Brethren and guests assembled in the Geoffrey Hirst Masonic Suite at Woolton Golf Club in preparation for the installation meeting of Olympic Lodge No 4461. Along with the grand officer there were two acting Provincial grand officers, Matt Wilson Provincial Grand Steward and Tom Arnold Provincial Assistant Grand Standard Bearer.
Andrew Whittle (left) welcomed by John Lawrie
The lodge DC Ken Baxter requested the assembled to stand to receive the WM and his wardens. The WM John Lawrie opened the lodge in the first degree; the minutes of the previous meeting having been circulated were accepted as a true record.
At this point the DC retired and on his return announced that the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, Andrew Whittle, Chairman of Woolton Group, was outside and sought admission together with other distinguished Provincial grand officers. Andrew processed into the lodge where he was welcomed by the WM.
John Lawrie requested Fred Hulse to occupy the chair to assist him with the installation meeting. Fred duly took the chair and requested past masters to assist him and then opened the lodge to the second degree. Rob James presented the master elect William Pinto who had previously occupied the chair in 2007.
The lodge was opened to the third degree where Andrew Whittle was saluted and then Vic Albin the senior Provincial grand officer present was saluted and replied on his own behalf and that of the rest of Provincial grand officers. Fred Hulse requested the officers of the lodge to line up in the north and they were thanked by John Lawrie for all the help they had given him during his year in office.
Andrew Whittle (left) congratulates the newly installed WM William Pinto.
The master elect was then duly installed into the chair of King Solomon. Rob James presented the third degree working tools and the lodge was closed to the second degree. Ken Baxter presented the second degree working tools and the lodge was closed to the first degree. Tony Standish presented the first degree working tools. The WM then appointed and invested his officers.
The address to the WM was delivered in a sincere manner by Bryan Humphries. Fred Hulse delivered the address to the wardens and Andrew Whittle eloquently delivered the address to the brethren of Olympic Lodge.
With the installation ceremony completed Andrew Whittle rose to convey the congratulations of Tony Harrison saying that he had been with him that morning and he was aware of the evening’s meeting. Tony wished good health to William and a happy year in office. Andrew went on to say that had Tony been in attendance he would have undoubtedly thanked Fred Hulse, John Lawrie and the junior brethren who gave the addresses.
In reply, the WM presented a cheque to Andrew in the sum of £300 for MCF. Andy thanked the lodge most sincerely for the cheque and reminded everyone of the forthcoming festival.
After the first rising Andrew and the acting officers retired. The usual closing business the lodge was then duly closed and the brethren retired to partake of refreshment.
William Pinto (centre) with grand, acting Provincial grand and Provincial grand officers.