The Imperial Sefton Lodge No 680 is an amalgamation of two lodges, Sefton Lodge No 680 and Imperial Lodge No 2711 in 2004. Sefton Lodge, founded in 1856 originally met in the Litherland Hotel, Litherland, an old coaching house of some antiquity, later becoming the Priory Public House until it’s demolition in 2014. Imperial Lodge originally met at the Sefton Park Assembly Rooms, Aigburth Road, Liverpool, in 1898 which later became the Rivoli Theatre, where local comedian Arthur Askey took to the stage in 1924.
Moving on to modern times, the lodge now meets in another famous historical location of the Artist Club, Eberle Street, Liverpool which itself was founded in 1877. Congregating in the Grundy Room, a small and welcoming bar area, the brethren and visitors to the lodge were well met.
Having been called to order, the lodge was opened in fine form by WM Patrick Kent, senior warden Alan Riley, and stand-in junior warden Mike Fox. Having dealt with the preceding business of the lodge, a ballot was called for the initiation of David Gill, proposed by inner guard, Peter McDaid and seconded by grand officer, David Hawkes.
The ballot proved unanimous, and David Gill was admitted to the lodge and collected by junior deacon, Ian McGovern, and initiated in exemplary manner by WM Patrick Kent, having been expertly conducted around the lodge by Ian. At each stage of the proceedings the display of ritual knowledge was very evident, culminating with David Boyes delivered the working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason to newly made brother David Gill.
To deliver the ancient charge to an initiate, are words to strike terror into the heart of many a stalwart senior warden, as it is a long and complex section of ritual. Senior warden Alan Riley made it look easy to deliver, which is a compliment to Alan, and although David may not yet be fully aware, his initiation was first class. He has joined an excellent lodge, of which all the brethren are sure he will enjoy many happy years.
The lodge business being duly completed and closed in solemn from, all retired with David Gill to attend dinner in the captivating visual experience of the Halliday Room, where the portraits of the Artists Club present and former presidents gaze down at the circular dining tables, interposed with fine art displaying the club’s permanent collection.
At dinner, eagerly responding to the toast to his health, David Gill, thanked his proposer and seconder, Peter McDaid and David Hawkes respectively, for inviting him to join Freemasonry, and that he was looking forward to enjoying his journey through Masonry and becoming an asset to his lodge. A particular comment that David made, was a pause for reflection, that David had joined Freemasonry because he was invited. Food for thought indeed, and an example to us all, that perhaps to join this wonderful institution, one simply must be asked.