Members of Pilling Lodge No 7879 and their guests saw Ian Parkinson installed as master for the ensuing year in a ceremony held at Garstang Masonic Hall, Wyrebank. The ceremony was described by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stewart Seddon, the principal guest, as ‘a very good and entertaining ceremony’.
Andrew Jones (right) congratulates Ian Parkinson.
The brethren were delighted to give a very warm welcome to Stewart who was grateful to be accompanied and supported by Lancaster Group Chairman Jim Wilson, fellow grand officer Keith Jackson, group secretary Scott Devine, together with acting Provincial grand officers Keith Kemp PrGDC; Barry Fitzgerald PrDGDC; Graham Miller PrSGD; Bernard Snape PrJGD; Chris Larder and David Topping PrGStwds.
The lodge room at Wyrebank was filled to capacity for what was to be an ‘entertaining’ but nevertheless impressive ceremony of installation. In so many ways the installation met our Provincial Grand Master’s remit of making sure we should all enjoy our Masonry. The ceremony was fun, light humoured, but all the while maintaining an impressive standard of ritual. The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Keith Kemp entered the lodge and announced the presence of Stewart Seddon.
Stewart was promptly admitted and the installing master Andrew Jones offered Stewart both a warm welcome and the gavel of the lodge. The greetings were graciously accepted but Stewart declined the gavel, commenting that he would ‘like to accept but had not been at the lodge practice’. The ceremony of installation that followed was a particularly happy and laid-back affair. The assistant director of ceremonies John Helme presented Ian Parkinson for installation, before the installing master Andrew Jones placed Ian into the chair of King Solomon in a faultless manner.
Pictured from left to right, are: Alun Jones, Alan McMonagle and David Partington.
After assuming the master’s chair Ian was presented with an explanation of the working tools in each degree, which were superbly and effortlessly performed by three relatively new Masons. The tools of a master Mason were delivered by David Partington, those of a fellow craft Mason by Alan McMonagle and the working tools of an entered apprentice by Alun Jones, evidence indeed that Pilling Lodge has a bright future ahead. The additional addresses were executed with equal fluency; that to the master was by John Helme, to the wardens by Harry Robinson and the address to the brethren by John Prest. One further particular highlight of the ceremony was to follow when the master appointed his own brother Robin Parkinson as junior warden.
Following the conclusion of the installation ceremony, Stewart rose to bring the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master. Stewart was sure that had Tony Harrison been present he would have been delighted with the standard of the ceremony and would wish this very fine and distinguished lodge a very happy and productive year ahead. Stewart in concluding his greetings commented that he had no doubt the lodge would have a ‘fun year’.
Stewart was delighted to receive notice of donations made by the lodge to charity and good causes totalling some £6,075. The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity was supported in the sum of £1,000; Wyrebank £1,000; Garstang Masonic Fellowship £200; Garstang Festival £200; Churchtown Festival £200; St Michael’s Church roof appeal £500; Heartbeat £500; Hornby Village Institute £500; St Johns Hospice £500; Trinity Hospice £400; Derian House £400; West Lancashire 2021 Festival £300; Masonic Sporting Societies £75 and WLFC for golf umbrellas £300.
Bob Tinsley (right) performing the master’s song.
At the festival of St John held in the Wyrebank Banqueting Suite at which 140 brethren were present, Stewart was able to bring to the brethren his own greetings and congratulations and particularly wanted to congratulate the installing past master Andrew Jones together with the brethren who had delivered the working tools. Stewart also thanked the group chairman and the acting officers present for their continuing support.
Stewart then moved on to relate some important updates that the PrGM wished to be communicated, these included the important message of enjoying our Masonry, updates on the tercentenary celebrations, the importance of highlighting the Royal Arch at every opportunity, as well as the important place the WLFC and our Masonic halls have in the continuing success of Freemasonry.
With much appreciation the master’s song was delightfully performed by Bob Tinsley and accompanied by Keith Jackson. Without doubt the evening was a huge success and was made complete when it was announced that the combined proceeds from the raffle and alms collection had realised a fabulous total of £1,090 for the benefit of worthy causes. What a result!
Stewart and Ian (centre) with a ‘host’ of grand and acting Provincial grand officers.