"RESPECT " |
Earlier this year I was privileged to attend the funeral of WBro Keith J Lyon, a former chairman of St Helen's & Prescot Group. |
There had not been much contact between he and I for a number of years - - - but he had been an enthusiastic organiser for the Mark 2000 Festival, with which I was much involved. Keith was a very patriotic man , his hero was Winston Churchill books on whom and memorabilia filled his study! |
He had been head chorister and on PCC of St Mary's Church Prescot. |
The organ played Rule Brittania as the cortege left the Church. |
The WL Mark Charity Fund kindly agreed to an experiment at our AGM , that we might on occasion make a donation in memory of a brother - - - to a Registered charity nominated at the service. Thanks to John Sarti and Maurice Evans, I was able to send £100 (payable to Dementia Care UK) to Keith's widow Barbara. |
Today I received a long 'phone call from Barbara - - - expressing her and her family's appreciation and delight for the Mark's charitable gesture. |
In particular she mentioned their surprise and gratitude for the number of Masonic people , who filled the Church . - - - so if you are wondering whether or not to attend a funeral in future - - -GO! |
More recently I also attended the funeral of VW Bro Peter Owen, the Mark Special Rep for Garston area for 13 years. A more enthusiastic Mark man it would be difficult to imagine, and 60 years in the Craft. He gave unstinting service to Huyton URChurch. |
Thanks gain to John Sarti &Maurice Evans I was able to present a WL Mark Charity Fund cheque (to the British Heart Foundation) publically at the funeral ' Tea '. There were plenty of people there, and your donation was greeted with applause. |
Again the family were appreciative - - - and for the support of Brethren at the funeral. I was delighted that having been to two funerals last year where freemasonry was very specifically not mentioned, both the above were acknowledged in the Church services for their Masonic enthusiasm. |
Peter Connolly |