The installation meeting of the Lodge of Perseverance No 155 was always going to be a special installation, with the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews being the WM and installing Master. The master elect on this occasion was Mark Holloway.
For those who have not visited this lodge that was consecrated on 27 June, 1777, they do some things slightly differently. One being, that they truly take into effect the meaning of ‘the rank is but the gunnie stamp’, as all the brethren are given an entered apprentice apron to wear in the lodge when they sign in, to see the Provincial Grand Master wearing the white apron, truly brings it all to heart, ‘the man himself the gold’.
The lodge was opened at 12:15pm in the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool and the installation proceedings quickly commenced, with John Moore as the presenting officer, who was also the master elect’s proposer into Lodge of Perseverance.
The usual business was conducted and Mark Holloway was installed in to the chair of King Solomon in fine order, as you would expect with such a distinguished lodge. The risings were taken and the lodge closed, in what Paul Storrar, Chairman of the Gladstone Group said was a very slick ceremony.
Now, those who have had the pleasure of attending this beautiful lodge will know that as a guest, the rest of the afternoon takes a lot of joyful perseverance. As tt all starts with a short dash across Liverpool to the Artist Club for the festival of St John.
All the brethren gathered and enjoyed a lovely three course meal of pate, poached salmon with new potatoes and asparagus with Hollandaise sauce followed by strawberries and cream, (this has been served at all the installations since the lodge was consecrated), with great comradery.
The WM visited all the tables to ensure everyone was enjoying themselves, but to be fair he could have saved his legs, as just looking around the room, you could tell all the brethren were having a great time. The usual lodge toasts were proposed and the proceedings of the festive board concluded.
Now, at this point in most lodges, the members would say their goodbyes and travel home, however, this is not one of those lodges. This is Lodge of Perseverance, and true to their name, at least 17 of the brethren took a short walk to The Railway pub and continued the festivities with most staying until gone 10pm,
In conclusion, the whole day was a delightful experience and one to be visited by all brethren who have the opportunity to attend this wonderful lodge.
