Herbert Barrington Slater Council No 234 had not met for close on two years due to the pandemic, but what a come back meeting took place Saturday at Salford Masonic Hall.
Lets start with an installation. Acting Master and District Secretary, Graham Newton opened the lodge and welcomed its distinguished guest, the head of the order in East Lancashire; Mervyn Wilson.
It was now time to start adding some members to the council as Ivan Millington and Nigel Bramley Howarth were welcomed aboard.
With the all the council business now out of the way Peter Hegarty, the Deputy Head presented Craig Wood as Master Elected ready to be installed. However Craig was on crutches having torn ligaments an injury so things were just a little bit different, he had waited two years for this and very determined to get in the chair.
A fabulous ceremony ensued conducted by Graham and Craig was pleased to appoint his new team of officers for his year in the chair.
It was now time to once again swell the numbers with some new members, three candidates this time – Nigel Dunlop, Paul Joynson and Steven Graham who were all admitted in a fantastic ceremony of The Degree of St Lawrence The Martyr delivered by Craig as his first duty as new master.
As the end of a first and eventful meeting back neared, Mervyn congratulated both Graham and Craig for the work done and welcomed the new members to the order by presenting them with a grid iron lapel badge.
Council business complete the brethren enjoyed a hearty meal downstairs at the festive board which gave the chance for the new members to really get to know their new lodge mates and enjoy the harmony and conversations.
The Allied Masonic Degrees -East Lancashire 