball marks Roy’s retirement
More than 140 people attend the Ormskirk and District Group Ball in the Briar's Hall Hotel, Lathom. The Ball is an annual charity event and this year raised £675.
This year’s ball also marked the retirement of the Group Chairman J. Roy Worthington. Roy has had a long and distinguished career in serving the Ormskirk Group. Roy was Group Secretary for six years, the Group Vice Chairman for three years and has been the Group Chairman for five years.
Throughout these years there have been a significant number of changes in Freemasonry in general and, of course, society at large. Roy says he claims no responsibility for any of them!
Roy can, however, reflect with a degree of pride on the formation of the Ladies’ Group which continues to meet regularly providing social opportunities, the widening of interests, support and friendship for Ormskirk and District widows, wives and partners having a connection with local Freemasonry.
During Roy’s spell as Group Chairman he introduced the presentation to the newly Installed Master of a congratulation card from the group containing good wishes for a healthy, enjoyable and successful year in office. A highly successful Royal Arch Joint Convocation with the Leyland Group was held and the first “Open Day” at the Masonic Hall in Ormskirk also took place in order to create an awareness amongst the general public and portray the positive elements of Freemasonry in Ormskirk. In addition to these activities the Group has held three very successful Sportsman’s Evenings raising a significant amount for charity. Roy also established the Ormskirk Group Carol Service held at Lathom Park Chapel.
During the course of the evening a crystal trophy was presented to Roy on behalf of the Lodges and Chapters in the Group by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Alan Byres. The trophy had a square and compasses emblem etched above the inscription: To WBro J Roy Worthington, PAGDC, Group Chairman 2003 to 2008 By The Ormskirk Masonic Group Lodges and Chapters. Dorothy Worthington was presented with a bouquet.
Although Roy has retired as Group Chairman he has plans for an active life of sharing with Dorothy the development and maintenance their two acre garden. Roy is also planning to support Dorothy’s membership of the various societies and interests she pursues and to redress the imbalance which has existed between his obligation to Freemasonry and to his Church and plans to devote more time to his role as Church Reader, Sidesman and PCC member. Roy also hopes increased opportunities will arise for them both to spend time in their newly acquired holiday home in the Yorkshire Dales.
Alan Byres (right) presents the “Trophy” to J. Roy Worthington (left) watched by
the Director of Ceremonies for the Ball, Frank Umbers.
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Council chairman thanks Freemasons
The Chairman of the West Lancashire District Council, Councillor William Cropper held a reception at the WLDC Offices in Ormskirk for representatives of the 11 lodges and the Masonic Ladies from the Ormskirk and District Group and one Southport lodge, who have collectively contributed £1,000 to the Chairman's Charity
Guests were welcomed by the Chairman into the Council Chamber and thanked for supporting the charity which is on target to raise £25,000 before being invited to join him for a buffet lunch. The money will be divided equally between the Ormskirk Scout and Guide Groups. The Scouts have earmarked the funds to be used towards the cost of their proposed new Headquarters, which will replace the present wooden structure at Hall Lane, Lathom. The new plans have been submitted and are awaiting approval. The Guides plan to use their share of the funds to improve the toilet facilities at the Guides' Camp in Scarisbrick Park, in the grounds of Kingswood College.
Cllr Cropper said: "Both the Scouts and Guides do a fantastic job for our young people, introducing them to new friends and a variety of indoor and outdoor pursuits, all helping to produce well-rounded citizens of the future. Rarely do they charge parents sufficient to cover for facility improvements to stop any child from joining in. I wanted to use the money raised during my year of office to help address this issue".
Pictured are the Chairman of West Lancashire District Council, Councillor William Cropper, Mrs Susan Cropper with the representatives of the lodges attending the reception
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Provincial Tie goes on sale
Provincial Grand Chapter at Preston saw the sale of the new Provincial tie go on sale for the first time
Dave Sweeney and Steve Nickson do brisk business selling the new Provincial tie to David Redhead (Widnes Group), Bryan Barton Collier (Ormskirk Group) and Paul Snape (Chorley Group).
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£4,000 presented to charities
The Ormskirk Group held its biannual Masters’ and First Principles’ Festival on Monday at the Ormskirk Masonic Hall.
The Group Chairman Roy Worthington introduced Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Vernon Moore who chaired a panel of Grand Officers who ran a questions and answers session with more than 120 brethren and companions from the group.
