A splendid evening of fine traditions, ritual and fun was had at Old Crosbeian Lodge No 4992 when David Cairns was proclaimed master for a second term. This thriving lodge was consecrated in 1928 specifically for ex pupils of the 25 Merchant Taylors’ Guild of schools which was established in 1561 and is a member of the Federation of 167 school lodges throughout the country, all of which have widened their membership criteria.
Old Crosbeian Lodge became recipients of the Federation’s Travelling Gavel and has also become a wandering lodge since moving from their old school premises and will now meet at Litherland Masonic Hall until at least Christmas or hopefully for longer.
The lodge was opened at six o’clock and following the usual business director of ceremonies Paul Grainger retired to perform the procession. Upon his return he announced that Ian Gee, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews awaited outside and sought admission. He was accompanied by; grand officers Graham Chambers the group chairman and Stephen Kayne; acting Provincial Grand Stewards Martin Stewart and David Lyon, with group vice chairman Stephen Dunn. Following greetings and salutations, Ian brought Mark Matthews sincere best wishes to the master and brethren hoping that they all to enjoy the evenings celebration and festive board.
The master was then proclaimed for a further year by the lodge with formal salutations and a court bow following which the first degree tools were audibly presented with feeling and style by master Mason Ben Sephton. This was followed by the appointment of officers, most of whom remained in post and rather than being presented to the master stood, saluted and giving a court bow acknowledged their continuation in post.
Seven brethren are now on the pathway to King Solomon’s chair and remarkably they consist of a father and two sons, David Collins, now junior warden who was perfectly addressed by immediate past master Peter McGrady for which he received a round of applause for his impromptu presentation. Jacob and Joshua Collins, who were respectively appointed senior and junior deacons and were eloquently addressed by their father David Collins. Christopher Hands was appointed for a second time as inner guard whilst Jonathon Durkin, Chris Clay and Dr Yoshi Katakura were appointed as stewards and addressed by Provincial Grand Steward Martin Stewart.
A sonorous address to the brethren of the lodge was then presented by Ian with such great feeling, gesture, nuance and inflection to produce applause for his great theatrical presentation. The lodge by tradition does not donate cheques at installations but is aligned to many local charities which are supported throughout the year when help is requested. There is also a particular link with the Waterloo Charity which supports a village in Sierra Leone of the same name and has assisted them in the building of their education, health and other essential services. In 2020, the lodge celebrated Crosby’s Merchant Taylors’ School’s (Est 1620) 400 years anniversary when they presented the school fund with £4,992 to provide bursaries for distressed pupils in attendance at the school such that finances should not hinder progress.
Following first risings, alms were collected raising £90, after which the director of ceremonies rose to form the recession of grand, Provincial grand and acting Provincial grand officers who retired and were later met, following the ordinary business and the lodge being closed, for casual refreshments prior to the festive board.
The master, grand, Provincial grand and acting Provincial grand officers were then applauded as they processed to the festive board. In response to his toast, Ian complemented the lodge on its atmosphere, camaraderie, constant chatter, laughter and joy which had resounded around the hall throughout the celebration which he felt was a sure sign of a successful and thriving lodge in which all so obviously knew and cared for each other. He went on to say that with two brethren due for raising and two more awaiting passing, it had a definite future ahead especially under the leadership of their experienced and newly proclaimed master. He gave thanks to Graham Chambers for his 13 years’ service to the group, seven years of which have been as group chairman. He also spoke of vice chairman Steve Dunn for succeeding Graham in May as one of the many new promotions to be made at Provincial Grand Lodge in Blackpool on 9 May.
The bell was then rung for the nine o’clock toast in which absent and seafaring brethren were remembered in the toast to the school and the school song, Crescat Crosbeia was sung. Following the later toast to the master, David Cairns thanked the brethren for his proclamation and also thanked those new and continuing officers of the lodge for their past and future hard work. He acknowledged the attendance of all present and looked forward to working with them all through an undoubtedly busy coming year.
The tyler’s toast was later given with feeling by director of ceremonies Paul Grainger, following which the brethren gathered in a circle for their traditional and emotional commemorative singing of, Auld Lang Syne. The evening drawing to a harmonious close all then peacefully and slowly departed with collegial handshakes and more lively chatter.
