Prescot Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.903. 36, Park Road, Prescot, Merseyside.
 
Installation Meeting Monday 29th February 2016
 
Not quite as early a start needed today it looked quite straightforward on the maps but still off we go, turned Snoopy on, turned Tom on who immediately decided to turn off again, I’m seriously thinking it could be time for Toms retirement, what with this and telling me to go round roundabouts that don’t exist, taking me to motorways that are closed and generally having fun at my expense. Ah well on we go traffic surprisingly light and after a telling off I was directed straight to the car park opposite the hall, wonders will never cease.
WM’s Chair
Dining Room Ready
Lounge & Bar
It was pouring down, freezing cold, grey and overcast I found the parking ticket machine and for once I had change only £1.20 a bargain. I crossed the busy road and down a small passageway I spied  what appeared to be a small building squashed between other buildings on getting closer above  double doors was a smart sign reading Prescot Masonic Hall, now this was one of those moments when you talk to yourself and I’m sure I said, emm very interesting.
The Hall
The WM with the Grand Chains
The WM with the Prov Wardens
Once inside and out of the foul weather I soon realised this was yet another Masonic Hidden Gem, on going through a second set of double doors and in to a passage I found on the left was a roomy lounge with a nice bar at one end, next on the left was the very well appointed Lodge Room all laid out for the Mark meeting on through an anti room and you walk in to the dining room with one wall of windows looking out on to a garden area (not for visiting this evening) this room was dressed and  all prepared for the Social board.
The WM with the Installing Master
The PGM Chats to Steve Walls
Lots of welcoming handshakes and greetings as is usual from Friends old and new, seventy plus Brethren from all over West Lancashire and beyond had gathered for this special evening and following the usual practise sessions under the guidance of W.Bro. Dave Emmerson Prov. DC  the Lodge was opened in due form on time at 6pm by the Acting W.M. W.Bro. Jeff Paton due to the illness of the W.M. Bro. C.M.Jervis.   
The Parade into the Festive Board
The WM & PGM Toast
After a short period of housekeeping R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore Prov. G.M. entered the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was given a hearty welcome and offered the gavel which on this occasion he accepted. Salutations followed in recognition of the PGM and the other high ranking officers present, then it was time for the PGM to give his usual introduction to the Lodge of the Grand Officers present and all the members of his Provincial Team.  On handing back the Gavel Bro. Leslie Frank Norton was Installed as W.M. in an outstanding Ceremony lead by  W.Bro. Jeff Paton, the DC James E Weaver and the rest of the Lodge Officers, the Tools of the Degree were presented and explained by Bro. Paton also the Address to the new WM, address to the Wardens delivered by the Prov. SW, address to the Overseers by the Prov. JW and as always the address to all the Brethren was delivered by the PGM, W.Bro. Norman Stringfellow one of the Lodge stalwarts gave an outstanding performance in presenting and explaining the Keystone Jewel to the newly Installed WM. One office of note Almoner in the Lodge for the coming year was that of VW Bro. Michael J Clarke, Asst. Prov. GM.
Festive Board
Provincial Senior and Junior Wardens
Following the Installation Ceremony it came to light that there were two Grand Lodge Certificates for presentation, the WM asked if the PGM could do the honours, in his wisdom he handed the duty to his Deputy PGM W.Bro. Geoffrey Lee PGJD and so as not to outdone he passed the task on to Asst. PGM. VW Bro Michael Clarke, PGJO, and that’s where it stayed, he gave an excellent explanation to the new Master Masons and received suitable applause.
The Mark and RAM Shop run by Chris Walls
Before retiring from the Lodge the PGM was presented with a cheque for £300 for the West Lancs Freemasons Charity, he thanked all the Lodge members for their generosity and said that the donation would be faithfully applied. The PGM was now escorted by Grand Officers and all his Provincial Team from the Lodge to the strains of a great marching tune played by the Provincial Grand Organist W.Bro. Shaun Heynes.
Prov MO Keiron Mullen  & Phil Lyons
Soon after the meeting the Brethren having been to the bar to avail themselves of some liquid refreshment gathered in the dining room which was very well presented and inviting to enjoy what was an excellent meal served up by very efficient and attentative staff.  The usual Toasts and speeches were enjoyed by all including some extra work from the Prov. JW who was requested to give a resume of future happenings in the Province, the only problem he encountered was that somebody had kindly torn up his notes!! After all it is the Friendly Degree....
The PGM responds
Another great night was over, why do we all enjoy this Degree so much you need to find out talk to somebody in your own hall who will enlighten you or contact the Provincial Office who will only be too delighted to put you in touch with the Special Representative for your own area.
Flowers for June Sir
As a footnote on Monday last I had one of those days when everything went wrong that could go wrong, as it happened it was my own Mark Lodge Night, an Advancement was taking place, how that lifted me up was amazing, the work in the Lodge, the Festive Board what a great night you could feel that we didn’t want it to end, but sadly all good things do have to come to an end and besides as Chairman I had to lock up.
 

Mark Master Masons, The True Spirit of Masonry, The Friendly Degree.
Mark Well
Austin N.Fletcher. PGJO.  

Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Lodge of MMM.  No. 1173.