Southport Mark Lodge Installation |
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| I have to say, I really like going to Southport Mark Lodges, and Southport Lodge itself is no exception - the welcome I received from the very first moment was first class! This was a very special event for the Lodge, but also for me, as I was representing the Provincial Grand Master at this Installation ceremony. As such, I had to be on my best behaviour, and try to get my words right. I was accepted into the hall with open arms, and as I lined up with the Grand Officers outside the Lodge, we could hear laughter and enjoyment from within the Lodge itself. Always a great sign of a Lodge enjoying itself. |
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| David Karsa, John Mawdesley, Giles Berkley, | Colin Ryan greets Giles at the door |
Brian Molyneux & Maurice Evans |
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| The ceremony proceeded in a very dignified manner, with DC Chris Hamilton steering Brian Povey expertly through the business and ritual of installing his successor in fine style. Chris Hamilton did the Tools, Maurice Evans addressed the WM, David Karsa the Wardens, Neil Latham the Overseers, and I had the honour to address the Brethren. I must say we all did brilliantly! | |
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Giles, WM Colin Jenkins & Special Rep Brian |
Giles, WM, Brian Molyneux & IPM Brian Povey |
| Brian Molyneux, as Special Rep for the area, explained a Grand Lodge certificate in fine style for Bro Martin Lockyear, who has been a member for just 3 months. However, it was discovered that there was a small error on the certificate, so Brian gently suggested that Martin may wish to join Freshfield Mark instead, an idea which did not meet with universal approval, but much laughter. | |
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| Martin Lockyear, 3 months in the Mark Degree, | W Bro Vincent Larvan PPrGSD,
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| soon to be PrJGW in Craft |
54 years in the Mark Degree! |
| The great atmosphere continued in the festive board, where Maurice Evans, who was the proposer of the new WM, reminded me that Colin has served all the offices up to the Chair, and that the Lodge had all light blues up to the Chair - a great achievement! In my response after dinner I mentioned the success of the Lodge, opened in 1894, when Coke was first sold in bottles, Manchester City was formed, motion pictures were patented, and the first music video was shot. Nothing is new brethren..... | |
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Chris Hamilton did a great job as Lodge DC |
David Karsa organised a superb raffle |
| Neil Latham is to be PrGSD in May at Southport, but is also the next Treasurer for the Craft Province of West Lancs, and the Royal Arch. A busy man indeed, as well as doing a great job as secretary of Southport Mark Lodge. Colin Jenkins, as well as WM of Southport Lodge, is to be the next Group Chairman of the Southport Craft Group, and Martin Lockyear is to be the next PrJGW in Craft. All these brethren received a very warm round of applause for serving Masonry so well, in this talented Lodge. | |
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John Mawdesley & Brian Molyneux
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Paul Renton, IPM of New Temple Mark,
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sang their hearts out |
invited by the WM |
| Having given away £700 to charity, the Lodge then raised another £160 from a raffle, organised brilliantly by David Karsa. Vincent Larvan is a long-serving member of the Lodge, with 60 years in the Craft, 58 in the Royal Arch, and 54 in Mark. He enjoyed the evening with friends, especially Eric Morris who is organising his pictures for his 60th. |
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| Brian Povey proposed a lovely toast to Colin Jenkins, who responded after Brian Molyneux and John Mawdesley treated us to a wonderful duet to honour the WM, accompanied by Malcolm McCarthy on the piano. | |
| We all left the Southport Lodge feeling elated at having witnessed such a great Installation ceremony, and a wonderful festive board. | |
| Pictures and story by Giles Berkley Prov.GSW | |
