Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Royal Ark Mariners. No.1646. 4pm
Installation Monday 27th Jan 2025
Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Mark Masters. No. 1646
Installation Monday 27th January 2025. 6pm
Westhoughton Masonic Hall (Brookfield) Peel Terrace, Bolton
This time it’s a Double Team visit, now that is a rare occurrence, set off early as usual, up the on ramp for the M60 without any hold up, yes no hold up !  Once I got on top of the high level bridge there it was spread out before me, still not too bad, made it to the M61 in 15 minutes then it was pretty clear all the way to junction 5, came off there, another 10 minutes and I was parked up at the hall. Once inside went upstairs to the Regalia/Robing room to find lots of happy smiling faces, and hello’s, nice to see you, how are you and your family keeping as is usual with these two Wonderful Degrees.
Went for a mooch around as usual, the Lodge room was already set up for the Royal Ark Mariner meeting, the Worshipful Commander was at his pedestal running through his lines to Install the incoming W.C. The meeting commenced on time at 4pm and following some housekeeping items, the first of which was to read the Dispensation allowing the meeting to take place at Westhoughton instead of Preston, the minutes from the last meeting, a financial report and approval of the annual accounts ending 31st December 2024.
Once those items were completed the R.W. Provincial Grand Master Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore RAMGR. R.A.M.C.  entered the meeting accompanied by Grand officers and Provincial Grand Lodge officers. The Worshipful Commander greeted him on behalf of everyone present, he was offered the gavel but on this occasion, he declined the offer as he felt that most of those present were well acquainted with the members of the Team.
A call was made for all below the rank of an Installed Worshipful Commander to retire for a short time and following this W.Bro. Raymond Stuart Thompson was Installed in fine stile by W.Bro. James Charles Richards Prov RAMGR. The W. Commanders jewel and address was given by W.Bro. Jim Richards ProvRAMGR. The Brethren were re-admitted and saluted the new W.C,. Officers for the ensuing year were then appointed and invested.
Our PGM gave his personal greetings to the new W.C. and all the members of the Lodge and wished them all a healthy and happy year ahead along with perhaps two or three new Candidates, the meeting was closed in due form and there followed a short break whilst the Temple was re set for the Mark Meeting
On time at 6pm Philadelphia Lodge of Installed Mark Masters was opened, a dispensation was read allowing the meeting to take place at Westhoughton instead of Preston. several items of housekeeping were dealt with including a ballot for three joining members, which proved in favour, at which point they were presented to the W. M. Master and welcomed into the Lodge
R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. Provincial Grand Master then entered the meeting accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, Keith was offered the gavel which again he said that on this occasion he would decline as most of the Team Members were known to all.
Any below the rank of a Mark Master were asked to retire from the Lodge for a short period. The Master Elect W.Bro. Graham Benson was duly Installed into the Chair of Adoniram by W. Bro. George Andrew Wiltshire PPrGJW, the Address to the W M Master and the Working Tools were explained by W. Bro. David Seer the officers for the ensuing year were then appointed and invested.   In the section any other business, new by laws were passed transferring the meeting Hall from Preston to Westhoughton.
Congratulations were then given by Keith to the newly installed WM, who in return was pleased to present a cheque for £350 in aid of the West Lancs Mark Charity Fund.
On closing the meeting everyone made their way to the dining room, charged their glasses and took up their allotted seats for the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served by the very pleasant and efficient Hall Staff, Following the meal several excellent Toasts and responses were given, then last but not least was a large raffle for Charity.
Finally apologise to all my friends, Masons and Mariners for the delay and the short report, as Tuesday unfolded it became clear that I was quite unwell, it turned out to be Tonsillitis and I’ve spent most of the week in bed. Anyway hopefully I’ll let the pictures do the talking and see you at the next Team Visit.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher.  PGJD.