Allied masonry resumed with the first meeting of Constitution Council No. 183 at Accrington with three very important ceremonies: an induction, and an installation as well as the confirmation on post of the new Deputy District Grand Prefect.
Council Master Richard Frazer-Bastable was the man to start things going by opening the council and welcoming the head of the order, District Grand Prefect Mervyn Wilson as the principal guest.
12 members were joined by six visitors some of whom were the acting officers of the year, all of whom were greeted warmly. Richard then handed the proceedings over to Graham Newton, District Secretary to induct our latest recruit Mark Rowe in fine style and blowing away lock down cobwebs to deliver a great ceremony assisted by Bill Pickup who explained the St Lawrence Lecture to Mark perfectly.
Graham has acquired some pretty impressive ‘pull up’ banners which illustrate perfectly the history of the Order, the degree of St Lawrence as well as the other four making up the order. The banner was proudly on display as the brethren entered the festive board room and bar.
One down two to go as Richard resumed his rightful place in the chair to install his successor as master, David Sharpe. David is an experienced mason who enjoyed this very special ceremony which was well worked most sincerely by Richard.
And finally…. Part three commenced when Mervyn rose and requested that Peter Hegarty was presented to him for this long awaited chance to invest him with his collaret as his Deputy.
Peter has been in office since May 2020 however the suspension due to covid had prevented his confirmation taking place until now. Peter received a round of applause following his confirmation and warm welcome to the team by Mervyn
Jobs done David Sharpe closed the council and it was off to the bar for a catch up and a superb buffet festive board.
During the meal Mervyn updated every one with all the good news surrounding the Allied Masonic degrees in East Lancashire which include the District meeting Saturday 11th September and the re launch of Shuttleworth Council later that month on the 25th, this website will contain all the details needed to book in to the great events coming soon.
It also gave the latest recruit Mark a chance to meet and chat with the members of his new lodge and following a toast made to welcome him, he thanked everyone for a warm introduction to our most interesting order.
New Master Dave also received a welcoming toast from his installing officer Richard, following which he thanked every one for attending and looked forward to his year in office.
The Allied Masonic Degrees -East Lancashire 