Members and regular visitors of Prince Leopold, Doric and Parkfield Lodge No 1588 were most pleased to receive Assistant Provincial Grand Master Barry Jameson at their 2023 installation meeting where Ezra McGowan was to be proclaimed as master for a second and ensuing year.
The meeting, held at the Urmston Masonic Hall was well attended, and Barry was accompanied by grand officers Brian Hayes and Chairman of the South Eastern Group Gareth Jones, along with Provincial grand officers, group officers and visiting brethren.
The lodge meeting commenced, and Ezra having progressed the business of the lodge, the juncture on the summons arrived where director of ceremonies Steve Brooks rose and proclaimed Ezra as WM for the ensuing year.
An excellent address was then given by Barry to the brethren of the lodge and on completion of the installation, he once more rose to congratulate Ezra and all those concerned on a most enjoyable installation filled with camaraderie and good humour. On behalf of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, Barry passed on to the lodge the best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful year in a most courteous manner.
Ezra responded by thanking Barry for his congratulations and for conveying the good wishes from Mark Matthews, saying he had experienced an excellent previous year as master with tremendous support from the lodge and other friends, and had much pleasure in presenting a charitable donation on behalf of the lodge, Barry accepted the donation with grateful thanks revealing a most generous contribution by way of a cheque for £500 made out to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
Barry congratulated and thanked the lodge going on to recommend various ways in which the brethren might promote Freemasonry to the general public and assist in maintaining the viability of our Masonic halls.
In responding on behalf of the grand officers on the first rising, the sentiments and congratulations on the excellence of the ceremony were reiterated by Gareth.
The afternoon continued with a most enjoyable and jovial festive board and in Barry’s response to the toast to the grand officers, he passed on his own good wishes for a happy and healthy year to all the brethren present and to Ezra in particular. Barry made further comments relating to the continuation of the Masonic journey into the Royal Arch which should be considered by all master Masons.
Barry then went on to mentioned the recruitment drive which was proving very successful and also how we should be ensuring that we continue to use and promote our Masonic halls otherwise we may lose them.
Finally, Barry thanked the lodge for their warm hospitality and a very enjoyable afternoon drew to a close in peace and harmony.
Story and pictures by Ian Wood.