A double for Christmas at Ormskirk Priory R.A.M.
 
The Christmas street lighting around Ormskirk Masonic Hall was a welcoming sight to those members and visitors attending Ormskirk Priory R.A.M Lodge, No 1019, December meeting on Thursday 11th.
Ormskirk by night
The highlight of the evening would be the Christmas dinner followed by the carol singing, but before that there was the matter of a double elevation ceremony. The Commander, WBro Neil Cooper opened the lodge and sailed through the summons up to the elevation ceremony.
Fred's table settings
WBro Cooper then invited WBro Derek Gaskell to take the commanders chair to conduct the elevation ceremony for Bros, Lee Need, a member of   Ormskirk Priory Mark Lodge and John Karran a member of Lathom Mark Lodge. WBro Gaskell cast off and the ceremony was underway.
Southport supporters
Derek was ably assisted by the two deacons, Bros Tony Prior and Jason Hengler. Junior Warden, Stuart Cunningham and acting Senior Warden, WBro Ian Kennedy who at short notice gave an excellent explanation of the steps. WBro John Rawcliffe gave a very fine explanation of the Working Tools and WBro Derek Gaskell gave the explanation of the signs.
Lee, Neil, John and Derek
With the ceremony over WBro Neil Cooper welcomed Lee and John into Ormskirk Priory R.A.M and WBro Roy Hedges, the PGM’s Special Rep for the Ormskirk and Southport Mark Lodges welcomed them both into the degree. With the candidates now safely on board, WBro Neil Cooper once again took the helm and navigated the lodge through the rest of the summons.
Tony, Fred, Roy, Lee, Neil and John with Jason
With Lodge closed in due form it; was time to dine. A very fine Christmas dinner was enjoyed by all. It is tradition at the December meeting that the charity money raised on the night goes to a non-Masonic charity and this year was no exception.
Everyone
During the festive board thanks were given to WBro Fred Hargreaves the Lodge Scribe for all the hard work he puts in for the Lodge and especially for the December meeting when he arrives extra early to dress the dining tables to give it that Christmas atmosphere. Fred also supplies the Carol sheets and leads the singing. This is besides running the raffle. This toast was given resounding applause.
Roy and Neil 
We wish John and Lee many happy years as members of Ormskirk Priory R.A.M. All the members of Ormskirk Priory R.A.M and their visitors send everyone Festive Greetings.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell and pictures by Roy Hedges