A splendid evening of ceremony was had at Litherland Masonic Hall when Michael Grimes was installed into the chair of King Solomon as the 72nd master of the lodge. Following the prompt opening and the completion of usual business by the WM David Bromilow, the lodge was opened to the third degree. At this point, director of ceremonies Thomas Grimes left the lodge to form the procession.
On his return, the assistant director of ceremonies formed the deacons to receive Stephen Kayne, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, with retiring group chairman Graham Chambers and Provincial Grand Steward David Lyon.
David Bromilow gave a very warm welcome to Stephen, and following greetings and salutations to Stephen and Graham, the lodge adjourned to the second degree when the senior warden and master elect Michael Grimes was substituted by inner guard David Cooper, whilst the acting junior warden Brian Boyle remained in the south. The master elect was then presented at the pedestal and took his obligation in an audible, fluent and proficient manner.
David then thanked his officers for their support and help over the past year and following perambulations Michael was seated in the chair. His father, Thomas Grimmes the director of ceremonies, then presented the working tools of an installed master with feeling and in a fluent and faultless manner but shed an understandably emotional tear towards the end. The third degree tools were also presented by Thomas, though the second and first degree tools were both laid to rest for the master’s future inspection on the senior and junior warden’s plinths, due to the master having had a previous knowledge of them.
Officers of the lodge were then installed with the great majority retaining their former office. David Southward and Jim Bilsborough were installed as senior and junior wardens with the address presented by Roger Boyle in a highly proficient manner
The address to the brethren was then presented by the Provincial representative Stephen Kayne, who also brought the warm compliments of Mark Matthews and congratulated the proficiency of the director of ceremonies and past master and brethren for the preparation and rehearsals which must have taken place.
Prior to his sitting, the master rose to offer Stephen three cheques to the value of £100 each for Friends of the Tithebarn, Litherland Masonic Hall and Sefton Women and Children’s Aid. He remarked on the benefit this would definitely be in making a difference to the local organisations that receive the donations.
Alms were then collected to the value of £75 and following the first rising the director of ceremonies formed the recession of the grand and Provincial grand officers who retired for informal drinks and were later joined by the brethren following the usual business of the lodge bring completed and the closing the lodge.
Prior to the festive board, all gathered in the dining room for Stephen Kayne and all the brethren to formally and joyfully toast Michael Grimes as the 72nd WM of West Derby Castle Lodge. As is the custom no response was given.
The evening ended following a raffle for charity and everyone left after experiencing a splendid heartfelt installation, followed by a happy and enjoyable meal and friendship.
