In general, once a year, the Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1012 open their doors to visitors for their installation meeting. So on Thursday 1st February Bury Masonic Hall hosted Prince of Wales installing their new Worshipful Master.
An installation is always a wonderful event, made more special when the Master Elect is our very own Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John Griffin. Now at this point I could tease you all with hints as to the guest list but that would just take up far too much space. So, pardon me for one moment, I shall be using some rank terminology that may appear alien to some. Suffice to say that the term RW or VW before a name means very very senior Mason.
The guest list for the Installation of John Griffin included;
RWBro The Provincial Grand Master in and over the Province of East Lancashire, Sir David Trippier.
RWBro The Provincial Grand Master in and over the Province of West Lancashire, Tony Harrison.
RWBro The Provincial Grand Master in and over the Province of Cheshire, Stephen Martin Blank.
RWBro The Past Provincial Grand Master in and over the Province of East Lancashire, Paul J.E. Rink.
RWBro Grahame Elliot Past Junior Grand Warden.
RWBro Ben Addy Past Junior Grand Warden.
VWBro The Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Province of East Lancashire, Derek Nelson Thornhill.
They were accompanied by every Assistant Provincial Grand Master, bar one from the Province of East Lancashire and others from West Lancashire and Cheshire. Also an oppression of Grand Officers, (there has been some considerable debate of late as to what a group Grand Officers are called. One certain Grand Officer proffered a ’Perfection’. I’m sticking with an oppression).
Needless to say six Right Worshipful Brothers in one meeting was excellent.
As you can imagine the lodge room was full with representation from Fellow Craft to Provincial Grand Master. All the installing officers conducted the ceremony of installation flawlessly. It really was spectacular and fitting with the occasion. Heart felt, the right injection of humour and word perfect.
New officers were installed. A new treasurer, replacing Peter Banks who had been the treasurer of the Prince of Wales for 32 years and a new director of ceremonies, replacing John Holt who had been the DC for just shy of 30 years. Phenomenal commitment from two exceptional Masons.
Once the business of the evening had been concluded the Worshipful Master was accompanied by the Provincial Grand Master to retire from the lodge.
The Festive Board was superb. Fabulous food, company and atmosphere. Sir David responded to the toasts with his usual wit and spark. In fact all the speeches hit just the right note.
A most amazing evening was had by all.
I take this opportunity, on behalf of all the visiting brethren to thank 1012 for the obvious hard work that had been put into the evening and for allowing us to share this special occasion.
Report and Pictures by Leigh Rickett