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SALFORD DISTRICT DIARY, DECEMBER 2011

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Madrigal Lodge 5039
Arthur Broomhall Acton PProvJGW, Celebrates
60 Years in Freemasonry

On the 8th of November, WBro Arthur B. Acton, PProvJGW, celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry at Madrigal Lodge, No. 5039.

The Lodge Tyled at 6.00 and on Report, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, VWBro Harold Woodward, PGSwdB, was admitted, accompanied by a District Delegation.

The Worshipful Master, Bro Michael David Cornes greeted VWBro Woodward and offered him the Gavel, which on this special occasion, he accepted.

Apologies were sent from WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, APGM, who was suffering a bad cold. Kindly standing in for him was WBro Martin Roche, PJGD, APGM.
Our District Chairman, WBro Rod Ward, PProvJGW, was introduced and in turn introduced the District Team.

WBro Roche told us of events in 1931;
In the US, death rate had risen by 600% due to alcohol in the previous 10 years of Prohibition. In the UK, unemployment had topped 1.5 million in March. It was predicted man would walk on the Moon by 2050. Plans to build the Channel Tunnel were rejected. August 7th, unemployment topped 2 million. There was an unprecedented Building Boom. Hit of the time was “On the Sunny Side of the Street”. Arthur Broomhall Acton was born on the 6th October.

Madrigal’s Secretary, WBro Geoffrey Baillie, PProvGSwdB, Deputy District Chairman, District Almoner, then read an extract from the Minutes of the Meeting on October 10, 1951; Attendance of 46 Members and 38 Visitors saw the Offices filled by Lodge Founders and Arthur admitted in Due Form, his father being Senior Deacon. Arthur was Initiated and Invested with the Badge of the First Degree.
Incidentally, on the First Rising, a Directive from Grand Lodge instructing Secretaries not to use ball point pens when writing the Minutes.

WBro Ward informed of events in 1951;
BBC Announcers were to increase from 8 to 18, non having any dialect. King George VI was given a 10% pay rise. Initial plans of Old Age Pensions starting at 70 for men and 65 for women were changed to 65 and 60 respectively. Deutche Gramaphon introduced the world’s first long playing 33rpm record. The British Atomic Bomb was tested in the Indian Ocean. Winston Churchill was elected for the second time at the age of 77. “Dragnet”, “What’s My Line” and “I Love Lucy” were the most popular entertainment. Most popular music being, “Unforgettable” and “Shall We Dance”. Spurs beat Manchester United.

WBro John Pendle Young, SLGR, delivered a Tribute to Arthur.
He started with his delight at returning to his Mother Lodge, and explained Arthur was his Brother, friend and “Adopted Uncle”. Around 1958, as a young boy, his family moved to Manchester, 3 doors away from Arthur and his wife Val. The family became friends with Arthur and Val and John “adopted Arthur and Val as “uncle and auntie”. As John grew, they became friends and Arthur Proposed him into Madrigal.
At his Initiation, Arthur was the Junior Deacon. He was told, repeatedly, to “Step off with your left foot” which due to embarrassment or confusion, never got right! John went on to say when he received London Grand Rank, Arthur was there to see him receive it. Arthur was his guiding light and Mentor through Freemasonry, he is a Brother, Friend, Mentor and Gentleman. Arthur is an inspiration to the Brethren. John was both honoured and proud to be able to say a few words about Arthur on his 60th Celebration.

VWBro Woodward moved into the body of the Lodge, sitting by Arthur, suggesting at 81, he must have joined Freemasonry at the age of 21.
He was interested in what induced Arthur to join. Arthur explained was through social events and the influence of his father. Arthur stated it is all one happy family and he still helps out if the Lodge is a man short. He occupied the Chair of King Solomon twice. The first time in1969 there were still a number of Founders still in the Lodge, it involved a great deal of learning as in those days, no leniency for reading was allowed under any circumstances. You had to diligently apply yourself to Ritual.
He was Installed for a second time in 1981.
Arthur was a Dentist, retiring from practise at 60, never loosing his dedication to Freemasonry, his goal, a better quality of life for all.
VWBro Woodward commented it’s people like Arthur who have helped Freemasonry come through difficult times, seeking a high moral code in his life.

