Advancement in Queensway Lodge 3 May 2019 |
| The regular meeting of Queensway Mark Lodge took place at Prescot Masonic Hall on 3 May 2019; although ‘regular’ is something of a misnomer as the lodge only meets twice a year so each meeting is something special. |
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WBro Eric Poole ProvGSD, Bro Iain Wilson, WBro Shaun Higson PGJD, |
WBro David Richards PGStdB, WBro John Askew WM, Bro Carl Farber, WBro Graham Runacus, |
| WBro Andrew Bibby PProvDepGSwdB, WBro David Rigby ProvGSW, |
WBro William Bruce ProvDepGSwdB |
| The lodge was honoured by a number of distinguished guests, including three acting officers of the Province who had received their appointments at Southport on the preceding Wednesday: WBro David Rigby ProvGSW, WBro Eric Poole ProvGSD, and WBro Bill Bruce ProvDepGSwdB. The lodge also enjoyed the company of two grand officers in the form of WBro Shaun Higson PGJD and WBro David Richards PGStdB, the lodge Secretary. |
| The lodge was opened by the WM WBro John Askew, with the first business being to remember VWBro Walter Owen Balmer PGJO. Walter was a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the lodge and occupied a number of high offices in the Mark Degree, including an appointment as Deputy Grand Chaplain. |
| After the assembled brethren had stood in respect of departed merit, the remaining domestic business was swiftly dispensed with. The WM then moved on to the main business of the meeting, to ballot for and, if successful, Advance Bro Carl Farber. The ballot proving successful, Bro Farber was admitted and Advanced to the honourable degree of a Mark Master Mason in a most enjoyable ceremony, including a father and son double act with WBro David Richards as Senior Deacon and Bro Martin Richards as Junior Deacon. |
| Following the conclusion of business in the lodge the brethren retired from labour to refreshment, including an excellent festive board provided by WBro Peter Barker who, as well as being the caterer for Prescot Masonic Hall, is also the WM of St George Lodge 553 meeting at Garston. In responding to the toast to his health Bro Farber expressed his pleasure at being brought into the Mark Degree and for an enjoyable evening amongst brethren and friends. This sentiment was echoed by the visitors to the lodge, who shortly thereafter departed for their own homes and firesides following an excellent evening of Mark Masonry. |
| Words and pictures by John Askew |
