Leyland Mark Lodge No.1002, Masonic Hall, Chorley
13th January 2022 – Travelling Keystone
 
The Keystone has made its first move in 2022, back to a familiar old friend, Leyland Mark lodge No.1002.
After arriving from Westhoughton at New Temple Mark lodge no.1438 in Chorley back in December, on Wednesday 13th January it was presented by WBro Richard Higson, the WM of New Temple, to Bro Richard Elsdon, the WM of Leyland Mark lodge no.1002.
The WM & New Temple members with the WM of Leyland Mark and his Wardens
The Keystone was back in Leyland Mark lodge after being presented to Leyland Mark by the Provincial Grand Master at the Provincial meeting in April 2018 with the command to ‘get it moving again’, and then sent on its way in September of that year.  Since then it has travelled the length and breadth of the Province, from the Furness peninsular to Chorlton in Greater Manchester, Southport, Ormskirk, Liverpool, and the Flyde.
The PGM's representative WBro David Rotheram with WBro Richard Elsdon WM of Leyland Mark
WBro Higson was supported in the transfer to Leyland Mark by several New Temple members including his Senior Warden, Bro Mike Seagar, and WBros Paul Snape, Paul Renton, and Vic Norris.  Several other New Temple lodge members were booked in to attend, but alas had to withdraw at short notice as they were self-isolating because of the covid-19 virus.  WBro Higson entrusted the Keystone to WBro Elsdon with the advice to ‘get it moving’ quickly, or he would face the statutory £10 fine for a tardy transfer.
WBro Richard Higson of New Temple Mark transfers the Travelling Keystone
to WBro Richard Elsdon of Leyland Mark at the festive board

The main business of the meeting was the Installation/Proclamation of WBro Elsdon into the Chair of Adoniram.  The Proclamation was delivered in an excellent and meaningful manner by the ‘new’ DC, WBro Steve Hallam, this only being his second meeting in charge.  It is just a coincidence that WBro Hallam was the WM of New Temple when he received the Travelling Keystone from the Provincial Grand Master at Southport in 2018.  Thus, WBro Elsdon is now fully certificated as the temporary custodian of the Keystone and has the mandate to ensure its onward transmission in a timely manner.
Words by Brian Flynn and pictures Courtesy of Paul Snape