VWBro Woodward presented Arthur with a letter of Congratulation and Illuminated Certificate explaining its’ rarity, being signed on the 10th of October, the date of his “Birthday”, by the Provincial Grand Master, the Late RWBro Jack Price, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above on the 23rd of October.

VWBro Harold Woodward presenting WBro Arthur Acton with Madrigal’s Worshipful Master,
Bro Michael Cornes

Arthur was then Perambulated around the Lodge, to great acclaim by WBro David Bristol, ProvDepGDC.

The Worshipful Master, Bro Michael Cornes, presented VWBro Woodward with a cheque, to mark the occasion, to be donated to Helmsley House Supporters, for use towards the Loop systems. It was gratefully received and VWBro Woodward acted as “postman”, handing it on to the District Chairman, WBro Rod Ward.

After the collection of Alms, VWBro Woodward, accompanied by WBro Acton and the District Delegation retired.

It was also a special evening for both VWBro Woodward and WBro Bristol being their last official outing before they both retire from their positions at Provincial Grand Lodge on November 17th.

   VWBro Harold Woodward, PGSwdB,             WBro David Bristol,                                    
DPGM In Charge                                    ProvDepGDC

Members of Madrigal Lodge 5039 with Senior Members of the Delegation
Front row, Left to right:
Rod               Harold           Arthur           Michael          Martin               Chad
Ward           Woodward        Acton            Cornes           Roache           Northcott

        The Social Board

Salford Giving Night
Thursday May 19th 2011

The District Chairman, WBro Rod Ward, opened the Evening and after introducing the top table,WBro James Sutcliffe, APGM; EComp David Thornton, APGP; WBro Geoff Ballie, Deputy Chairman; WBro Eric Bell, District Secretary; The Right Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress of Salford, Councillor Eric and Mrs Val Burgoyne and WBro John Astbury, District Charity Steward; extended a warm welcome to all.

John Astbury continued by giving a brief explanation of the Evening and thanking Lodges and Chapters for their generous donations.

The event then started with a donation to Wood Street Mission of £400 from Dormer St. Margarets plus £200 from the Salford Community Fund, which was presented by WBro Brian Wilbraham and received by Mrs Valarie Jones.

Help For Heroes, represented by Mrs Janice Moon, was gives a cheque for £600, made up of £400 from Dormer St. Margarets and £200 from the Community Fund, again presented by WBro Brian Wilbraham.

Again, Dormer St. Margarets, represented by WBro Ian Whitehead, showed their generosity by giving £300 and an additional £200 from the Fund to The Christie at Oldham, represented by Gareth Hill and James Mc Govern

Christie’s Mens Cancer Appeal, promoted by WBro Geoff Clubbe, received £100 from Excelsior Lodge, represented by WBro John Roberts and a further £200 from Salford. The cheque was received by Robin Hunter.

Excelsior Lodge also donated £100, with an extra £200 from the Salford Fund, to Broughton House, represented by WBro Mike Nicholson.

Karen Pennington, from The Multiple Sclerosis Society was given £550 from Arcturus Lodge and £200 fron the Fund. WBro Mike Pennington made the donation.

Northern Air Hospital Radio, who have been in operation for over 50 years providing service to patients in Salford and Crumpsall, received £100 from Robert Burns Lodge and £200 from the Salford Community Fund. The cheque being presented by WBro John Astbury, Salford Charity Steward and received by Dave Bee.

The Right Wright Worshipful Mayor Of Salford, Eric Burgoyne was given £200 by Monarch Lodge and £100 from the Salford Fund by WBro John Astbury for the Salford Childrens’ Holiday Camp at Prestatyn for underprivileged children.

St Anns Hospice were donated £4,600 from Grand Charity and £200 from Salford Community Fund. Presented by WBro Geoff Ballie, District Deputy Chairman and received by a gentleman who humbly introduced himself as “A Volunteer”.

Kershaw’s Hospice was granted £2,300 from Grand Charity, £500 from
Dormer St. Margarets and £200 from the Salford Fund, presented by
WBro Geoff Ballie and received on their behalf by WBro Ian Whitehead.

