Gary’s in Command at Flixton |
| W Bro Giles Frederick Berkley RAMGR, Assistant Provincial Grand Master was the principal guest at the Installation of Gary Fisher into the Commander’s Chair of Flixton Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, No 1173, on Thursday 9th May 2019. Being chauffeured by my good friend and fellow Prov AGDC, W Bro Ray Pye was a bonus as it allowed me to chill a little bit before thinking about installing my successor Gary into the Commander’s Chair. |
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The Lodge room is set up |
| We arrived at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Westhoughton somewhat quicker than anticipated as the traffic was light so were the first to arrive, followed not long afterwards by Giles who had also set out early to avoid traffic. Members and guests arrived in a steady stream over the next hour or so and soon it was time for the Lodge to be opened and the Installation ceremony to begin. |
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The WC’s pedestal and Officers collars |
| Being the Worshipful Commander, I put on my best confident voice and proceeded to open the Lodge. Once this was done it gave me the greatest of pleasure to formally welcome the Assistant Provincial Grand Master to the Lodge and offer him the sceptre. Unfortunately he graciously declined to keep it and so with the general business of the Lodge completed it was time for the Installation ceremony. |
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Terry congratulates the newly Installed Worshipful Commander Gary |
| W Bro Brian Sharples Prov RAMGR presented Bro Gary and the usual questions were asked and answered. Brethren below the rank of an Installed Commander were asked to withdraw and Bro Gary Fisher was installed into the Commander’s Chair. I hope I did justice to what is a beautiful and thought provoking ceremony, one of the nicest Installation ceremonies of all the orders and degrees in Masonry. |
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Giles welcomes Gary as the newest Commander
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| So if you are a Mark Mason who is not yet a member of this colourful, friendly and inspiring degree, get in touch with the Royal Ark Mariner Ambassador in your Lodge who will be delighted to talk to you and give you further information. |
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Martin Stokes (Special Representative) with Giles showing off the new Pop-Up publicity stand |
| Two candidates were proposed for membership so the new Commander, Gary will have a busy but enjoyable year. The Lodge business being finished the brethren retired to the Festive Board where 27 members and guests enjoyed an excellent meal served in a very professional manner by the staff at Brookfield, one of the nicest Masonic Halls in the Province. The professionalism and friendly atmosphere at the Festive Board was ensured by the two Provincial ADC’s Ray Pye and Tony Farrar, who kept things moving in their usual efficient manner. |
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Ray Pye and Tony Farrar keeping us in order |
| The evening came to a close with the Warder’s toast and so it was with a touch of sadness that my year as Worshipful Commander of Flixton Lodge was at an end. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the Lodge as Commander and one that I will never forget. |
| Words and pictures by Terry Dickinson |
