Philip installed for the first time in England

The installation meeting of Aughton Lodge No 7996 was well supported by 68 members and visiting brethren. John Robson Chairman of the

Chorley and District Group represented the Provincial Grand Master at the meeting. John was accompanied by Frank Umbers

Ormskirk Group Chairman together with other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.

The installation was carried out by the Edward Harrison who welcomed all attending and wished them a pleasant evening.  

Edward installed Philip Ian Powell into the Chair of King Solomon for the first time in England. Philip was previously

WM of Bengal Past Masters Lodge No 5817 Calcutta, India.

Edward was word perfect conducting the ceremony and was very ably assisted by Edward Clarke occupying the Senior Warden's chair,

Andrew Clarke Junior Warden and Ian Tupling as Inner Guard.

The explanation of the working tools were well presented by three master masons third degree by James Carrie,

second degree by Stephen Hay and the first degree by John Doyle each giving a confident rendition which greatly added to the ceremony.

The address to the Master was given by Eric Croston who eloquently presented it with great warmth.

Bringing greetings from the Provincial Grand Master John Robson congratulated Philip on his appointment as Master and wished him

 and the members of the lodge well for the forthcoming year. He noted that the Lodge meeting on a weekly basis to practice the ritual

 had certainly paid off and had resulted in an Installation Ceremony that many other lodges would wish to emulate.

At the end of the ceremony Philip presented John with a cheque for the magnificent sum of £800 for the West Lancashire Masonic Charities.

Other donations to the sum of £1200 given away on the night included £100 to the Masonic Hall Building appeal fund,

£150 North West Air Ambulance, £150 St Joseph's Hospice, £150 Southport Alzheimer's Group, £150 Church without Walls,

£150 to the Friends of Tithebarn, £250 to St John's Primary School and £100 to the Lodge 2015 Festival.

John congratulated the brethren for their generosity in raising £2000 for charitable good causes.

Pictured left to right, are: John Robson, Philip Ian Powell, Edward Harrison and Frank Umbers