Ormskirk Priory R.A.M. Lodge 1019
 
The festive season really gets underway with Ormskirk Priory R.A.M. Lodge 1019 December meeting and this year was no exception.
The Street scene
With Ormskirk Town resplendent with its Christmas lights, members and guests arrived at the Masonic Hall on the 12th, for the R.A.M meeting followed by the tradition meal and carol singing. VWBro Fred Hargreaves as always arrived early to the meeting to decorate the dining tables to enhance the festive mood of the evening.
The Tables are set
The Worshipful Commander WBro Paul Carr opened the meeting and after approving the minutes sailed through a demonstration of a Ceremony of Elevation. He was ably assisted by the Senior Warden, Bro Neil Cooper; Junior Warden, Bro Colin Shannon and Senior Deacon, Bro Stuart Cunningham.
Maurice Evans & Andrew Cunningham
Stuart’s son Andrew acted as the candidate. The signs where explained by WBro Derek Gaskell; the explanation of the Working Tools was given by WBro John Rawcliffe and WBro David Rawcliffe gave the explanation of the steps. During the rising VWBro Maurice Evans the PGM’s Special Rep presented Bro Andrew Cunningham with his Grand Lodge certificate.
Maurice & Paul Carr
There was also a proposition for two new members who will be elevated at the February meeting. With the Lodge closed, it was time to drop anchor and disembark and retire for the festive board. An excellent meal was had by all. It is a tradition of Ormskirk Priory R.A.M. Lodge 1019 that the proceeds of the Christmas raffle go to a local charity and so a very generous donation from the night will go to the designated charity.
David & John Rawcliffe
For the carol singing this year we had an organist, but unfortunately there wasn’t a working organ down stairs for him to play! This did not stop the enthusiastic singing of those present. WBro Paul Carr thanked VWBro Fred for all his hard work throughout the year and for setting out the table decorations.
Top Table
A date to put on the new calendar and into the new diary is the Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly to be held on Tuesday, 16th Sept 2025. The Assembly will be held at the new venue of Brookfield Masonic Hall, Peel St., Westhoughton. Ormskirk Priory R.A.M. wish everyone all the very best for Christmas and the New Year.
 
Words and pictures Derek Gaskell