On looking at the banner of Olympic Lodge No 4461, the Latin words ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ are seen – which is the motto of the Olympic Games, an event that symbolizes unity and exuberance of the human spirit. These three Latin words mean ‘swifter, higher, stronger’. Baron de Coubertin borrowed the motto from Father Henri Martin Dideono, the headmaster of Arcueil College in Paris.
The motto is extremely fitting for Olympic Lodge as the WM Anthony Russel Standish was to remain in the chair for a further year so that the lodge could become stronger.
To the strains of the organ played by Christopher Bean, the lodge was opened by the WM Anthony Standish and the secretary confirmed receipt of the dispensation granted by the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison for Tony Standish to remain in the chair.
The lodge was duly opened to the second and third degrees so that Assistant Provincial Grand Master Andy Whittle, accompanied by the group chairman John Murphy could be admitted, after all Andy Whittle has the right of demanding admission.
Tony welcomed Andy and offered him the gavel of the lodge which he accepted momentarily, saying that he knew that the director of ceremonies Rob James was eager to carry out his tasks and so Andy returned the gavel. Salutations were offered to Andy, John Murphy and senior Provincial grand officer Fred Hulse.
Director of ceremonies Rob James had the pleasant duty of proclaiming Anthony Russell Standish as WM for the ensuing year. The working tools of a master Mason were presented by Peter Ryan. Rob James gave the explanation of the second degree working tools after the lodge had been closed to the second degree and in the first degree, the working tools explanation was given by master Mason Mark Edwards. The officers for the ensuing year were appointed and invested.
John Murphy provided the address to the wardens and Andy Whittle gave the address to the brethren of the lodge. Rob James declared that the ceremony of installation was concluded which prompted Andy Whittle to convey to the WM the very best wishes of Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison and Andy also congratulated those who had taken part in the ceremony. Before Andy sat down the WM had the pleasant task of presenting a cheque for £150 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity which Andy heartily received, thanking the lodge on behalf of the charity and the recipients whom we would never know.
Once other lodge business was concluded the brethren retired to the dining room for a hearty festive board during which a raffle was held, raising the sum of £107.
In response to the toast to grand officers, Andy Whittle brought messages from the Province confirming that from the start of November gloves may be worn again but it would be an individual choice. Once again Andy congratulated those who had taken part in the ceremony, especially those who had provided the explanation of the working tools. Andy also informed his audience that during the meal he had learned from the WM that some 33 years ago he had received a grant from the Prince’s Trust to start his business selling SAAB cars in Liverpool.
During his response to the toast the WM, Anthony provided everyone present with a gift of a ‘special’ key ring inscribed, ‘Olympic Lodge, happy to meet, sorry to part, masters overcome COVID-19 2020-2021’, which he asked people to leave on the table untouched. The reason for this was that he wished to mark his third term of office and thank everyone for joining his celebration. Also, two of the key rings had been marked by him and those who were lucky enough to get one of the ‘special’ keyrings would receive a £75 voucher for a car valet at his business.
As the excellent evening drew to a close, the tyler John Hibbert provided the last toast.
Article and pictures by Colin Roberts.