Ryan Parrington, WM of Piel Castle Lodge No 6099, was installed in June 2019. Thanks to the intervention of the global coronavirus pandemic, he remained in that position for two years and 115 days! Finally, after receipt of the appropriate dispensation, the lodge resumed meetings for the first time since February 2020, and elected and installed the new master.
Having previously occupied the chair of King Solomon in 2017-18, Tony Jackson agreed to take the chair again following a vacancy caused by the unfortunate resignation of one of the wardens due to personal reasons. Tony’s gesture to take the chair again will assist lodge succession in the future.
Tony was following a family tradition, his grandfather having previously occupied the chair in 1965 and his father in 1982. Principal guest of the lodge and representing the Provincial Grand Master was Barrie Crossley. Accompanying Barrie were no less than five acting Provincial grand officers and three other grand officers – which always adds to the pageantry of the occasion.
During a well presented installation ceremony, the working tools of an installed master were presented by Ian Cottam, whilst the others were presented by junior (and not so junior) brethren. An explanation of other tools used by a Mason were presented by Bill Joughin, David Cottam and Peter Storey – all were a joy to listen to and played a vital part of the proceedings.
When it came to the appointment of officers, some internal Masonic reorganisation left the lodge without its serving director of ceremonies. Bill Joughin agreed to step into the breach until the next installation, remarking that he was now one of the newest directors of ceremonies in the Province, and at 85 years old, probably one of the oldest!
Barrie Crossley, on bringing the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master, congratulated all who had taken part in the ceremony, and commented that it was great to see the meeting so well attended and everyone once again enjoying their Freemasonry. And who would argue with that?