Open Road Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.2065 (Lincolnshire)
 
Some months ago  WBro. Iain Wilson mentioned to me that he was to be a Founder of a Lodge in Lincolnshire, where he now resides, and would I like to attend the Consecration. Time went by and Iain used to call in, on his visits to New Temple Mark, the Bikers Chapter and to visit a friend who owned the local garage. The date was fixed, and being totally new to that area, an executive decision was made “to make a weekend of it.”
West Lancs visitors Bro. John Upshon, WBro's John Askew ProvAGDC.,
Colin Mills PGJD. with Iain Wilson (Host)
I arrived at the Louth Masonic Centre at 10.00 a.m. on Saturday August 2nd 2025 to find the car park full, and cars parked down the road. The Masonic Centre is situated on an Industrial Estate and the roads were quiet. I then met up with Iain, and two more West Lancashire Mark Masons, and past members of the Motorcycle Group, namely Bro. James Upshon and WBro. John  Askew ProvAGDC. We robed in a very busy anti-room and took our seats in the very nicely appointed Lodge Room, our West Lancashire Mark ties prompting a good deal of attention, from the “locals” a few of whom hailed from West Lancashire.
Door to the Centre
The Ceremony of Consecration commenced at 11.00a.m. with the Acting Provincial officers escorting the Provincial Grand Master RWBro. Stephen C. Hallberg in procession into the Lodge room. The Consecrating Officer, the Provincial Grand Master, then appointed his Assisting Officers, after which he addressed the Brethren on the object of the meeting, informing them that it had been some fifteen years since the last Consecration in the Province.
The Lodge Room prepared
After the Opening Prayer, the Consecration then took place, commencing with the Petitioners being arranged in the East and the Warrant of the Lodge being read by the Provincial Grand Secretary. The Deputy Provincial Grand Chaplain delivered an Oration, due to the author being unable to attend. Following the Invocation, the Lodge Board was uncovered, and the Consecrating Team did three circuits of the Board scattering corn, the emblem of abundance and plenty, on the second circuit they poured wine, the emblem of joy and gladness and on the third circuit they sprinkled oil the emblem of peace and harmony. The Petitioners were then arranged in order around the lodge Board and the Consecrating officers did the fourth circuit strewing salt the emblem of fidelity, hospitality and everlasting friendship. The Consecrating Officer then dedicated the lodge, followed by its Consecration. There then followed the Patriarchal Benediction.
Vessels of Consecration
Once the Consecration was completed, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master VWBro. Stephen Roberts PGJO was invited to be the Installing Officer. The Master Designate was presented and Installed, proclaimed and entrusted with the Warrant of the Lodge. The Appointment and Investiture of the First Officers of the Lodge, then ensued. The Lodge By-Laws were then approved. The Election of the Consecrating Officer and his Assisting Officers as Honorary Members then took place. The Provincial Grand Master and his acting Provincial Grand Lodge Officers then retired in procession. The usual Lodge business was dealt with the Lodge being closed in due form at approximately 12.30p.m.
Warrant of Consecration
A very welcome cool beverage was had, and we sat down to a well-appointed Festive Board, consisting of Egg Mayonnaise, followed by a main course of Three Meat Salad with new potatoes and a dessert of Strawberries with meringue.
Rolls Royce
In proposing the Toast to the Provincial Grand Master, the Worshipful  Master, WBro. P.W. Spicksley PAGSW’dB explained how the Lodge was named. As the Lodge is a “special interest” one of the founders had made the gavels out of wood in the shape of a piston, the worshipful Master said that he had sought the advice of the PGM (tongue in cheek) on calling the Lodge the “Piston and Happy Lodge” to which his request was turned down. Following the Tyler’s Toast, we said our farewells to our dining neighbours and went outside to see the collection of cars being driven away by their proud owners.
Ford Zephyr
I was lucky enough to get a lift back to the Country Park where we were staying, and the other two Brethren made their way back to their respective accommodation.
Members car ready for off
There are some “official” photographs in the August edition of “freemasonry@86 News 08” I have attached some photographs taken by myself and John Askew.
 
Words by WBro. C. Mills PGJD & outside photographs
Other Photographs curtesy of WBro. J. Askew ProvAGDC