Ian presenting the cheque to Kershaw’s

The Alzheimers Society, represented by Sarah Sephton, received a cheque for £1254.57 from the Salford Ladies Luncheon Club and £200 fron the Fund, presented by Mrs Hilda Ince.

WBro James Sutcliffe presented His Worship Councillor Eric and Mrs Val Burgoyne £500 from The Salford Community Fund towards the Mayor of Salford Charity Appeal, this year for both St Annes Hospice and Salford Young Carers of which some Carers are as young as 8.

In closing the Evening, WBro Sutcliffe thanked the generous donations of Lodges, Brethren and The Salford Ladies who enabled some £13,804.87 to be donated to Salford Charities. A remarkable achievement as the 2015 Festival is currently running.

Displays at the Giving Event

Madrigal Lodge 5039 Hosted Meeting

On Tuesday, April 12th, Madrigal Lodge (5039) held a Hosted Meeting which consisted of a Presentation entitled “Something Completely Different”, compiled by WBro Anthony Costello, PAGDC, ProvGMentor.

The Lodge tyled at 6.00pm and, after confirmation of the minutes, WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by a District Delegation was admitted.
On this occasion, he accepted the Gavel from the Worshipful Master, Bro Michael David Cornes. After introducing the District Chairman, WBro Rod Ward, PProv JGW and the Team, WBro Sutcliffe “Called Off” the Lodge and received the
Presentation Team. 

The Presentation Team of Royal Arch Masons, paraded in, placing their Banners in the appropriate holders and took their seats as in a Royal Arch Chapter.
WBro Costello took a moment to explain the proceedings as a look into and explanation of the Officers of a Royal Arch Chapter.

EComp Ken Olive then explained;
“Starting with Craft Masonry, we began our journey with the First Degree, our Initiation, which means “Beginning”. Our birth into Freemasonry is conducted with a ceremony rich in symbolism, as is our preparation, which takes much of its symbolism from that of an Apprentice Stonemason.
We then progress to the Second Degree, using the symbolism of the Fellow Craft Stonemason and are encouraged to study the hidden mysteries of nature and science.
As this Degree represents life, falling between birth and death, it could be argued it is the most important part and, in fact, how we shall be judged.
The Third Degree then moralises on the Tools, not of an operative Stonemason but of a Master Mason or Architect.
The Degrees in Craft Masonry use events surrounding the building of King Solomon’s Temple, which was dedicated in 953BC.
In the opening of the Third Degree, we are told we seek for that which was lost, in the Closing, we are told they are not found and we will have to use substitutes.
Where would we go to find those Secrets, what are they and what is the next step to take us there?”

EComp David Thornton, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principles continued;
“That next step is to a Royal Arch Chapter, the name we call our Lodge and meetings we call Convocations.
In this context, Chapter, is derived from the Latin, “head”, in view of its headship or supremacy of the spiritual plane reached in RA over the materialistic.
The Royal Arch uses the story of finding those secrets within the ruined Temple whilst preparing for its reconstruction some 400 years later.

As far as we can ascertain, the RA story began with the Antients, the first recorded reference being in February 1752, when Laurence Dermott, Secretary to the Antients Grand Lodge, refers to RA Masonry as the “root, heart and marrow of Freemasonry”.

The Book of Constitutions now states that, “Pure and ancient masonry consists of three degrees and no more, they are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch, which is an extension to but neither a superior or subordinate part of the Degrees which precede it”.

In one very colourful ceremony those secrets are revealed to new Companions in a ceremony called an Exaltation. Another difference in Chapter, we refer to each other as Companions, meaning “bread sharers” and not Brethren as in the Craft. The ceremony is conducted by Officers of the Chapter who have very distinctive names. Perhaps they should introduce themselves;”

“I am ZERUBBABEL and believe me, you rarely pronounce that correctly!
I am the First Principal of the Chapter, which in some respects is similar to the Worshipful Master in the Craft.
There are three Principals required to rule a Chapter because originally the revelation of the great secret of construction was to know how to create a right angled triangle as the basis of all designs - this requires three rulers, each with a rod of different dimensions, which, when joined together, created the required figure. That is why the absence, or loss, of one ruler meant that the “secret was lost”.
I was a Prince or leader of Jewish people when they were in exile in Babylon. I was the one given authority by Cyrus, the Persian ruler, to lead the Jewish people back to Canaan and Jerusalem where the Temple was rebuilt.”

