Newton Mark Lodge 21/03/22
 
Monday 21st March was a bright sunny day and saw members and visitors alike assemble at Bryn Masonic Hall for the Installation meeting of Newton Lodge of Mark Master Masons No1003. Our Prov Grand Junior Warden WBro Eric Hart was representing the Provincial Grand Master at the meeting. It was nice that the Prov Grand Senior Warden WBro David Winder could also attend, along with the PGM’s Special Rep for the area WBro Martin Stokes, PPrGJW.
Alan Comber and Barry Fisher
With everyone decked out in their finery and the officers in their places it was time for the Worshipful Master, WBro Alan Comber, PPrGSD to open the meeting. With the first part of the Lodge business concluded, the DC, WBro Arthur Robinson, GJD, PrGDC announced that WBro Eric Hart and the other distinguished guests were seeking admission.
Eric Hart; Barry; Alan
When the procession was in and seated, WBro Eric Hart and the distinguished guests were welcomed to the Lodge by the Worshipful Master. Salutations were given, these included to VWBro Ian Nairn, PGJO; PAPGM who is a member of Newton Mark Lodge. Now in was time for the Installation ceremony. The WM asked WBro David Winder to occupy the Senior Wardens Chair and WBro Lucas Kelly, PAGDC to take the Junior Wardens Chair and WBro Ronald Pearson, PPrGJO to act as inner guard. With the chairs filled, WBro Arthur Robinson presented the Master elect WBro Barry Fisher, PPrGMO to the WM for the benefit of installation. WBro Alan Comber carried out a first-class ceremony and WBro Fisher was installed in fine fashion.
They all joined in
WBro Comber also presented the working tools and he later he did the address to the Master both done to the same high standard as the ceremony. The Keystone Jewel was presented by WBro Derek Gaskell, PPrGJW. A very fine address was given to the Wardens by WBro David Winder and WBro Lucas Kelly did the overseers address.   When all the officers had been appointed, WBro Eric Hart did the address to the brethren in fine style. With the ceremony over WBro Hart brought the congratulations of the PGM to WBro Barry Fisher on going into the chair of Newton Mark Lodge for the fourth time; and also, to the Installing Master WBro Alan Comber, on the fine ceremony that he had performed.
Old mates, Barry and Derek
The WM presented WBro Hart with some significant charity cheques and these were gratefully received. The lodge was then closed in due form. At the very fine festive board, (it was Bryn and you would expect nothing less). In response to his toast, WBro Eric Hart managed to cover all the parish notices and reminded the WM of the Provincial meeting at Blackpool on Thursday 5th May.
 
Eric also pointed out that there are 5700 craft masons in West Lancs who have not yet joined our wonderful order and that we each have a responsibility to try and get them, or at least some of them to come and join our friendly order. We wish WBro Barry Fisher and Newton Mark Lodge a happy and successful year.


Words and pictures Derek Gaskell