"... or Side by Side"
And "Side by Side" turned out to be a very apt theme somg for this year's Provincial Grand Lodge meeting as you will see later....
A breathtaking 1300 Masons turned out to a share the experience of a brilliant gathering at Provincial Grand Lodge, ably led by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price (right). This unparalled level of support included almost 200 Master Masons and almost 350 Masters and Past Masters, who joined everyone with loud applause when RWBro Price entered King George's Hall.
After opening Provincial Grand Lodge Jack admired the audience stating, "The sight before us is awesome and wonderful. It is a joy to see you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here today and for all your kind letters, messages and deeds during the previous few months".
The next business was of course to take a few moments of silence to remember those who we have known over many years and who have sadly passed on. Jack read the names of 17 Grand Officers and referred to 84 Provincial Grand Officers and many brethren from private Lodges to whose families and brethren we offer condolences. "They have all played a part in the history of this Province over many years and we have shared much joy in their company".
The next item of business was much more joyous:
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master
Jack turned to the VWBro Dr Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth, PGSwdB, a close friend, not only of the Provincial Grand Master but who is well known and loved all over the Province. Jack described Nigel with a reputation for having a dynamic commitment to his work when undertaking any job. Many will remember when Nigel was an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals in the Royal Arch and then Third Provincial Grand Principal when he left an indelible mark on the Province, particularly with the quality of the Orations he gave, and his skills and abilities are most definitely worthy of emulation.
Nigel then served as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master until holding the post of Deputy Provincial Grand Master for the last five years. Outside Freemasonry Nigel is not only a Dental Surgeon with his own Practice but works as an adviser in other areas of the same profession. Within Masonry he is the Intendent-General of the Red Cross of Constantine (North and East Lancashire) and President of the Schools Federation of Lodges (the latter post taking Nigel to satisfy responsibilities across the country). Jack said, "There is a time when one must look onwards and outwards to other things and I respect that. On retiring Nigel will continue to work tirelessly as an ambassador for the Province, as does his predecessor, VWBro Nolan Morrison - both of them good men".
Jack took Nigel by the hand and, shaking it warmly, thanked him for his friendship and the quality with which he has served the Province; which comment received sustained appreciation from the brethren.
Of course, the retirement of Nigel leaves a large gap and Jack said he would replace one hard worker with another, "We need someone with experience and commitment, with an abiding interest in the welfare of this Province". This someone, as we were all aware, is WBro Harold Woodward, PSGD.
Harold was Initiated into Albert Lodge, No. 854, where he served as Master in 1978. He is also a member of the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officer's Lodge, No. 3747, the Manchester Lodge of Masonic Research, No. 5502 and Fortitude Lodge, No. 64. He received his first Provincial appointment in 1987 (ProvAGSuptWks) and progressed to be the ProvDepGSec and is a Past Senior Grand Warden of the Province. In 2004 he was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master and was promoted in Grand Lodge from PAGDC (2002) to PSGD in 2005.
Harold is a member of several Royal Arch Chapters - Albert, No. 845, Jubilate, No. 8561, Aldwyn, No. 5712 and the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers' Chapter, No. 3747. His Supreme Grand Chapter Rank is AGSoj reflecting the work he has done in the Royal Arch - District Officer Royal Arch for the Oldham District prior to becoming Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals in 2002 for Northern Area No. 1.
The Provincial Grand Secretary read the Patent of Appointment after which Harold was Obligated, Invested with his Chain of Office and Installed as Deputy Provincial Grand Master. Jack advised, "We all have deep affection for you Harold and are looking forward to working with you so much".
After Salutations and applause from the brethren Harold thanked everybody, confirmed his commitment to leading and supporting the brethren in all their laudable undertakings and reaffirmed the commitments he made when he was previously appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The Photograph shows Dr Nigel Bramley-Haworth with Harold Woodward after the ceremony.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Masters
The Provincial Grand Master then reappointed the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, WBros. Philip Mountford, James Sutcliffe, Derek Thornhill, Martin Caller, Stephen Blank and Geofffrey Litherland. There was another spacein the list which the Provincial Grand Master was to then fill with, "A man of integrity, industry and dedication. One who receives the respect of the brethren in the Craft, the Royal Arch and many other masonic Orders: WBro Alexander Sillars McLaren".
Alexander was Initiated in Scotland in Lennox Lodge, No. 1061, and became an East Lancashire Mason in 1976 when he joined Charity Lodge, No. 3442. He served there as Master in 1989. He progressed through the Provincial ranks (ProvAGDC, PProvDepGSwdB and PProvDepGReg) to achieve his current rank of PProvSGW.
Alex has done much work in the Royal Arch which was recognised by Supreme Grand Chapter when he was appointed to PGStB in 2009. This work included serving as a DORA in Rochdale for almost five years.
When Investing Alex with his Chain of Office Jack Price said, "You are clearly qualified to act in this capacity and have a zeal for Freemasonry. You are well known for your capacity for hard work. I am delighted to have you as one of our Assistant Provincial Grand Masters - they are a good team - but then they will have already told you that!"
Alex's appointment was met with acclaim from the brethren who, in return, Alex thanked stating that he looked forward to working with us all.
Alexander Sillars McLaren Bsc (Engineering, Edinburgh)