"A Few Items of Masonic Interest" - 20th April 2010

It was an ordinary Lodge Night for St John's Lodge, No. 325. The Lodge tyled as usual at 6pm and the brethren were attentive to the Master, as he progressed through the various items of business. The highlight of the evening was a paper to be delivered by WBro Michael Nicholson, "Some Items of Masonic Interest". Mike is not only a member of the Lodge, but is well known in Salford as a Past Deputy District Chairman and is well known to the Brethren of the Province as the "Front End" of the Provincial Office!

All of sudden there was a Report! The Tyler went to investigate and after the usual exchanges with the Junior Warden the Acting Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Andrew Holland, PProvJGW, was admitted. Armed with a white wand he took centre stage and spoke: "Worshipful Master, The Provincial Grand Master for the Masonic Province of East Lancashire, RWBro Jack Price, is in attendance without and he demands admission".

Well - you could have heard a pin drop, and a camera couldn't have done justice to the expressions of the brethren around the Lodge. Only the Master and Secretary had been aware of this surprise visit and the former suggested to Andrew Holland that it would probably be a good idea to admit the PGM!

Jack was accompanied into the Lodge by the DIstrict Chairman, WBro Rod Ward, the Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro H Alan J Garnett and of course his Sword Bearer, WBro Leslie Taylor and Standard Bearer, WBro Derek Moran. Mike did eventually deliver his paper which to listen to was a reward in itself. However, the PGM, who enjoyed the paper, had actually come to openly thank WBro Nicholson for the work he has done for the Province, prior to his impending retirement in May 2010. Jack said:

"My desire is to underline the Industry of Michael Nicholson for you all. It has only been a few months since Mike lost his much loved brother-in-law, Arthur Renshaw. He zealously, faithfully and earnestly support Arthur to the end. This set me thinking.... I knew Michael's father - in fact he was my first boss in HM Prison Service and Mike has the same determined outlook as his father. He also has the same voice, 'Big George Nic's' intonations and timbre. As a young man I had the pleasure of being guided by him and now the pleasure of knowing his son".

WBro Eric Bell, Secretary of the Lodge, Salford District Secretary and a great friend of Michael's then spoke about him. "Born in 1939 in Mauritius Mike learned to appreciate foreign food - like curry! He was the only white face at his school and after a spell in the Royal Air Force joined the Police where he became a dog handler at Salford City Police HQ. That's probably why he always smelled of wet dog :-).

From 1978 he became a Sergeant and worked with me. He caught the baddies and I looked after their 'spiritual needs'. Mike retired in 1994, just in time for Freemasonry to enjoy his presence. I take great pleasure in calling Mike a friend, a gentleman and one of the nicest persons I have ever met".

Later, at the Festive Board, Eric proposed the toast to Mike's health commenting that Mike has been threatening retirement for the last 4 years. Audrey will be pleased to have him at home and will have plenty of 'plans' for him. He described Michael as one of a dying breed, a true gentleman.

Back in the Lodge Room - The PGM spoke of the great contribution Mike had made to Freemasonry within the Province. "An example of Industry who performed his tasks, job and appointments to a very high level. Never self-seeking, he does things for others and in the best interests of the Brethren. What I am about to do is a two-fold thing. An Individual gift and a reflection on your selves as members of this Lodge. Acting Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, bring Bro Nicholson to me"!

With that the Provincial Grand Master promoted Michael Nicholson to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden of the Province of East Lancashire. Mike was then paraded around the Lodge to loud and hearty applause from the Brethren.

PGM with WBro Nicholson

WBro Michael Nicholson, PProvSGW, with the Provincial Grand Master and Deputation