New Commander for Ormskirk Priory, R.A.M.
 
Ormskirk Priory Royal Ark Mariners Lodge, No 1019 held their Installation meeting on 9th October at Ormskirk Masonic Hall. 
Maurice Evans with Steve Williams
Representing the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master was WBro Maurice Evans.  Unfortunately during the closed season WBro Paul Carr the Worshipful Commander of Ormskirk Priory Royal Ark Mariners Lodge had been taken seriously ill and is still in hospital and so WBro Derek Gaskell took the Commander’s Chair for the meeting. 
Maurice Evans, Steve Williams and Neil Cooper
Once the Lodge was opened there was an In Memoriam for WBro Ivan Hicks who had passed to higher service on 11/05/2025.  Ivan had been the Commander of the Lodge in 2019 and 2020.  The members stood in respect of departed merit.
 
It was then back to the summons which included a Ballot for a new member, which proved successful.  The next item was for the DC, WBro David Rawcliffe to present the Commander elect Bro Neil Cooper for Installation.  When WBro Neil Cooper had been proclaimed, he appointed his offices for the ensuing year.  Then WBro Fred Hargreaves presented the Keystone Jewel address to the Commander.
Maurice Evans and Neil Cooper
WBro Derek Gaskell gave the address to the Commander and WBro Maurice Evans delivered the Exposition to the brethren to his usual high standard.   When the ceremony was over, WBro Maurice Evans brought the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master to WBro Neil Cooper on taking the Commander’s Chair, and thanked, WBro Derek Gaskell for the ceremony.
Maurice Evans with Neil Cooper and Derek Gaskell 
During the risings WBro Maurice presented Bro Steve Williams with his Grand Lodge Certificate.  With the meeting closed it was time for a very fine festive board.  We wish WBro Neil Cooper a happy year and we know that he will have at least one ceremony to do in December.  The best wishes of the Lodge go to WBro Paul Carr and we hope to see him at the Christmas meeting in December.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell