Bootle Resurgent |
| Bryn Masonic Hall was the setting for a somewhat unique meeting of Bootle Mark Lodge No 478. On the evening the lodge was re-dedicated and also held the installation meeting. |
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David Emerson at his pedestal with the lodge officers |
| The reason for this unusual course of events had been some time in development. Various factors had resulted in a decrease in membership of the lodge. The situation was such that surrendering the warrant was a possible outcome. However, some creative thinking from some of the lodge members and input from the province came up with a solution to enable the name and history of the lodge to be carried forward. |
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Les King |
| On the evening two dozen new joining members were admitted. Each of these hold, or has held, the position of lodge director of ceremonies or as an assistant to that role. The aim is, without displacing the original members, to create a director of ceremonies lodge whilst retaining the 126 years of history. After the business of balloting for the joining members the PGM Keith Beardmore was admitted accompanied by grand and acting provincial grand officers. |
| Keith accepted the gavel from WM Ian MacKinnon. The PGM then proceeded to lead a service of re-dedication. As Keith explained the aim of the ceremony was to give a provincial seal of approval to this new incarnation of the lodge. Although it was very much a new beginning the roots of the lodge were firmly set in its wonderful history. |
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Tom Lovatt and Barry Tomlinson |
Also taking a prominent part in the re-dedication was provincial grand chaplain Barry Tomlinson whose words and demeanour added greatly to the occasion. |
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| Following the re-dedication Ian assumed the chair and went about the business of installing David Emerson as his successor. David later paid tribute to Ian for the sincere way in which he had installed him. The officers which were then appointed included some of the original members. Les King entered semi-retirement in moving from secretary to assistant secretary. When investing him David paid tribute to his efforts in ensuring the lodge did not go under. This was greeted by spontaneous acclaimation. |
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From labour to refreshment Keith Beardmore and Les King |
| The address to the newly installed WM was given by lodge stalwart Tom Lovatt, that to the overseers by Eric Hart and Keith was again called into action to orate the address to the brethren. You may have noticed that there was no address to the wardens. The senior warden elect is Arthur Robinson who was unable to be present and junior warden elect Tony Farrar was substituting for him as provincial director of ceremonies. |
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Maurice Evans, John Bicknell and Giles Berkley being overseen by Steve Walls |
| Following the formalities of the lodge room it was time to enjoy good food and pleasant company. At the festive board tribute was paid to all the original lodge members and those of the provincial office who had ensured the smooth transition of Bootle Mark Lodge into its present manifestation. It had taken some time but those efforts had resulted in the name and history of the lodge being preserved for future generations. Receiving particular mention were past assistant provincial grand master Ian Nairn and, once again, Les King. |
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The lodge members with the provincial team and other distinguished guests |
| The plan, as David explained, was for the lodge to become a centre of excellence for ritual and ceremony whilst keeping the traditions of the lodge. The lodge will meet twice a year. It was encouraging that there was a proposal for membership on the evening. All lodge directors of ceremonies, present and past, and their deputies, are welcome to enquire about joining this prestigious lodge. You will be made welcome. |
| Consecrated 126 years ago in 1895 this innovative move will see the name of Bootle Mark Lodge No 478 live on for many years to come. |
| Words and pictures by Dave Sear |
