The greatest honour that can be bestowed on any Freemason by his lodge is when the brethren of the lodge elevate him into the chair as the master of his lodge. 60 brethren gathered in Fairfield Masonic Hall in Barrow to witness such an occasion as Stephen John Renney was installed as WM of Hindpool Lodge No 1225.
Hindpool Lodge was honoured by the presence of grand officer Alan Jones as its principal guest, he was accompanied by Chairman of Furness and South Lakeland Group Peter Schofield. The ceremony seemed extra special for Alan, as he witnessed the youngest son in the Renney family become a WM in a matter of two months after the elder son Phil became WM of Semper Sursum Lodge No 5622 in July 2021. Later in the evening, Steve mentioned how grateful he was to the brethren of Hindpool Lodge who had made it possible for him to experience every office in the lodge before he reached the principal office as WM.
It would have been hard to detect during the ceremony that the lodge had to wait for a considerable time before they could begin to practise each element of the ritual. It flowed faultlessly from beginning to end. Director of ceremonies Doug Smith had obviously not lost his skill and panache in guiding the brethren to deliver a dignified and meaningful ceremony. That must have helped Peter While as installing master who was relishing his involvement as he had proposed Steve into Freemasonry.
The newly installed WM presented Alan with a donation to Masonic charities of £1,225. Hindpool Lodge has their own charitable foundation as a result of a bequest and will often quietly donate to local good causes. In one year alone they distributed £19,000 to the local community
Tony Cassells delivered an explanation of the working tools to the WM in his usual confident style. Alan Jones addressed the brethren of the lodge in a flawless, self-assured manner. Derek Forrest gave the address to Steve, whilst Bob Carr gave a dignified address to the wardens and Mick Lacey provided a superb address to the deacons – all adding enjoyment to the occasion.
But the highlight of the addresses was given by Gary Gibson, Paul Musgrave and David Pimentel, who were also perfect in their delivery of the working tools in each degree. Special mention was made by Alan at the festive board of David Pimentel, as he had only been in Masonry for six months before COVID took hold, and here he was on the floor explaining the first degree tools to a gathering of 60 brethren. “It must have been daunting”, Alan said, “but he was excellent”.
Following the formalities, a superb four course meal ended a very special evening for Steve, in which ‘brotherly love’ was certainly on show.
