At the installation meeting of Lodge of Chivalry No 3974, which held at Ormskirk Masonic Hall, Stuart Flynn was proclaimed for a second term as master in office, The event was graced with the presence of Graham Chambers, Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group who was the representative for the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Graham was accompanied by acting Provincial Grand Steward Robert Midgley.
Prior to the commencement of the ceremony, Stuart gave his heartfelt thanks to the assembled brethren of the lodge for their support and attendance at meetings and rehearsals in what had been a very busy year.
The ceremony was very confidently conducted by the lodge’s director of ceremonies Colin Frodsham, even giving the word-perfect address to the brethren of the lodge. Mark Holloway and Andrew Bradshaw stood in as wardens and Michael Gray stood in as inner guard. Alex Sharp delivered the third degree working tools, Craig Kitts produced a word-perfect explanation of the long version of the second degree working tools and Mike Atherton gave an unusual rendition of the first degree tools.
Addresses to the newly installed wardens were delivered by Mark Holloway and Andrew Bradshaw, this was followed by the full address to both wardens given by David Dugdale. Mark Holloway gave a self-penned address to the almoner which he assured the assembled brethren was better than the original. Michael Gray gave the address to the deacons and followed this with another address to the inner guard. Robert Midgley then gave the address to the stewards.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, donations to various charitable causes were presented, £500 each to the following charities; Marfan Trust, supporting those with Marfan syndrome and their families, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Claire House Children’s Hospice, The Members Charitable Fund and also the Ormskirk Meeting Rooms, with a grand total of £3,000.
Graham Chambers then rose and on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master passed on his warmest regards to the lodge. Graham then thanked the lodge brethren for their impressive charitable donations and congratulated all concerned for the marvellous ceremony including, Martin Stewart the director of ceremonies, Colin Frodsham, those who gave addresses and especially those who gave the explanations of the working tools.
He also noted that all offices in the lodge were now occupied by light blue brethren, including the master which not many lodges can say that, and it is very impressive. This was due to the lodge’s ability to attract and retain new members.
The lodge was then closed in due form with the brethren retiring to the festive board.