John was joined on the panel by Alan Byers (Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals) and Geoffrey Lee (Provincial Grand Secretary). The panel was assisted by Mark Dimelow (Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies), Tony Georges (Provincial Senior Grand Warden) and Giles Berkley (Provincial Junior Grand Warden). The questions and answers session was a great success.
The brethren enjoyed a fine meal at the festive board after the questions and answere sessions. At the end of the meal the Group Chairman, Roy Worthington, donated a number of cheques to charity with £1,000 to the 2010 Festival, £1,600 to Tythe Barn, £500 to the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, £500 to Guide Dogs for the Blind, £500 for Macmillan nurses and £500 to the Hall Committee towards the maintenance of the Park Hall building.
Alan Lea presented Roy Worthington with a Gold Certificate to mark the contribution the Group has made towards the 2010 Festival. Accepting the certificate on behalf of all the members of the Group, Roy thanked the Chairman Stuart Cunningham and the members of the Group’s Social Sub Committee for all their hard work throughout the year in organising the events that had enabled the Group to raise the funds that the donated.
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120 SEE INDIAN DEGREE TEAM
The Grand Master of the Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team visited St Michaels Lodge No 5756 at the Mill Hotel, Croston, to demonstrate a third degree ceremony.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Vernon Moore attended the demonstration as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master along with 120 brethren from Ormskirk and as far away as Cornwall to watch the third degree worked by the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team, and what a fantastic and wonderful evening it was.
The team demonstrated a moving and very colourful degree assisted by the Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies Peter G Elmore who acted as the initiate. The inclusion of their traditional dress as well as their native language in parts made it an emotional experience. The highlight was the retrospective lecture delivered by an Apache Indian in very dramatic fashion that earned him extended spontaneous applause.
The history of the demonstration team dates back to 1948 when a group of Oklahoma Indians got together to put on some Masonic Degree work. It was very well received by those who witnessed the effort. In 1950, part of the 1948 group decided to form the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team. Every year since, the Team has travelled all over the US and Europe to put on the Master Mason Degree. There has been comparatively little change in team. The Directors have been Fred Hays, Bunny Manly, Bob Archiquette, Ron Chambers, Terry Adams and currently Donald R. (Butch) McIntosh. Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and added to the Team in 1959, Bob Archiquette who has been with the team at almost every one of the Team's Degrees and is still participating with the Team. The team also consists of 13 Past Masters from Lodges around Oklahoma.
The Native American Nations represented on the team are Apache, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, Creek, Keetoowah, Oneida, Ottawa, Quapaw and Shawnee.
The Grand Master of Oklahoma, Johnny D Onkst, is pictured with Assistant
Provincial Grand Master John Moore.
The Oklahoma Indian Demonstration Team with Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Peter G Elmore (Initiate), the Grand Master of Oklahoma Johnny Onkst, Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Moore and WBro E Gregson WM of St Michael’s Lodge.
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£4,300 raised at sportsman’s dinner
The third annual Ormskirk and District Group sportsman’s dinner was held in the Park Hall restaurant, Ormskirk.
More than 120 brethren attend the event to hear Joey Jones talk about the highlights of his football career with Wrexham, Liverpool, Chelsea, Huddersfield and Wales.
The organising committee would like to thank all the brethren who attended the evening for their splendid support of the 2010 festival and other Masonic charities as the evening raised £4,300 some of which will be used to enable the Group to become Gold Patron of the 2010 festival.
Everyone who attended the dinner received a signed card of Joey Jones.
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MARK IS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Following the decision of WBro Jack Moorhouse to step down after 10 years as the Provincial Communications Director and Ormskirk Group Communications Officer, the communications team has been restructured.
WBro Mark Holloway from The Lodge of Chivalry 3974 has been appointed as the Provincial Communications Officer for the Ormskirk and District Group. One of the first communications Mark has produced is a News Letter for the Ormskirk Group of Lodges and Chapters. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of the News Letter should email mark at: OrmGrpComOfficer@aol.com.
The purpose of the Communications Team is to ensure that Freemasonry in West Lancashire has a better relationship with the media together with better communication amongst its brethren. If anyone has an item of interest to Ormskirk and District Masons / Companions they can contact Mark by telephone on 07785320362 or email details to the email address above.
James Roy Worthington , Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters , is pictured congtratulating Mark Holloway on becoming Provincial Communications Officer for the Ormskirk and District Group.
