The Furness Installation
 
The number 72 holds deep symbolic significance in various ancient and religious traditions frequently representing the divine order of things. For example, Confucious is said to have had 72 disciples and in the royal arch ceremony of exaltation we hear of the 72 elders. The interior angles of a pentagram, the five-pointed star, sometimes seen in masonry add up to 72 degrees. It is thought to be widely linked to the procession of the equinox as it takes 72 years for the sun to move one degree through the zodiac.
Geoff Bury, Alan Hilton and Tony Cassells
On this occasion however it takes on a different meaning as it represents the magnificent turn-out of 72 Mark Master Masons at Barrow in Furness Masonic Hall for The Furness Mark Lodge No 36 installation meeting.
Geoff Bury with some of the “junior” members
There were representatives from all the groups around Morecambe Bay namely, Jubilee, Garnett, Morecambe and Scorton as well as members from Duddon Mark Lodge based at Millom in Cumberland and Westmorland. However, what was particularly impressive were the 18 “junior” members of The Furness who assembled in the north following the inner workings.
David Rigby, Les Newlands, Tony Thackrah, Geoff Bury, Neil McGill, Frank Heath and Tony Farrar.
They were all present to witness outgoing WM Tony Cassells install Alan Hilton as his successor.
Principal guest on the evening was APGM Geoff Bury who was under the watchful eyes of David Rigby and Tony Farrar from the provincial director of ceremonies team. Other acting provincial officers in the persons of Tony Thackrah, Neil McGill, Les Newlands and Frank Heath added further gravitas to the occasion.
Geoff Bury and Alan Hilton
Tony has had a busy year with five candidates being advanced into the lodge. It was gratifying to see them all present.
The work of Tony was undertaken in a pleasing and sincere manner which was appreciated by all present.
Geoff Waters was called upon to address the wardens as to their duties whilst Bill Joughin undertook the same task in respect of the overseers. Both pieces of work were accurate and well delivered.
Elliot Haughian, David Grove, Darren Stainton, Brian Davey, Steve McKellar and John Browne.
Geoff Bury was made to sing for his supper and orate the address to the brethren which he did in fine style. He also took to the floor again to explain the certificates from Grand Mark Lodge presented to Elliot Haughian, Nick Collinge and Tony Jackson by Alan in what was one of his first duties as the newly installed WM.
Standing Mike Cosgrove, John McArthur, Tony Jackson and Ian Cottam,
Seated David Smith, Geoff Waters, Paul Johnson, Terry Pearson and Gary Mansfield
Amongst the charitable donations high-lighted on the night was one of £400 to Roose Infants and Junior School for the purchase of track suits for the net-ball teams.
All the progressive offices in the team appointed and invested by Alan consisted of brethren who have yet to ascend to the chair of the lodge. Indeed, secretary Ron Hiseman and treasurer David Shaw can also be included in this category.
Bill Joughin, Rowly Saunders, Peter Scholfield and Gary Rogerson
Ron took over on the evening from lodge stalwart Kieron Mullan who has wielded the secretary’s quill with distinction. When Kieron was thanked for his services the announcement was greeted with spontaneous loud and prolonged acclamation.
In his working life Alan was a production manager on boats, submarines, at the local shipyard. He should therefore have transferable skills to be able to ensure his year in office is well run and focused. With a well-qualified leader and enthusiastic new team, The Furness Mark Lodge can look forward to the new 12 months with confidence.
Peter Robinson, Graham Dowling, Neal Atkinson and Neil McGill
The meal following the ceremony was steak pie followed by, as is a tradition on installation night, rice pudding with jam. It went down well.
The full dining room ensured there was an excellent atmosphere with plenty of laughs and talk at the tables.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear