Installation + Celebration + Promotion = Fun |
| What a busy, yet very enjoyable, night it was at Wilbraham Lodge of Mark Master Masons 523 on Thursday 14th October 2021 over in Widnes! A planned installation followed by a celebration of 50 years’ service to Mark Masonry with an added “field” promotion thrown in for good measure. |
| The evening started on a sad note with a very emotional memorial to three of our brethren, lost through the pandemic, W Bro Nat Killen P Prov GSW, W Bro Alan Locke PGJO and W Bro William Cank P Prov GSD. Eulogies were offered by Bro Ian Rowan and W Bro Frank Thomas. It was good to remember the three who each played a significant part in the history of the lodge. |
| There then followed the installation of Bro Ian Charles Rowan into the chair of Adoniram. This task was undertaken by the current master, Jack Thompson. Ian then appointed his officers with addresses being delivered by W Bros Brian Horabin and Brian Boothroyd, with of course, the Dep PGM. Visiting Grand Officers commented upon the skill and sincerity of the installing master and how well the whole ceremony of installation had been conducted. |
 |
Deputy PGM with Bro Ray Higgins PProvAGDC |
| Following the installation, there was a celebration to mark 50 years of service to Mark Masonry by Bro Frederick Raymond Higgins PProvAGDC. |
| Ray is a very private individual who has supported the lodge over the years from the shadows, never seeking to hold office but always attending and offering advice and support to the lodge. At his request, the celebration was to be a very low-key affair but he accepted that the achievement was something that the lodge wanted to mark and to celebrate. The Deputy PGM commented upon Ray’s early life, post WW2, and his work as a market gardener in the Huyton area of Merseyside. He spoke about Ray’s Masonic career before presenting Ray with a certificate from the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons and then offered congratulations from our own PGM, Bro Keith Alan Beardmore, who had also sent a framed certificate to Ray to mark the occasion. |
| There then followed an unexpected turn! The Deputy PGM conferred a “field” promotion onto Ray to the high rank of PProvGSO. This took everybody by surprise, with brethren responding with a spontaneous round of applause. |
 |
Grand Officers congratulating Ray, under the watchful eye of the Prov AGDC |
(The Prov Deputy GDC was hiding behind the camera!) |
| Ceremonies over, we then embarked upon a sumptuous festive board where Ray took the opportunity to comment upon his time in Wilbraham Mark Lodge before thanking those present for their support. The fayre consisted of prawns, pork and trifle, which seemed to surprise the DepPGM who was expecting Black pudding and beef? I am sure this was a fantasy however, wishes do come true! Maybe next time, mmmmmmm….. |
| Time was drawing on, so following the Tyler’s toast and fond farewells, everybody left the festivities in good spirit, despite an emotional start, knowing that the planning for the evening had culminated in the smooth (almost professional) delivery of an installation ceremony and a celebration of achieving 50 years’ service by a committed Brother, with the added bonus of the promotion! |
| Words by Stephen McNee and pictures by Tony Farrar |
