West Lancs No. 65
 
4th September 2013
 
A new member, Bro John Smith was advanced into West Lancs Lodge of MMM on Wednesday last. (4th September), If you think you recognise  him he was on our report for the new Hope St WW2 memorial, which he made, engraved, polished and mounted.
 
John is 'Crosby Memorials' and being a stone mason he already has his own mark, re-presented in part of the ceremony. This necessitated an interesting variation in the ritual. (Not for the first time in our province: Bro A Baker of Southport Mark.lodge is an operative mason at Liverpool Cathedral).
 
W Bro Chris Walls, Prov G Stwd, who acted as
Bro Brian O'Hare JD, PGM and Bro Mark Lawrence IG,
Chaplain, the PGM and cand: Bro John Smith
both of whom were advanced on the same night, 
 
a year ago.
 
The WM Bro David Southward did all of the ceremony. The PGM did the welcome "In conclusion" and as SD of the Lodge conducted Bro John Smith in the Lodge. The Lodge was also delighted to welcome W Bro Robert Evans PPr GMO (Ches) as a joining member. He hails from Bangor on Dee, where his house overlooks an interesting race course. W. Bro Robert acted as JO so he earned his first night's wages !!!
 
W.Bro  Michael Winterbottom PAGDC acted as MO, W Bro Steve Walls PPrGJW acted as SO and W Bro Chris Walls Prov G Stwd as Chaplain. The WM was also pleased to welcome W Bro Jimmy Kontzle as a guest. Bro Paul Green saw his first ceremony, as did our welcome visitor, a new advancee from Tuscan Mark.
 
The PGM's Special Rep. for Liverpool,  W. Bro Michael Winterbottom reminded everyone of this Lodge's Sesqicentenary, (the first in the province). The lodge will be honoured by a visit from the Pro Grand Master on Wed March 5th 2014, to help us celebrate. The Secretary advised that he already had bookings for 90!
 
The PGM concluded his response with one of his stories that merit a groan rather than applause. Never the less everyone enjoyed the evening!
 
 

Article and photographs courtesy of Peter Connolly