A splendid morning and early afternoon was had by the brethren of Formby Lodge No 5659 which became a daytime lodge three years ago in recognition of the difficulties some brethren were having traveling during the dark nights of winter.
The lodge was opened in due form at 11:00am by acting WM Gary Turner, and following the ordinary business of the lodge, acting director of ceremonies Stephen Oliver retired with deacons Stuart Hunter and Roger Holt to assist in the forming of the procession. On his return, Stephen announced that Anthony Bent, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews, along with other grand and Provincial grand officers awaited outside the lodge and sought admission.
Following a warm welcome, greetings and salutations, Gary asked the group chairman and lodge member Graham Chambers if he would assist the lodge and occupy the masters chair for the installation ceremony, to which he did without any hesitation and Gary then returned to his office as immediate past master.
Master Elect Don Fraser was then presented at the master’s pedestal by secretary David Burgess and took his obligation in an audible, confident and eloquent manner and was later installed into the chair of King Solomon with Graham becoming acting immediate past master and continued the faultless installation by presenting each of the greetings and salutations with appropriate delivery of the working tools of each degree, all in a highly proficient and accurate manner.
Following the installation of officers and the conclusion of the ceremony, the Provincial representative Anthony rose to bring the congratulations and best wishes to the lodge from Mark Matthews and on his own behalf, he remarked upon the exemplary installation and commended Graham Chambers who at very short notice had acted as installing master as well as undertaking his own office in the lodge as director of ceremonies.
Upon completing his eloquent address to the brethren and being about to sit, Don Fraser rose from his chair to present two cheques each to the value of £250 for Derian House, a hospice offering end of life care to children and young adults and Elsies Story, a charity formed in response to the Southport tragedy in which Elsie Dom Stancombe and other children were murdered during a dance class, The funds are used to secure entrances to children’s recreation facilities and hopes to also make grants to improve children’s lives. Anthony remarked on the valuable work these charities do and the definite benefits the donations will make
Following first risings, alms were collected to the value of £63. Acting director of ceremonies Stephen and the deacons then formed the procession of the Provincial representative, grand, Provincial grand officers and guests who retired and were served with refreshments prior to being joined by the brethren. A traditional toast to the new master was then given by Anthony, causing loud applause and cheers in honour to Don. This was duplicated when he and guests processed into the hall for a sumptuous three course festive board accompanied with a glass of wine.
In reply to his toast, Anthony spoke of the Members Pathway which had proved a valuable tool and the new Portal containing a personal diary and history of every Mason and encouraged all to register on the new system. He went on to speak of the great warmth of the welcome he received at Formby Lodge. The raffle was then drawn raising £110 which was followed by the Master’s Song, entertainingly sung by secretary David Burgess, after which flowers were presented to Anthony and the final tyler’s toast given by Bill Hunter. All then slowly departed in harmony and peace.