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Christmas fun at children’s party
More than 70 children celebrated Christmas at the Ormkirk and District Masonic Group’s Christmas party.
The party was organised by Ray Hale and John Wootton who are members of Aughton Lodge No 7996, Tom Stub and Ken Hives who are members of Lathom Abbey Lodge No 6286 and Stuart Cunningham from Park Hall Lodge No 8375.
A number of volunteers also helped on the day. Mrs. Lynne Hale and family provided the catering, the family and friends of John Wootton had the mammoth job of selecting, buying and wrapping the presents suitable for each age-group. Several Lodges donated money which paid for the clown, disco, and Santa’s other expenses. Donations were also made by local retailers of food, crisps, soft drinks and selection boxes.
The children all received a gift from Santa's little helpers at the party and an individual photograph of each of the children with Father Christmas, has been posted out to each family.
A raffle for the parents and guardians raised £115 which was donated to the 2010 Festival
Everyone who attended the party who asked was it worth it? Answered too right it was, I can't wait for next year!!
Pictured from left to right are Mother Christmas Lorraine Stub, The Jester WBro Stuart Cunningham , Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Masonic Group Social Committee and Mrs Sharron Sewell also dressed as Mother Christmas.
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Collection shared by home and chapel
The Ormskirk and District Group celebrated the advent of Christmas with a Carol Service on at Lathom Park Chapel for the Brethren and Companions of the Group, together with their families and friends.
The Reverend Chris Jones conducted the service of nine Lessons and Carols. The Lessons were read by: Fred Meredith, Chairman of the Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association; Peter G Smith, Mentor of the Ormskirk Group; W Peter Wilson, Vice President of the Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association; Assistant Provincial Grand Master John V Moore; Alan Byers, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principles; Andrew R Killeen of Park Hall Lodge No 8375 representing the Masters of the Ormskirk Group; Steven Bretherton, of Unity and Perseverance Chapter No 580 representing Principles of the Ormskirk Group; J Roy Worthington, Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters and the Rev Chris Jones, Vicar of Ormskirk Parish Church.
The Offering was equally divided between Tithebarn Residential Home and Lathom Park Chapel. At the end of the Service the congregation joined WBro Worthington for mince pies and a glass of sherry.
John Moore and Roy Worthington who read lessons at the Ormskirk Carol Service.
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PARK HALL LODGE RECEIVES GRAND PATRON CERTIFICATE
Park Hall Lodge No 8357 has received its certificate to show that it is a Grand Patron of the New Masonic Samaritan 2010 Festival.
W Bro Dennis Onslow was the representative of the Provincial Grand Master at the Lodge’s installation meeting and he was accompanied by W Bro Roy Worthington, Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters.
The installation meeting was well attended and more than 80 people sat down at the festive board, during which WBro Onslow presented Bro James D Jones (WM) with a Grand Patron’s Certificate for the New Masonic Samaritan 2010 Festival.
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Thomas will have a new wheelchair for Christmas
Following an appeal from David and Hannah Needham to raise funds for a new wheelchair for their son, Thomas, Park Hall Masonic Lodge has donated £1,000 towards the $2,033 cost of a new one. With the present rate of exchange the donation virtually covers the cost of the new wheelchair.
Thomas suffers from cerebral palsy, a brain imbalance which affects his legs and hands.
Thomas needs to use a wheelchair when he wants to play out with his friends.
The new stainless steel all terrain wheelchair designed by Karen and Mike Deming’s company in Pensacola, Florida, USA is due to be delivered before Christmas and will replace Thomas’s current wheelchair which is too wobbly for him to use outdoors without the supervision of David.
David had to give up his job as a golf trainer at Royal Birkdale to become a full time carer for Thomas nine years ago.
Pictured from left to right are: David Needham, Thomas Needham and Andrew R. Killeen, Worshipful Master of Park Hall Lodge
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Lodge receives Grand Patron Certificate
The Provincial Grand Master RWBro Colin Penty Wright visited Arthur Stanley Lodge No 3469, on Monday 19th November and presented it with a Grand Patron Certificate for the 2010 Festival.
The Provincial Grand Master was accompanied by WBro John V Moore, Assistant Provincial Grand Master responsible for the Ormskirk and District Group and Provincial Lodge officers.
The Provincial Director of Ceremonies, Assistant Director of Ceremonies and the Senior and Junior Wardens took their positions in the Lodge and assisted WBro G Parr during the ceremony to install Bro G Pinnington into the chair of King Solomon.
