It’s not often emergency chairs are required in a lodge room these days, but that is exactly what was needed at Euxton Lodge No 7192 for their installation. With a grand total of 76 brethren present, comments of days gone by, when this was normal were shared and the hope that more nights like these were coming again.
Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies John Robson was the representative of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Accompanying John was grand officer Alan Smith, group vice chairman Dave Bishop and Provincial Grand Membership Officer Neil Ward.
The installation ceremony was a fantastic display of great ritual, given by both experienced and new brethren. Harry Noblet was the installing master and although commenting that he was nervous, his nerves were not present as he masterfully installed Maurice Sewter into the chair of King Solomon.
The working tools were expertly given by a handful of brethren, with the installed master’s tools given by George Askins, the third degree tools by Patrick Martindale and newer members of Euxton Lodge who also got involved with John Jackson delivering the extended version of the second degree tools and Eric Thurston the first degree tools, all presented their ritual with skill and understanding.
On completion of the installation ceremony, John Robson rose to convey the congratulations and good wishes of the Provincial Grand Master to Maurice and the brethren of the lodge hoping they would have a very good year.
Maurice Sewter then stood to offer to John Robson an envelope containing donations for charity. Inside there were several cheques made out to several charities and organisations as follows: West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, MCF The Freemason’s Grand Charity, Manchester Children’s Hospital, West Lancashire Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity, Macular Society Wigan Support Group, Chorley’s Angels Community Medical Support Group, Leyland Masonic Blood Bikes, Chorley and Leyland Group Food Bank Appeal, Chorley Masonic Hall Building Fund and Chorley’s Angels of Life and Defib Training Total amount donated was £3,543.10, which has been raised and given by Euxton Lodge brethren this year, which is a fantastic achievement and will support many people. Euxton Ladies Group also raise £851 which was donated to Rosemere Cancer Research. In his reply John thanked the brethren and ladies of Euxton Lodge for their hard work and generosity.
Maurice, who is a member of The Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association, was joined by several other members who visited to witness his installation and after the lodge closed, photos were taken with the new master and brethren from The Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association in their leather waistcoats.
The room for the festive board was packed full and everyone enjoyed a good meal with great company. Toasts to the new master were made with a handful of brethren sharing stories and good times. John Robson gave his own personal wishes to Maurice and the evening closed after a very successful raffle and a splendid masters song.