“I am HAGGAI, the Second Principal. I am also the possessor of part of the ancient knowledge that is peculiar to a Convocation. My name refers to one of the Books of the Bible and one of my roles is that of a prophet, which is why the rod I carry bears the “All Seeing Eye”, representing the omnipresence of the Almighty.
My role in the return from the exile in Babylon was that of scribe and I acted in that capacity in the Supreme Council or Sanhedrin as it was called.
The council was set up to govern the people of Israel and was composed of six members of each of the twelve tribes. Hence the number 72, which features prominently in RA Masonry.”

“I am JOSHUA, the third Principal who assists in the ruling of the Chapter.
My name means, “The God who saves” and my role is of High Priest, which is why the rod I bear has a mitre at its head and I am the equivalent of Chaplain in Craft.
Incidentally, the 3 Principals used to wear as headgear the items which are now represented on their rods. These can be seen on the Cana Robes at Bridge Street.
It is no coincidence the name this Principal bears is in Hebrew,it is what we know as Jesus.”

“I am the IMMEDIATE PAST ZERUBBABEL and have had a year to get to know how to pronounce it correctly!
I am in many respects similar to the IPM in Craft. I play a small but important part in the closing of  a Chapter, much as the IPM does in closing a Craft Lodge.”

“I am the PRINCIPAL SOJOURNER. The term is now used solely to refer to the three of the Chapter Officers. Not widely appreciated is that it originally described the three candidates who were required for the Ceremony to take place. The name is derived from the Latin Diurnus, via the French Journee and is related to “Journeyman Mason”, meaning paid by the day and not at first intending to stay.
In the Ceremony of Exaltation, I play a major part in assisting the First Principal”.

“I am the 1st ASSISTANT SOJOURNER and, as the name suggests, I assist the Principal Sojourner in the Ceremony of Exaltation, along with lighting the various candles and conducting ballots. The sword and dagger are quite prominent in the RA.
The sash represents the implement which was quite necessary at the rebuilding of the Temple. Whilst workmen toiled with the trowel in their right hand, the left was to be free to immediately take hold of the dagger, if required, for self defence.”

“I am the 2nd ASSISTANT SOJOURNER, I also assist in many respects in a similar manner.
The trowel was originally the sign of a Past Master, who was thus recognised as fit to assist in completing the building of the Temple and only such Masons were originally admitted as Companions. The trowel is therefore a very important implement which is prominently displayed on the floor of a Chapter Convocation - it represents brotherly unity as well as confidentiality.”

“I am SCRIBE NEHEMIAH. Part of my duty is to act in a similar manner as the Inner Guard in Craft Masonry.
I was the leader of the third group of Jews in the return to Jerusalem. I was also a cup bearer or tester, chosen to test for possible poison in the Persian King’s drinks. This meant I would get to taste some excellent wines – but may not reach retirement age!
My name means “God’s consolation” and part of my task was to superintend the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and to assist in the preparation of a Candidate by supplying the correct implements of work, which is observed in the Ceremony.”

“I am the JANITOR, my place is outside the door of the Chapter, much as the Tyler in a Craft Lodge. The word Janitor originated with the Roman god Janus – the god of beginnings and transitions and a door or gatekeeper. Where I normally stand is the beginning and transition in the final journey of Pure and Ancient Freemasonry, as the Candidate will have completed his Craft journey and now enters his final phase of the journey within a Chapter.
Janus also gives his name to January – the end of the previous year and the beginning of the next and is depicted as a man with two heads facing in opposite directions.”

