Lodges are often defined by a few notable characters, but a true lodge is the sum of its individual members. From the tyler, who sets up the lodge room, to the secretary and treasurer, who work behind the scenes organising meetings and the master and wardens, who direct the lodge, each member is unique.
However, when combined, they make a lodge complete. This was evident at the installation meeting of Rectitude Lodge No 4122. Over 80 brethren from 25 different lodges, including the Grand Lodge of Scotland, travelled from as far as Glasgow to witness Bob Marsden being installed into the chair of King Solomon for the fourth time. Three times in Rectitude Lodge and one in Emblem Lodge No 6727. (Thankfully, Bob’s wife is currently abroad with their daughter visiting her family and has no idea of his latest adventure.)
WM Michael Sjollema opened the lodge and swiftly addressed the general business of the day. In due time, director of ceremonies John-Paul Lovie announced that Philip Gardner, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, had requested admission. Philip entered the lodge room accompanied by past assistant Provincial Grand Masters Harry Cox, Duncan Smith, Past Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire James Jack, grand officers; Edward Rhodes, John Turpin, Giles Berkley and David Edwards. They were all supported by Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, group secretary Michael Tax and acting Provincial grand officers; Colin Rodgers, Jason Bleakley, Jason Emsley and Neil Higgins. Michael warmly welcomed Philip and expressed his hope for a wonderful day.
Once all the salutations and responses had been completed, item six on the agenda, to install Bob Marsden as master of Rectitude Lodge, became due. Michael opened the board of installed masters and using his well-honed delegation skills, invited John-Paul Lovie (or JP, as he is affectionately known) to occupy the chair of King Solomon for the purpose of installation. JP then invited Gordon Smith to occupy the chair of installing senior warden, Neil Higgins to occupy the chair of installing junior warden and Craig Scott to occupy the position of installing inner guard.
Michael Wigham presented master elect Bob to the lodge and during the board of installed masters, he reaffirmed his obligation and was installed into the chair of King Solomon by JP in a traditional and sincere ceremony. Mark Heelis delivered the tools of an installed master, while Michael Sjollema delivered the third degree tools, Mark Sabor delivered the second degree tools and Craig Scott delivered the first degree tools. JP then proceeded to present the warrant of the lodge, the constitutions of the order, lodge bylaws and explained the significance of the column of the WM.
Once the officers of the lodge had been appointed and invested, Gordon Smith gave the address to the senior warden, Neil Higgins gave the address to the junior warden and Mike Wigham delivered the address to the WM with Michael Tax delivering the address to the wardens. Philip Gardner then rose to deliver a confident and sincere address to the brethren of the lodge.
JP had the immense pleasure of informing the brethren that the ceremony of installation had been concluded. Recognising his cue, Philip rose to deliver the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, wishing Bob health and good fortune for his year in office. Bob thanked Philip for the kind words and presented him with cheques worth £1,496.80 for deserving causes raised during Michael Sjollema’s year in office. Philip thanked the members for the generous sum, listing the recipients as Woodlands School for special children, Brian House for terminally ill children, Boat House Youth Charity, Children with Cancer UK, and the West Lancs Freemasons’ Charity.
Once the grand officers had retired, Bob completed the lodge’s business, closing it in due form. Everyone then retired to the bar to enjoy a well-earned drink, followed by a delightful Chinese-themed banquet. After the usual wine takings, Philip rose to respond to the toast to his health, discussing the Royal Arch, recruitment and retention and emphasising the importance of not pushing new members too soon. He also highlighted the need for family and work to take priority.
Michael Sjollema rose to propose the toast to Bob, assuring the assembled brethren that ‘like our new master, this toast will be short and sweet’. He informed the brethren and guests that Bob never says no to anything Masonic, whether it’s for the Blackpool Group or Provincial requests. It has been said that Bob has even been known to attend the opening of a Masonic envelope! Michael thanked Bob for his support during his years as master and expressed his excitement in supporting Bob during his own year as master. At the conclusion of the toast, Michael asked everyone to stand and raise a glass to Bob, master of Rectitude Lodge. John Darrell then sang the Master’s Song with accompaniment from John Wall on the piano.
Bob thanked Michael for the toast to his health and expressed his gratitude to Philip and everyone else for attending. He looked forward to his year in office, especially to visiting the lodges of brethren who had taken the time to visit Rectitude Lodge for his installation.
As the brethren at the festive board gradually dispersed, some brethren continued to keep the bar steward company until the early hours.