In total 75 people attended the festive board, during which the Provincial Grand Master thanked all the members of Arthur Stanley Lodge for their donation of £1,200 towards the 2010 festival. He also presented the Lodge with a Grand Patron’s certificate to the 2010 festival.
Pictured from left to right at Arthur Stanley Lodge are Installing Master W.Bro G Parr, the Provincial Grand Master RW.Bro.Colin Penty Wright and the new WM, Bro G Pinnington.
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Ormskirk Royal Arch Chapter of Unity and Perseverance Celebrates 150 Years
The Grand Superintendent in and over the Royal Arch Province of West Lancashire, E. Comp. Colin Penty Wright and the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E. Comp. Steven P.J. Reid along with the 2nd and 3rd Provincial Grand Principals, E. Comp’s. C. J. Band and the Rec. K. Cox visited the oldest Chapter in the Ormskirk Group of Lodges and Chapters on Wednesday 10th October to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
The members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter No. 8516., gave a demonstration of “the building of the Royal Arch Chapter” to celebrate 150 years of Royal Arch Masonry in the Chapter of Unity and Perseverance.
Records held by the Chapter reveal that Royal Arch Masonry was introduced into Ormskirk as far back as 1796. The Chapter of Love and Unity worked in the early part of the 19th Century. The Chapter was Chartered on the 9th June, 1796 in the Roll of the Grand and Royal Chapter.
The Chapter of Unity and Perseverance was issued its warrant on the 4th day of February 1857 by the First Grand Principal of Supreme Grand Chapter. The first regular meeting of the Chapter was held on the 3rd day of JUNE 1857 in the Wheatsheaf Inn, Ormskirk. The Wheatsheaf was an old coaching inn dating back to Elizabethan times. It was in use as a public house until the mid 1960’s, when it was demolished to allow for redevelopment of the site. It used to stand where Greenhalgh's the Bakers, Wheatsheaf Walk, and Greenwoods Gents Outfitters (closed) now stand.
On the 9th February 1966 the Chapter held it’s first meeting at the Masonic Hall, Ormskirk.
One hundred and fifty years is a very long period in the life of a Royal Arch Chapter and during that time conditions, both socially and economically, have changed considerably, however there is much in the Royal Arch that is unchanged and changeless one of these is the truly Masonic spirit of the Chapter and Royal Arch Masonry and what it means to each and every Mason.
From left to Right, Deputy Grand Superintendent, Steven P.J. Reid, David A. Goulden Second Principal, Grand Superintendent in and over the Royal Arch Province of West Lancashire, Colin Penty Wright, Steven Brereton First Principal, Bill Goulden Third Principal, Assistant to Provincial Grand Principles, Alan Byers and James Roy Worthington Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters.
To view a copy of the booklet produced to commemorate the event, click here
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Chair has been used for 150 years
The handsome chair used by Masters and First Principals in Ormskirk Masonic Hall has now been in use for more than 150 years.
John Ladmore, who was the Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Harmony No 845 in 1856, presented the chair to his Lodge in 1857.
The chair was first usedat the Wheatsheaf Hotel, in Ormskirk and now at The Masonic Hall, Park Road, Ormskirk.
These photographs of the Chair illustrate, as far as possible, its beauty of colour and workmanship, and visitors to the Lodge room are recommended
to closely inspect it in detail. The many symbols carved on it, indicate that its creator was also connected in some way with other Masonic degrees.
The inscription on the plate attached to the chair reads:
“The Chair was designed by Bro John H Ladmore, WM of the Lodge of
Harmony 845. RWM of the Keystone Lodge UK MM No 61, First Principal Z of the RA Chapter of Unity and Perseverance. ANNO LUCIS 5786 and 5857
The chair which has been used by Worshipful Masters and First Principals in Ormskirk for more than 150 years.
A close-up of the detail on the chair
The Senior Warden’s chair
The Junior Warden’s Chair
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Ormskirk Masonic Group of Lodges
The Ormskirk Group of Masonic Lodges Open Day attracted many visitors to the Masonic Hall.
The Ormskirk Group Chairman, Roy Worthington, and his colleagues welcomed the Chairman of West Lancashire District Council, Councillor William Cropper and Mrs Susan Cropper along with more than 60 other visitors.
The visitors to the Masonic Hall were able to view the displays set up in the Lodge room and to listen to an explanation of the roles played by the Officers of a Lodge.
