The Ormskirk and Bootle Group once again held its Christmas Carol Service at the picturesque Lathom Park Chapel of St John the Divine, in Lathom, to celebrate the advent of Christmas.
For the service, members of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group were joined by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Umbers, Assistant to the Grand Principals Malcolm Alexander, Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Graham Chambers and the group vice chairman Derek Midgley.
The service commenced with Reverend Pauline Bicknell warmly welcoming everyone prior to outlining the schedule of the service. The Christmas story was recounted by readings of the nine lessons, each lesson presented at intervals throughout the service, with renditions of many traditional Christmas carols being sung with enthusiasm by the whole congregation.
Each of the lessons were read in turn, starting with Frank Umbers (representing the Province of West Lancashire), followed by Derek Midgley and granddaughter Adelaide (representing the Ormskirk and Bootle Group), Mrs Diane Hampson (representing the Ormskirk Ladies Group), Malcolm Alexander (representing the Royal Arch Province of West Lancashire), Stephen Oliver from Bootle Pilgrim Lodge No 1473 (representing the Craft lodges that meet at Litherland), Mike Trigg from Aughton Lodge No 7996 (representing the Craft lodges that meet at Ormskirk), Mrs Marjorie Cunliffe (representing the Bootle Ladies Group), Malcolm Sandywell from Stanley of Bickerstaffe Chapter No 3511 (representing Royal Arch chapters) and finally, Reverend Pauline Bicknell.
The collection raised in excess of £250 and will be shared equally between the Chapel of St John the Divine and Tithebarn care home. Prayers were then followed by ‘The Blessing’ and a hearty singing of the closing ode by the Masonic brethren.
The service being concluded, the congregation were treated to mince pies and a glass of sherry which was served by the ladies from the chapel and assisted by a couple of members of the group – and expertly by young Adelaide.