Steve Linton was installed in the chair of King Solomon at Blenheim Lodge No 7519. The ceremony was held at the Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street in the company of 35 brethren. In the absence of the WM, the lodge was opened by Brad Goff, acting WM and installing master for the evening.
The director of ceremonies Phil Pattullo announced and admitted, the Chairman of Liverpool Group David Johnson, who was the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, accompanied by visiting grand officer Roy Pyne, Liverpool Group Vice Chairman Bob Paterson and group secretary Neil Francis together with other Provincial grand officers.
Steve Linton was presented by Richard Chamberlain, as master elect and installed into the chair for the ensuing year by Brad Goff. Brad was ably assisted by John Owen (SW), Alan Ball (JW) and Ray Marshall (IG)
Once installed, the third degree working tools were presented by Mark Crawford. The second degree working tools were presented by Edsel Igot and the first degree working tools were presented by Stefan Rawsthorne. The WM then had the pleasant duty when appointing his officers of presenting Peter Darlington senior deacon, Richie Darlington junior deacon and Stefan Rawsthorne inner guard with a ritual book to assist them in their new role.
The address to the master was given by Phil Kavanagh and the address to the wardens were ably given by Tommy Walsh. Following the address to the lodge brethren by David Johnson, he brought personal greetings from Mark Matthews and a special mention to the installing master Brad Goff for conducting an excellent ceremony and the brethren acting as Principal grand officers, as well as those who delivered the working tools.
David was pleased to accept the charitable donations made by the lodge during the year. The sum of £1,500 was an outstanding sum of money and would be greatly appreciated by all the recipients, who were; £300 Merseyside Blood Bike Appeal, £300 Gulf Veterans, £300 Friends of Tithebarn House, £300 The Whitechapel Centre, £300 Liverpool Masonic Hall. David Johnson thanked the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
After the lodge was closed, all the brethren then retired to the dining room for a festive board of pea and ham soup, steak pie, chips and peas. apple crumble and custard and a selection of cheese and biscuits. In his response to the toast, David spoke about membership, retention and the importance of enjoying Freemasonry. He gave mention to the excellent work carried out by everyone taking part in the ceremony. After a rousing rendition of the Master’s Song by John Owen accompanied by Colin Porter the organist, a raffle was conducted by the lodge charity steward, Geoff Brown, which raised a magnificent sum of £205, as well as an additional £141 from the alms plate collection in the lodge.