Adoniram Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No552
 
31st March 2017
 
The animals went in two by two are the words from a song about Noah’s Ark. Adoniram Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No552 kept up the theme of doing things in twos by doing two ceremonies at their March meeting at Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street.
Ian Nairn presentes Bro Michael Mansfield-Corbett with his certificate
First the Worshipful Commander Bro Mike Winterbottom PrRAMGR opened the lodge and conducted the business of the evening. This included a ballot for to new joining members who were both approved and then there was a ballot for a new member, which was also approved. The Worshipful Commander then sailed into the ceremony of elevation.
Les Moore with Mike Winterbottom
Coming on board was Bro Bob Povall, (yes, he of Liverpool Group Chairman fame).  It was an almost faultless ceremony and the Worshipful Commander was very ably assisted by his team.  Senior Deacon Bro Chris Hamilton took Bro Povall around the lodge.  The JW Bro Ian Elsby and SW Bro Les Moore both played their part in making it a first class night; with Bro Moore giving an excellent explanation of the steps. 
Mike Winterbottom, Michael Clarke, Les Moore and Ian Nairn
At the end of ceremony there was a short calling off before the Worshipful Commander Bro Mike Winterbottom began the installation ceremony.  The Commander elect was presented by DC WBro David Emmerson RAMGR and then Bro Winterbottom carried on where he had left off and installed Bro Moore in very fine style.  With the new Commander in place he then invested his officers.
Mike Winterbottom welcomes Bob into the Ark
Bro Winterbottom did an excellent address to Bro Moore.   This was then followed by an equally excellent explanation of the degree by WBro Michael Clarke RAMGR APGM.    WBro Clarke then brought his and PGM’s congratulations to the Worshipful Commander and to Bro Winterbottom for the first class ceremonies.  Bro Moore presented the APGM with a cheque for the Charities.
 
There was still more to come when WBro Ian Nairn RAMGR APGM presented Bro Michael Mansfield-Corbett with his Grand Lodge certificate.  
 
All the excitement of the evening was followed by a very enjoyable festive board.  Adoniram RAM Lodge No552 is thriving and we wish the new Worshipful Commander and the lodge a good year.
Words and picture by Derek Gaskell.