The installation meeting of Preston Guild Lodge No 4408 marked the start of the countdown to their centenary year in 2022.
Grand officer Ian Greenwood, who is a Past Junior Grand Deacon and the lodge’s senior member, was reinstalled into the master’s chair for the first time since 1992. The lodge members were eager to have Ian as their figurehead for the centenary celebrations next year and an action-packed programme awaits him.
Tony Harrison, the Provincial Grand Master, was represented by David Edwards who is a Past Senior Grand Warden. He was accompanied by Dave Winder, Past Assistant Grand Master and other grand officers who were the guests of Ian.
Ian was installed with dignity and confidence by the outgoing master Tim Horton. Tim has been a beacon for the lodge by serving the two years through the COVID pandemic. His commitment to the lodge has been second to none and it has been a joy to have a number of extra meetings since the lockdown was lifted for Tim to lead the lodge.
The working tools were presented by David Parker Jnr, David Gregson and Joey Sahota. A highlight of this were the first degree tools presented with assured confidence by Joey at what was just his third meeting since being made a Mason. He certainly stepped up to the mark.
David Edwards brought the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master and congratulated Ian on his installation and the team of officers who took part. Ian then delivered cheques totalling £2,600 to be distributed to a number of local charities, which David was delighted to receive. This was rapidly followed by David Winder, who as Vice President of the 2021 Festival Committee, honoured the lodge by presenting a Grand Patron Certificate to Ian Greenwood. Over the four years of the Festival, and despite COVID, the lodge raised £12,347.
Before the lodge was closed there were two notices of motion. The first to propose a new member and the second to propose a joining member. The lodge is ending the year on a high!
The installation banquet was attended by 36 brethren who enjoyed a fine meal prepared and served by Preston Masonic Hall’s excellent chef Alistair and his team. Kevin Ruffley, accompanied by Howard Linacre, performed the master’s song for Ian. As ever, that brought everyone to their feet.
David Edwards commented on the preparations for the centenary year and the work ahead. The lodge starts 2022 with a new member being made a Mason. Then a succession of second and third degree ceremonies before the big day with the Provincial Grand Master in attendance in October.
In February, the lodge will welcome the Provincial Grand Master of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons – Freemasonry for Women – with members of their Preston Guild Lodge No 29, the sister lodge.
There will be a special lodge meeting in May to honour the founder members of the lodge, to which wives, partners, family and friends will be welcome to attend. This will be followed by a celebratory Sunday lunch. Finally, in September, the lodge will host an all singing and dancing Lancashire Night.
Ian has a very busy year but the lodge has a firm hand on the wheel!
