Furness Mark Installation
 
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Giles Berkley made his way to the top of the Province of West Lancashire for the installation meeting of Furness Mark Lodge No 36 held at Barrow in Furness Masonic Hall.
Giles was able to witness John Parrott install Peter Schofield in what he was later to describe as “exemplary fashion.”
Giles Berkley, Peter Schofield and John Parrott
It is only proper to observe that Peter was making the leap from junior warden to the chair following the untimely passing of senior warden John Houlding just before the turn of the year. A popular and committed Mason John was fondly remembered and in our thoughts on the day.
I must here declare an interest for as well as being your northern correspondent I am also the director of ceremonies of the lodge. Any comments which follow regarding the quality of the ceremony were made by visiting onlookers.
Steve Renney and John Reed being tempted by Christine’s carrot cake
The occasion started in good style with caterers Christine and Terry having baked some excellent cakes to accompany the tea and coffee which welcomed those arriving for this important annual event. Opinions varied on whether it was the walnut cake, chocolate cake, ginger bread or indeed one of the other selections which proved the most enjoyable. It was pleasing to see, rather in the manner of finely tuned athletes ingesting their calories before the rigours of competition, that many took up this opportunity to ensure their carbohydrate and sugar levels were topped up to sufficient a level as to enable them get through the privations of the ceremony which lay ahead!
Front row, Bill Glassey, Neil Brown, Stuart Brackstone, Giles Berkley, Alan Jones and John Myers,
Back row Tony Farrar, Russ Greenhow, Geoff Bury, Paul Dixon, Rowly Saunders and Ken Boon
The formal entrance of Giles into the lodge was under the supervision of Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies Ken Boon who was assisted by Assistant Provincial D.Cs. Tony Farrar and Neil Brown.
Also adding lustre to the procession were special representative Stuart Brackstone and fellow grand officers Alan Jones, Geoff Bury, Rowly Saunders, Russ Greenhow and Paul Dixon who hails from the neighbouring province of Cumberland and Westmorland. Bill Glassey and John Myers undertook the role of provincial deacons.
There were other grand officers in attendance. Brain Davey acted as senior warden and so was absent from the procession. Likewise Bill Joughin in his role as assistant director of ceremonies had been delegated to act in place of the D.C. during the opening and closing of the lodge to allow the D.C. (that’s me) to process into the lodge in his capacity as Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.
Following the introduction of Giles and the usual salutations the main business of installing Peter as Master was announced.
Seated are John Parrott, SW Graham Benson, Peter Schofield and JW Darren Stainton
accompanied by officers of the lodge
After thanking his officers John asked Brian to remain as installing senior warden, Bill Joughin acted as installing junior warden and, as has become a tradition of the lodge, John Myers took over as Master Overseer. Paul Rose MBE the WM of Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375 took on the responsibilities of inner guard.
I presented Peter for installation and then simply watched on with great pride and pleasure as John went about the duty of installation in as good a manner as you are ever likely to witness.
Following the inner workings 15 Brethren of the lodge were admitted with one remaining outside as Tyler. It was tremendous to see so many junior Brethren form up in the north for the perambulations and greetings.
Others too played their part in what was a fine display of Masonic ritual. Keiron Mullan presented the keystone jewel, Bill Glassey delivered the address to the wardens and Bill Joughin that to the overseers. Giles was called upon to sing for his supper and orated the address to the Brethren. Their work met the very high standard set by John and added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening. It was my great pleasure to chip in with the address to the newly installed master.
Given that so many had re-entered the room after the inner workings it will come as no surprise that when the officers were appointed and invested all of the progressive positions were filled by Brethren who have not yet ascended to the chair of a Mark lodge. Those who were reappointed simply rose and gave a court bow in acknowledgement, a process which seemed to go down quite well.
Lodge stalwarts Bill Joughin and Brian Davey
Peter took the opportunity to thank Bill Joughin who was stepping down as A.D.C. for his many years of service to Furness Mark Lodge in the capacity of D.C. and A.D.C. It is not the last we will see of Bill as, rather than retire to the hospitality box on the right of the WM, he is simply going to take a place on the substitute’s bench and be on standby to fill in for any absent officers. Every lodge needs such enthusiastic members.
To mark the occasion Peter presented Giles with a cheque for £360 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity. During the risings there was a proposition for a new member so Peter will be guaranteed some work during his term of office. As the very popular and hardworking chairman of the Furness and South Lakeland group of lodges and chapters the new Master already has many Masonic commitments but the members can be sure that he will nonetheless find the time to discharge his duties to Furness Mark Lodge.
Greetings on behalf of all the visitors were given by Paul Broadley the newly installed WM of Imperial Mark Lodge.
Gary Rogerson, Giles Berkley and Alan Pattinson.
Following the formalities of the lodge room 61 members and their guests enjoyed a superb four course meal in the Fairfield Suite. The chicken in mushroom sauce being particular well received.
There were three Brethren present who are not yet members of our order, one of whom was Gary Rogerson who is Peter’s vice chairman with group secretary Alan Pattinson being one of the others. It cannot be just coincidence that later in the evening the Secretary received a trio of requests for membership forms.
During his response to the toast to the health of the grand officers Giles commented on the excellent work of John Parrott and the rude health of the lodge. He also made mention of the RAM degree. His words must have had some effect because there was a resultant enquiry for a membership form for that degree as well.
The collection in the lodge room and a raffle at the installation banquet raised approximately £575 for charity.
So ended an afternoon and evening of genial companionship, excellent ritual and good food. Our Provincial Grand Master always urges us to enjoy our Mark Masonry – at Furness Mark Lodge we do that in spades as this meeting bore witness to.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear