Adoniram Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.552
Masonic Hall, Wellington Park,Leyland
 
Installation Meeting 16th November 2016
 
Another great meeting today to look forward to, the Installation of VW.Bro.Rod Bennison PGJO as Worshipful Master of this very fine old Lodge which began in 1902, and has since its beginning especially in later years had the good fortune to witness many of West Lancashire’s Highest Ranking members take up the office as Master, to name but a few, Peter Connolly, Keith Beardmore, Michael Clarke, Iain Nairn and Geoffrey Lee and of course my mentor Tony Johnson.
 
Lodge from WM's Chair
General Views of Lodge
Ready to go at 8.30 just in case traffic is bad, fire up Tom and Snoopy, don’t know why really having been to Leyland many times, I think it’s just that I don’t want to hurt their feelings, off we go straight up the on ramp for the M60, yes straight up, no hold up, I guess everyone is coming to Manchester as oppose to leaving it, I was right on reaching the M61 it went for miles three lanes deep, not moving luckily all heading towards the Trafford Centre and Manchester’s Christmas Street Markets I wouldn’t mind but it’s not even December.
WM Ellect with PGM & Giles
New WM & IPM
WM with his new Wardens
Arrived at Wellington Park nice and early and already the Lodge Room was being set up for this very Important Meeting, it wasn’t long before members and visitors began arriving to share heartfelt greetings and share as always stories from their own Mark Lodges over a cup of coffee in the bar area. The RW PGM Keith Beardmore was among the early arrivals and it was great to see him in good spirits with that beaming smile he greets everyone with.
Dining List
The Top Table
Soon as always it was time for business, the Lodge opened on time at 11 am and as the PGM and members of his team were already present there would be no parade needed for Grand Officers, however VW Bro Geoffrey Lee, Adoniram’s WM still did his best to get the PGM to accept the gavel, he was unlucky on this occasion and it was soon handed back.
Views of the Dining Room
Usual business was dealt with, minutes read and confirmed, a ballot for joining members who were all successful in being accepted then entered the Lodge to be greeted by the WM and invited to take up their seats, Treasurers Accounts, Election of Lodge Auditors and that was it now for the main event Installation of VW Bro Rod Bennison as WM for the ensuing year.
New WM & PGM
What a great ceremony followed correct to the letter but also full of fun and heartfelt warmth from the Installing Master Geoffrey which everyone appreciated. Officers for the ensuing year were all presented and invested, then it was time for the PGM to offer his own greetings to Rod and in so doing pointed out to all present just what a great servant to Mark Masonry he has been, to Adoniram as secretary for many years and to helping the Mark Degree with any task he has been asked to do, he certainly has my own greatest respect as someone with the true spirit of Freemasonry and a gentleman. A much appreciated cheque was presented on behalf of the Mark Charities and there being no further business another great meeting was closed in due form.
 
The dining room was warm and welcoming, and once glasses were charged upwards of 120 Brethren took their seats to enjoy an excellent meal served in fine style by the very attentative staff, following on from the meal we were treated to the usual toasts and some fine speeches. All too soon it was over for another year, members from all over the Province and beyond said their goodbyes and off into the late afternoon we trooped, not raining still quite pleasant but a winters nip in the air.  Here’s to our next merry meeting, the Happy Caring Degree we all look forward to.
Austin N Fletcher. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood.  Words & Photos
Thanks to Tony Shaw for some additional photos.