Had you attended the installation of Jeffrey Taylor as worshipful master of Sincerity Lodge No 3677, you could have been forgiven for thinking that you were at Provincial Grand Lodge rather than at Bryn Masonic Hall. Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison was the honoured guest and he was accompanied by his senior and junior wardens, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and no less than eight Assistant Provincial Masters.
PrGM Tony Harrison (left) congratulates the new master Jeffrey Taylor.
In addition, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, with three Provincial Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies, Provincial Grand Chaplain and Provincial Grand Secretary, as well as two Provincial Grand Deacons and four Provincial Grand Stewards, together with six other acting officers, completed the Provincial entourage. Tony was accompanied by no less than eight further grand officers, including group chairman Malcolm Taylor.
The Provincial Grand Master was treated to a delightful ceremony. Unfortunately, the outgoing WM Stuart Shaw had been ill following diagnosis of a heart condition and was unable to be present to install his successor, but lodge secretary Chris Furmston was pleased to help out and ably took on the role. Chris was ably assisted by a number of officers of the lodge and the visiting Provincial Wardens, Michael Threlfall and Peter Schofield, who took on the roles of senior and junior installing wardens respectively. Jeffrey Taylor was presented by Malcolm Bell senior, the treasurer of the lodge, and was well installed by Chris.
Once installed, Jeffrey appointed his officers. Malcolm Bell senior gave the address to the new WM and three junior brethren, Stephen Price, Neil Haddock and Mark Calleson-Catterick, delivered the working tools of the three degrees faultlessly and with confidence. Michael Threlfall gave the address to the wardens, with the PrGM giving the address to the brethren and visiting Provincial Grand Steward Gary Smith giving the address to the stewards.
In distinguished company: Jeffrey (centre right) with the PrGM, his deputy and assistants.
Tony congratulated Jeffrey on taking the chair of this very old and historic lodge and thanked him for taking office. He added he was greatly impressed with the manner in which he had been installed by Chris Furmston and by all those who took part in the ceremony. Tony made special mention of the PrDGDC Malcolm Bell junior, who had orchestrated events. The PrGM also paid tribute to his work and efforts for over three years,
Tony was delighted to receive charitable donations presented by Jeffrey on behalf of the lodge members: £300 towards the tercentenary and £700 in favour of West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
Jeffrey is an experienced Mason, having served as WM of his mother lodge, Makerfield Lodge No 2155 and Lodge of Perseverance No 155. He holds the Provincial rank of PPrSGD.
The huge entourage of distinguished guests.