Following hot on the heels of the lodge centenary, the 859th meeting of Hand and Heart Lodge No 4109 saw the 101st installation in the history of the lodge, and a first time in the chair for master elect, Mark Ormiston.
The meeting, held at the Eccles Masonic Hall was very well attended and members of the lodge and visitors alike were honoured by the presence of Grand Officer Michael Adams representing the ProvGM.
Mike was accompanied by Brian Hayes and South Eastern Group Chairman Gareth Jones, along with other group officers, Provincial grand officers and other distinguished brethren to witness the installation ceremony of Mark.
The installing and WM Steve Masters having opened the lodge quickly dispensed with the lodge business and then Mike and his entourage entered the lodge room.
Mark was then presented and installed in a most sincere and accomplished manner by Steve followed by Eddie Wilkinson, who presented the working tools of an installed master in an excellent fashion.
There then followed presentations of the working tools in the third degree by Ian Wood, in the second degree by Peter Stockton and in the first degree by Ken Harding.
Peter Stockton gave a further presentation of the address to the master, the address to the wardens was given by Eddie Wilkinson, followed by the address to the brethren of the lodge, given by Mike in an extremely heartfelt fashion.
On completion of the installation ceremony, Mike then rose to his feet to bring the sincere greetings, congratulations and best wishes from Tony Harrison, Provincial Grand Master, he said that Tony was aware that Mike was taking the masters’ chair for the first time in his lodge in this, its 101st year and wished him and the members of the lodge a happy and healthy and most importantly an enjoyable year ahead.
Mark then rose to respond to Mike thanking him for passing on the good wishes of Tony Harrison and assured him that the lodge would present him with a cheque at the social board as, in all the excitement, the outgoing treasurer had forgotten to write it!
On the first rising Gareth Jones rose and brought the greetings of the grand officers, saying that he had experienced an excellent and enjoyable ceremony and it was a delight to see a Mason installed into the masters’ chair for the first time, wishing Mark a very happy year ahead.
The evening continued with an enjoyable, friendly festive board in the true Hand and Heart style and Mike, in response to his toast, made references to the importance of completing our Masonic Journey with membership of the Royal Arch and commented on improving Masonic recruitment and now that the 2021 Festival had finished, the importance of supporting the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity once more.
Finally going on to say he had experienced an immensely enjoyable evening and again, on his own behalf, thanked the lodge for their hospitality, thus concluding a most excellent evening.