In all, 16 Lodges meet at the Masonic Hall and during the last year they have donated more than £25,000 to non-Masonic and Masonic charities. Visitors commented that they did not realise Freemasonry offered its members an approach to life which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness and help in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all matters.
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St.John’s Lodge No. 673 Communication - Charitable Giving
In May 2006, members of St John’s Lodge No. 673 were delighted to celebrate the Lodge’s 150th year. Eighteen months of planning and preparation resulted in a celebratory meeting and dinner at Park Hall, Ormskirk on the 15th September, attended by W.Bro. H.A.Caunce, P.J.G.D. Past Group Chairman, W.Bro. P.H.Gunning, P.A.G.D.C. Group Vice Chairman, together with Grand and Provincial Grand Officers of Ormskirk and other Groups of the Province of West Lancashire & Cheshire.
In this momentous year, members of the Lodge and St John’s Chapter are proud of their achievements, not only in reaching this milestone, but particularly in relation to donations within and outside the fraternity.
Charitable Giving so far this year by St. John’s Lodge and Chapter are:-
£673.00 donated by the Lodge to the 2010 Festival, towards the Lodge target of Grand Patron. All Members of Lodge & Chapter donated towards the 2010 Festival with a combined donation of £ 3000.00 and qualified for the Festival Jewel which was worn by all at the celebration meeting.
£2,692 donated directly to Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust, plus a further £100 following the official presentation. Thus £2,792.00 in total.
A quantity of leather chairs and £200.00 to Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association.
In addition, the lodge received a handcrafted set of tracing boards and storage unit, new rough and perfect ashlars, a hand turned gavel to match the two originals, a wall plaque, and the Warrants and Charters for Lodge & Chapter have all been re-framed and have carrying cases for storage. A full, specialist, re-furbishment of the jewelled founders jewel has been carried out and each lodge member received a personalised engraved salver together with the Lodge Members photograph in commemoration of the 150th celebration and a jewel holder. Those attending the Banquet received a “forget me not Pin” and a commemorative menu card.
At the Installation meeting in October of St John’s Chapter, E.Comp. The Rev Kenneth Cox. P.A.G.Soj; the Third Provincial Grand Principal, received on behalf of the Chapter, three new bibles, a new banner and a pedestal plate in recognition of the lodge’s 150th year. These were received by E.Comp. Rev. K. Cox with a prayer of acceptance. E.Comp. Cox received a donation £500.00 towards the 2010 Festival and boosted the Chapter Donations towards the target of Grand Patron.
The Cancer Treatment and Research Unit at Clatterbridge Hospital is particularly dear to the brethren and families of St John’s and it is a cause that they feel a particular affinity towards. Accordingly, on Tuesday 8th August 2006, the Worshipful Master W.Bro Brian Povey, accompanied by the Wardens and other brethren, attended at the Research Unit to make a presentation. Not only was the presentation gratefully received by Pat Rogers, Director of Fundraising, but the brethren were treated to an insightful tour of the research centre by Dr Jennifer Hoggarth one of the Research Team. There, they saw many other team members at work, received explanations of how the various pieces of equipment worked and of the massive costs involved in research. They also learned that all donations received at the unit are applied locally; thereby benefiting Clatterbridge patients in the first instance as well the subsequent benefits to all.
The Worshipful Master, W.Bro Brian C Povey of St.John’s Lodge No. 673 presents a cheque in the sum of £2,692.00 (673 x 4) to Patricia Rogers, Director of Fundraising at Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust. Watching on are Dr Jennifer Hoggarth of the Research Team and John Kinnish (JW), Terry McHugh (SW), Mike Tarbuck (SD), Gary Mason (Sec) and Jack Norcross ( Mentor).
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St. Peter's Church helped by local Freemasons
Parishioners in Mawdesley have been actively raising funds to rejuvenate the ancient central heating system in their village church, St Peter’s. Raffles, concerts and support from local people have all helped to raise most for the money needed to replace the central heating boiler.
Local Freemasons from the Ormskirk Group have donated £500 towards the total cost, which will eventually amount to almost £6,000.
Rector David Reynolds the vicar of St Peter’s receiving a cheque for £500 from John Moore MBE, Assistant Provincial Grand Master said “it is generous support from organisations like the Freemasons that has made this necessary repair work possible”.
Roy Worthington Group Chairman of Ormskirk Freemasons on the left, with Rector David (centre) recieveing cheque from John Moore MBE, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
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