Leaders of the Craft

 

The Lodge Room at Burnley was full to capacity once all had assembled to welcome the Provincial Grand Master and his Deputation. The last time Jack Price had visited Silent Temple was in 1978, when he had travelled through snow to enjoy the Raising of a work colleague. Jack recollected that the other 7 invitees didn't make it there or got lost, yet he had still enjoyed an excellent ceremony where the standards employed were high - a tradition continued today.

Lodge of Silent Temple, No. 126

 

The Provincial Deputation, supporting the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Price, were all there to enjoy the pleasures in store. They included the aforementioned Craft Executive Officers, The PGM's Warden's, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Norman Cope and his team, the Provincial Grand Sword and Provincial Grand Standard Bearer, the Provincial Grand Chaplain, the Provincial Grand Organist, the District Chairman, David Biggs and AProvGP, Donald Simpson, Past Provincial Leaders (Paul Rink, OBE, Nigel Bramley-Haworth, Bill Waite, Nolan Morrison, Harry Hesmondhalgh and Warwick Davenport) and of course, the person who, with his team, is ultimately responsible for the administrative success of the evening and much work leading up to and after the event, Alan Garnett, the Provincial Grand Secretary.

Lodge members with Craft Rulers and other members of the Provincial Grand Master's Deputation

 

During the meeting Jack, quite fondly, referred to his supporting Deputation and many other Grand and Provincial Officers who were present - "All have given much to this Province and beyond, I am grateful for their attendance". Below Jack and Martin are pictured with the Deputation - many faces who have or still give many hours of time and commitment to ensuring the success of the Province.

Martin Roche, Jack Price and the supporting Deputation

	The Lodge tyled at 7pm and we were treated to a the very traditional Silent Temple Opening where the Master first entrusted the Tyler and Inner Guard with their swords and duties before they took Office. The minutes were read and later, the minutes of the meeting held 100 years ago were read when the Lodge had worked an Initiation. The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, accepted the gavel and took the Chair. Following salutations he greeted the brethren commenting that it was lovely to see so many present, the Lodge room was full. Jack outlined the special nature of the evening, "at this fine Lodge with an immense history which we will add to tonight". He added, "That for over two centuries members of this Lodge, with commitment and talent, have contributed to the well being of Freemasonry in this Province. From time immemorial (which Warwick Davenport may remember) and prior to this (which Ivan Eastwood would be able to tell us about!). Always remember those that have gone before. I am sure they would never have envisaged 200 years ago that today we would be holding Silent Temple today in a Lodge full of a galaxy of Freemasons." Jack continued, "Time passes and we modernise, change and communicate as the modern era and modern values demand, but we must never forget those who have worked so hard in the past to ensure this future. Within the Province everyone has a contribution but we put some at the top of little pinnacles to make it work. Tonight I am investing a new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Martin Paul Roche. Martin is young, keen and very able. You can never be too young to take on this kind of responsibility but you can be too old! It is imperative that we continue to secure our future by utilising the abilities offered and at our disposal. Brethren of these Districts - look after Brother Roche. Don't overburden him but give him your support and loyalty and you will get it back ten fold. Masonry is here to enjoy, not endure. What we each make of Freemasonry is down to us as individuals." The Provincial Wardens were conducted to their seats and WBro Roche to the centre of the room. The Provincial Grand Master inspected the Patent of Appointment claiming it to be in order and it was later read out by the Provincial Grand Secretary. "Martin Roche is a man who has made an incredible impression when conducting his various duties in the Province", said Jack, "Whatever has been requested of him has been done with energy, dedication and much thought. He doesn't just do, he thinks, measures and delivers. It is fitting that he should take his first steps in this new role surrounded by friends and brethren from his Districts. WBro Roche acknowledged his willingness to take on the duties of Assistant Provincial Grand Master and after prayer recited his Obligation. His good friend and colleague over many years, WBro Wes Marchant, was the Chain Bearer for the evening and accompanied Bro Roche to the pedestal where Jack Price took great pleasure in investing Martin with the Chain and Jewel of an East Lancashire Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Jack offered Martin good wishes, love, affection and wished him well in his duties. Martin was then perambulated before the brethren to enthusiastic applause from the assembled brethren. He was then saluted by the brethren as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master and he responded to this warmly when greeting the brethren in return.
WBro Martin Roche Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Wesley Marchant, the Chain Bearer

 

Martin Roche, Jack Price and the Chairmen of Burnley / Pendle (David Biggs) and Rossendale (John Farrington)

Later, at the lively Festive Board, the brethren enjoyed a celebratory meal following which the toasts and responses added an excellent conclusion to what had been a splendid evening. The Senior Warden paid tribute to the Provincial Grand Master for the fight and success he has had during his illness last year. Jack Price stood to respond at just prior to 11pm commenting, "Its early for Burnley - we'll be alright for a bit yet!". Jack paid tribute to the Grand Officers who supported him in the Province who nowadays are approachable, committed and deserve our gratitude, who carry out their work and deliver their messages purely for the betterment of Freemasonry. But they can only be as good as the brethren they lead and it is those who are out future. "Brethren, God Bless you all".

The Junior Warden had the pleasure of toasting the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Assistants on an occasion when they were all present in person. His toast was good humoured and appropriate for the occasion. In response WBro Roche thanked him. Martin went on to say how lovely it was to welcome his colleagues to the "Best" Area in East Lancashire. Although accompanied by a smile Martin's conviction was that he believed this and so wished to encourage the brethren of the Area to believe it too and work together to ensure success.

Later and with his usual wit, Martin discussed the selection process for Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, one of the requisites being that you must have a difficult name to pronounce. He was able to capitalise on this because we were in the presence of Harry Hesmondhalgh (Hairy Hasmond Helgh), Nigel Graham Bramley - Haworth (whose name has been 'abused' :-) for many years), and Warwick Ross Davenport (Warwick Woss etc).

More seriously, Martin also spoke of the debt of gratitude we owe to those who went before us before rolling on to the the toast to the Master and Brethren of the Lodge of Silent Temple, No. 126.

All in all the evening had been fabulous - one to remember - full of love, warmth, humour and good spirit, and one which has left the Districts of Burney & Pendle and Rossendale in very competent and caring hands.

The Festive Board

Jack Price with the Master, Bro A May