The Masonic Hall, Brookfield, Peel Terrace, Westhoughton
Installation Meetings for
Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Royal Ark Mariner Commanders. No.1646
and Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Mark Masters. No.1646
Monday 26th January 2026
 
Well, here we go again, today is different than other meeting days in so much as the Lodge names are similar but they work under two entirely different sets of ritual.
Set off early as usual confused the M60 on ramp by joining it on the other side of the High-level bridge. (sneaky) Arrived in good time, the hall was buzzing already, seeing so many of my friends always gives me a lift, I went for my usual mooch around, then it was a nice cup of coffee, organised by my Nephew, Norton who always tries to look after me.
On time at 4.30 the meeting opened, the Worshipful Commander welcomed our RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. Prov Grand Master to the proceedings and tried to hand him the Gavel but, on this occasion Keith thanked him for the offer but as he knew that the WC was eager (not really) to install his successor he politely declined the offer. In Memoriam was then given for the recently departed M.W. Bro. John Herbert Prizeman.
The meeting now progressed at a pace and following several items of housekeeping the main item on the summons took place, W.C. W.Bro. Raymond Stuart Thompson assisted by officers of the Lodge carried out an excellent Installation of W.Bro. Kieron Eamon Mullan Prov RAMGR. Worshipful Commander for the following year. He was soon into action by appointing and investing all the officers for the ensuing year ahead. Apologies and any other business items were dealt with and the Lodge was closed in due form, another excellent Royal Ark Mariner meeting was over, everyone had a quick coffee in a short break whilst the Lodge Room was set up for another Philadelphia meeting but this time it was the Mark Degree.
On time at 6pm the Mark meeting commenced and following everyone being welcomed several housekeeping items were dealt with, including the information that the Lodge had qualified for the Mark Benevolent Funds Grand Patron Jewel, a great achievement.
VW Bro. Glyn Jackson Davies was then Installed into the Chair of Adoniram by W. Bro. Andrew Wiltshire PPrJGW assisted by officers of the Lodge, Bro. Wiltshire also presented and explained the Working Tools of the degree, followed by the address to the W.M. by W.Bro. Tony Cross.
Keith then gave his personal congratulations to the newly Installed W.M. and wished him and all the Lodge members a happy and healthy year ahead, the WM then presented cheques totalling £350 for the WLMC Fund. Now it came to my favourite part of any Mark meeting, the address to all given by our very own PGM , R.W. Bro Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C.
That was it two great meetings in one afternoon, on closing everyone made their way to the dining room for the Festive Board, once they had charged their glasses they took up their allotted seats, an excellent meal was served up by the very efficient and friendly Hall Staff. On my own behalf I really enjoyed seeing and talking with so many of my longtime friends. Once the meal was concluded the usual Toasts and excellent Responses followed, (including a story from Keith) and that was it, everyone said their goodbyes with the genuine handshakes we share as Mark Masons.
The next Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge will take place at
The Winter Gardens, Church St, Blackpool, Weds April 15 at 1pm.  
 
In Memoriam
W.Bro. Douglas Holgate, (Dougie) Colin, Prov.G.I.G.
Passed 9th January 2026
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher.  PGJD.  FSE.  1173