“I am SCRIBE EZRA. In the Scriptures, I was the leader of the second group of Israelites to return to Jerusalem. Much of the Temple had been rebuilt when I arrived so my task was to ensure the restoration of the Law of Moses, which is why I am described in our lectures as an expounder of Sacred Law. The white of my clothing also relates to what was once the white curtain which was reached at the end of the ceremony of veils. This is not to be confused with the clothing of the Candidate in white, at the end of his Exaltation.
Here the word “Candidate” means to be clothed in white, in a similar manner as to prospective members of the Roman Senate, who were referred to as candidates, as they were clothed in white.”

After the most informative introduction of the Officers, a short question and answer session took place before the team departed to great acclaim.
All were most appreciative of the hard work and time given by the team, particularly Tony Costello and Michael Goodman who together researched and prepared the presentation.

WBro Sutcliffe then “Called On” and once the Lodge had reopened for business, returned the Gavel to the Worshipful Master.

Investiture of WBro Ed. Wibberley to PProvGSwdB

At the 150th Celebration of Zetland Lodge No 852 on Wednesday 16th February 2011, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Harold Woodward PGSwdB, delivered an address which encompassed the Masonic Career of WBro Wibberly.
He praised the sustained contribution WBro Wibberley made to the Craft, to Kersal Lodge No 7043 and following its’ amalgamation in 2004, to Zetland Lodge in particular. His attendance record since installing his successor being 147 out of a possible150, a remarkable 98%!

VWBro Woodward informed the meeting WBro Wibberley could always be relied upon by the Lodge DC to fill in any Office at a moments notice. Regularly acting as Junior Warden over the last few years, he delivered the Charge at Initiation Ceremonies faultlessly.
The DPGM also paid tribute to the countless hours over the last 3 years and many weekends in the late 1980s, that WBro Wibberley spent, with others, completely re-wiring Helmsley House – no mean task as you can imagine.
Regrettably, due to heart problems, he was forced to retire form further voluntary work from the Hall.

Sadly, due to further ill health, WBro Wibberley was unable to be present at the Meeting and as a result, his Investiture was deferred until a later time.

Following discussion with WBro Wibberley and his wife Hilda, it was preferred the Ceremony take place at his home.
On Sunday 27th February 2011, the Salford District Chairman, WBro Rod Ward, PProv JGW, accompanied by two members of Zetland Lodge, the Worshipful Master, WBro WBro W.G.Ellis, PProvSGW and the Lodge Mentor, Wbro D.H.Roscoe, PJGD, visited “Eddie” at his home.

They were warmly welcomed by Eddie and Hilda and after being refreshed by tea and cakes.
WBro Ward, in a moving Address, paid tribute to the Masonic work and achievements of WBro Wibberley, Invested him with the collar and jewel of PProvGSwdB

Zetland Lodge No 852 Celebrates 150 Years

A very special meeting of Zetland Lodge (852) was held on Wednesday, 16th February 2011. The Lodge, with WBro W Graham Ellis PProvSGW as its Worshipful Master hosted their 150 year Celebration.

The Lodge tyled at 6 o’clock and Minutes read. On Report, VWBro Harold Woodward PGSwdB, DPGM, accompanied by WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, APGM, Bro Rod Ward, PProv JGW, Salford District Chairman and a Provincial Delegation entered.

The Worshipful Master welcomed VWBro Woodward who on this eventful evening, took the Gavel.

The next business on the Summons was for the Provincial Secretary, WBro H Alan J Garnett PJGD, to read the Celebration Certificate recording the Lodge’s 150th Anniversary.

WBro Gorst, PProvDepGReg, the Lodge DC, delivered a précis of the Lodge History;
Founded in 1861 and taking its name from the then Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland, having St. John’s Lodge No325 as its Mother Lodge, of which 7 of the 14 Founders were Members.
The first Master was John Henry Proctor Leresche, the first Meeting place being The Duke of Lancaster Inn.
In 1881, the Lodge moved to 41, Crescent, Salford, converting the dwelling into a Masonic Hall. In the 1920’s Zetland Members were the driving force to ensure The Earl of Derby,  then the PGM’s wish, that every Lodge in the Province should meet in a Masonic Hall. Between 1928 and 1931, Zetland Members worked tirelessly on the construction of our present home, The Salford Masonic Temple Building, 41, Crescent. The first Meeting in the Hall was held by Zetland in September 1931, both Second and Third Degree Ceremonies, in the presence of 139 Brethren.

