The brethren of Ulverston Lodge 7872 and their guests gathered at the Masonic Hall in Ulverston for the installation of Craig McNicol as their new master of the lodge.
The lodge was honoured by the presence of Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Keith Kemp as its principal guest for the ceremony. Keith was accompanied by grand officers Roly Saunders, Barry Fitzgerald, David Grainger, Alan Jones and Phil Preston, along with the Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Gary Rogerson and acting Provincial grand officers Gordon Evans, Jim Scott, Kevin Bryne and Andrew Keith, with Alan Tomlinson, Joe Crabtree Mick Lacey adding their support
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield was going to oversee the installation but invited Keith to take his place as, at the previous installation, Peter had stood in for Keith when Keith was taken ill with COVID-19. “It made sense to offer the opportunity back to Keith”, said Peter. Keith was only too happy to accept the offer and the opportunity to represent the Provincial Grand Master, saying: “Peter’s kindness was so typical of him and reflects his character and the essence of Freemasonry, as I was so looking forward to being here when I first received my invitation to the last installation ceremony.”
On the night, the lodge was opened in fine style by the outgoing master Stuart Allison who, due to the pandemic, had to ‘hold the fort’ as the master for nearly three years. Stuart did mention during the evening that he thought the masters, who were there three years ago to see him being installed, had pulled his leg as he said: “They told me it would be the fastest year of my life – and three years later…..”
On completion of the opening and the lodge business nevertheless, Keith was admitted into the room and welcomed into the lodge. The fantastic procession over, the master elect Craig McNicol was presented by Kevan Cassley, before being installed faultlessly into the chair of King Solomon by Stuart.
Director of ceremonies Alan Hilton had clearly worked hard with the brethren of the lodge, because the ritual was conducted by everyone with understanding; the result being that those in attendance witnessed a calm installation, which resulted in a ceremony that oozed dignity and humility.
The working tools were presented and explained by three light blues. Kevan Cassley, Frazer Dewer and Michael Mackenzie respectively. They were a credit to their lodge, as all were word perfect. Alan Tomlinson delivered the working tools of an installed master in an exemplary manner. Keith remarked that with brethren like Kevan, Frazer and Michael the future of the lodge is very healthy.
Craig then addressed his new officers individually and explained their roles, whilst group mentor David Smith addressed John McArthur in a sincere manner. Gary Rogerson orated the duties to the new wardens of the lodge in his usual heartfelt manner. Keith gave a splendid oration to the members of Ulverston Lodge, which brought a gravitas to the end of the formalities of the installation. Before he could relax however, Craig had a most pleasant duty to perform as he presented a cheque to Keith for £1,000 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
The festive board, being held at the Old Mill on the Coast Road allowed the brethren present to demonstrate their charitable nature once again; the lodge room collection totalling £224 was surpassed by the raffle collection which raised another £560. The 96 brethren present were once more congratulated by Keith on their enthusiasm and commitment in wanting to help others less fortunate than themselves.
As the closing notes of the master’s song, sung by Gary Rogerson, hung in the air, Craig announced that he was taking a year’s sabbatical from work to enable him to devote all his time and efforts to Masonry – dedication above and beyond!