Prince’s Park Lodge No 4769 was granted it’s warrant in 1925 and currently has 20 members. Although a small lodge, the warmth and sincerity is felt as you walk into the temple. As is their custom, they install their new master every November without exception.
Sam Robinson (left) is greeted by Vic Albin.
The lodge DC Andrew Mooney asked brethren to stand to receive the WM Vic Albin and his wardens. Having taken their seats, Vic opened the lodge in the first degree and the minutes of the last regular meeting were confirmed and signed. The DC retired and on his return announced that Sam Robinson seeks admission, accompanied by Howard Jones PDPrGM, Haldene Eccles, Chairman of Woolton Group Andy Whittle, vice chairman Mike Cunliffe and acting Provincial Grand Sword Bearer Gordon Sandford.
Vic warmly welcomed Sam Robinson who responded by saying that it was nice to be among friends. Past masters were requested by Vic to assist for the remainder of the ceremony and the lodge was opened to the second degree. Douglas Gregson and Ron Richards presented the master elect Peter William Williams who had occupied the chair on two previous occasions, 2004 and 2007. Peter reaffirmed his obligation and Vic opened the lodge to the third degree.
Howard Jones, was saluted and duly responded; this was followed by salutations to grand officers Haldene Eccles, Sam Robinson and Andy Whittle. Vic Albin was saluted and responded on behalf of all the Provincial grand officers present.
Vic asked that all the officers and brethren of the lodge line up in the north where he thanked very sincerely for all the work and support they had given him during his year of office saying that it had been a pity that they had not had a candidate but had kept themselves busy rehearsing various ceremonies. Vic also expressed his thanks and those of his wife Beryl for making the Ladies Evening such a memorable one.
Pictured from left to right, are: Sam Robinson, Peter Williams, Vic Albin.
All below the rank of a past master were requested to withdraw from the lodge and during their absence Vic installed his successor. Master Masons were readmitted, saluted the newly installed master and Graham Sinden presented the working tools. Peter closed the lodge to the second degree, admitted fellow craft Freemasons who duly saluted him and Peter received the explanation of the working tools from John Riding. Peter closed the lodge to the first degree, admitted entered apprentice Freemasons and after saluting him had the working tools explained by Geoffrey Cowan.
Peter Williams then appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year. The placing addresses to the wardens were given by Douglas Gregson; to the deacons by John Riding; the inner guard by Andrew Mooney; the tyler by Stanley Bradley and the steward by John Riding.
Vic Albin then delivered the address to the master in a sincere and confident manner. Andrew Mooney provided the address to the wardens and Sam Robinson presented the address to the brethren of the lodge. Shortly after Vic had pleasure in saying to the newly installed master that the ceremony of installation was concluded. This was Sam Robinson’s cue to rise and convey greetings and thanks from the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison for Peter taking the chair of the lodge for the third time. He hoped he would have an enjoyable year in office and he also hoped that all the brethren would continue to enjoy their Freemasonry. Sam also congratulated the brethren who had taken part in the ceremony especially Vic Albin and Andrew Mooney.
Peter Williams then had a most pleasant task to perform by presenting two cheques. The first was for £200 in favour of the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity and the second for £300 for the Freemasons’ Grand Charity. Sam thanked the lodge members for their donations on behalf of the charities and also on behalf of the recipients of those charities who we never meet.
Andrew Mooney formed the recession after the first rising and grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers retired. The lodge was then closed in due form after the second and third risings and all the brethren retired to the dining room to partake of refreshment to celebrate what had been a thoroughly good evening.
Pictured from left to right, are: Howard Jones, Andy Whittle, Sam Robinson, Peter Williams, Vic Albin, Gordon Sandford, Mike Cunliffe and Andrew Mooney.