The Lodge Centenary in February 1961 was celebrated with 150 Brethren present. A new Lodge Banner was dedicated by the APGM and presented into the trust of the WM.

During the 80s and 90s, Freemasonry suffered a continual decline, particularly in inner city areas. In order to counter this, Zetland and Kersal Lodges “Twinned”, attending each others Meetings and sharing Social Boards.  Concurrently, Royal Salford and Empire Lodges were in a similar arrangement. The idea of amalgamation was investigated and at a Meeting in January 2004, with WBro Malcolm T Roberts in the Chair, Kersal, Royal Salford and Empire Lodges closed  The Amalgamation Ceremony of all 4 lodges being worked by VWBro Paul JE Rink OBE, PGSwdB, DPGM.

Zetland’s Daughter Lodges are The Duke of Connaught, Zodiac and Trinity. A Bust of the Earl of Zetland, presented by a Past Master of a Chester Lodge being displayed in Lodge Room No.1.

The Provincial Grand Chaplain, WBro David Halford, then gave an Oration;
Firstly he thanked Brethren for information allowing him to prepare his address.
Continuing, he explained his interest in history and expounded it not as just being a record of the past but a window to the reality of past generations.
The reality of 1861 had Abraham Lincoln the President of the USA with 6 new State joining in January and a further 3 In April. Closer to Home, a Cotton Famine was raging in Lancashire. It was then those 14 Founder Members had the trust, foresight and determination to establish Zetland Lodge, beginning the promotion our great Masonic principles in the reality of that age and time. We gather to give thanks and rejoice in the foresight of the individuals who founded this Lodge, for the manner in which Members have promoted its principles and sustained its good name. For all it has undertaken in the cause of Charity in the last 150 years. Rightly a focus for joy and rejoicing.
We must look forward to the future as custodians of the Lodge and its hope for the future, not just its hope but holding its future in our hands.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master then Addressed the Brethren.
He congratulated the Worshipful Master, on behalf of the Lodge and brought personal greetings from RWB Jack Price PGM and the Provincial Delegation.
He continued to explain this event is not the end of the past but the beginning of the future.  Expanding on the true sense of Masonry we must stand firm for values and not just stand still, it is not right to leave it for “someone else to do”. We must continue with a strict moral code and not just treat it as a lifestyle option as we only have a one way ticket through life. Let us not settle for anything less than quality!
He then presented the Celebration Certificate to WBro Ellis.

WBro Roger S Higson, PProvGSwdB, presented VWBro Woodward with a cheque  in donation to the RMBI 2015 Festival.

After a collection, the DPGM and Delegation retired after which, the Lodge was closed.

VWBro Harold Woodward, PGSwdB, DPGM,  WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD, APGM
and Members of Zetland Lodge No. 852

East Lancashire 2015 Festival Road Show visits Salford - 23rd February 2011 @ 7.00pm

All are welcome - Masons, Ladies and brethren from other Districts

Click Here to view full Calendar

Visit to North Manchester Hospital

On Wednesday, January 26th, WBro James Sutcliffe, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by WBro Rod Ward, Salford District Chairman and WBro John Astbury, Salford District Charity Steward visited North Manchester Hospital in Crumpsall.

Their visit was twofold, firstly to visit the Childrens’ Accident and Emergency Department for a tour of the facilities after delivery of another thousand Teddies for Loving Care bears. The bears are very popular with nervous children suffering pain or undergoing treatment, they have a “friend” with them to take their mind off the upsetting surroundings and procedures.

After A&E, we visited an assessment Ward, where Play Specialist Pam Lord gave us a tour.

The teddies are popular with the Staff too!

The ward included a room with soft mattresses and gentle moving lighting helps relaxation and eases a child’s fear. A play room with lots of toys also helps the children relax.

The second part of the visit was to Northern Air Radio, the hospital Radio Station located on the Hospital site. Salford Masons recently provided them with a second computer enabling backup for their 24 hour playout system, of which many a commercial radio station would be envious!

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