Arthur John Brogden Lodge No 1715 should be right on track under the stewardship of the master Stephen Lannaghan, who was installed in December 2021. Stephen’s employment as a vegetation engineer takes him up and down the country as he ensures that the trees and vegetation at the side of the railway lines do not obstruct the smooth running of the trains.
Stephen’s occupation also provides a tenuous link to the first master of the lodge, after whom it is named, who was heavily involved in the bringing of the rail to the Furness peninsula. It is Stephen’s second time as master of the lodge. The proceedings at Grange–over–Sands Masonic Hall had started on a bright note with a ballot for three joining members proving favourable.
Principal guest on the evening was Deputy Provincial Grand Master Phil Gunning. He was accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield, along with other grand officers and group chairman Gary Rogerson. Adding further lustre to the occasion was Barry Fitzgerald in the role of Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, along with acting Provincial grand officers Andrew Keith, Joe Crabtree, Gordon Evans and lodge member Alan Telford. Andrew had travelled around Morecambe Bay from the Lancaster Group.
They were able to witness outgoing master Barry Saunders install Stephen in a very pleasant manner. Although it was a somewhat shortened ceremony, due to Stephen being a past master, it was nonetheless an enjoyable one.
Barry can take great satisfaction from his work and rest easy. But it was by no means a solo effort. Alan Telford was called upon to address the newly installed master as to his duties, whilst Phil orated the address to the brethren of the lodge in fine style. Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Andrew, entered the floor to address the junior deacon as to his responsibilities.
Two of the joining members, who had each made the move from the Fylde to Furness, showed that they were going to be new assets for the lodge as Paul Hardy was called into action as installing the inner guard and then delivered the working tools of the third degree, whilst Brian Ogden delivered the working tools of the first degree.
All played their part well but in particular, justifiable praise was directed at junior member Tom Anderson who gave a virtuoso performance in presenting the extended version of the second degree working tools. The delivery was superb and it bodes well for his future in the Craft.
Although Barry received congratulations for his efforts on behalf of the lodge over what has been a truncated couple of years in the senior post, he also deserves great credit for being the main driver behind the various fundraising efforts over several years.
Despite the difficulties since the arrival of the COVID pestilence and the resultant lack of opportunity to raise funds, Stephen was still able to present Phil with a cheque for £1,000 in favour of the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. In addition the lodge donated £650 to the local food bank in 2020 and will be making a larger donation of £850 this festive season; a fine effort indeed, which reflects well on the generosity of the lodge members.
Following the formalities of the lodge room a very agreeable installation banquet was enjoyed in the dining room, the menu being beef and all the trimmings. Although often over looked, acknowledgement must be made of the organisational skills of secretary David Jopling who made sure that everything ran smoothly; the camaraderie and dining being an ideal end to what had been a very pleasant afternoon and evening.
