It is a long way from Zimbabwe to Orrell, but the connection between the two is the new master Bill Evans. Bill’s Masonic journey started 25 years ago in South Africa, the latest milestone being the installation meeting of Orrell Lodge No 8371, which meets at Pemberton Masonic Hall.
David Grainger (left) congratulates Bill Evans on achieving the chair of King Solomon.
WM Ernie Barrow had been suffering from ill health and was unable to conduct the ceremony, but Harold Bibby volunteered to do the work on his behalf. Ernie, however, bravely opened the lodge and received the distinguished guests, before handing the duties to Harold.
David Grainger, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was honoured to attend the installation as principle guest, accompanied on this occasion by grand officers, Alex Sharp and Graeme Hughes and supported by acting Provincial grand officers Lucas Kelly and Graham Benson, together with group officers Geoffrey Porter and John Selley.
Once in the chair, Harold did a sterling job and Bill was well and truly installed by Harold, which was followed by Bill who appointed and invested his officers. As is tradition in this lodge, a lodge member, on this occasion David Porter, delivered the address to the brethren, giving David Grainger a well-deserved rest.
Bill thanks his installing master Harold Bibby
At the end of the ceremony David was delighted to bring the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master, who he said, would have been delighted by such a wonderful ceremony of installation. He congratulated both Bill on achieving this great milestone in Masonry and Harold for the magnificent way he installed him, adding that the IPM should also be mentioned for his delegation. In addition, he commented on the work done by all the officers and brethren who had taken part.
David was also pleased to receive cheques by way of charitable giving in favour of: Pemberton Masonic Hall Development Fund £1,000, Tercentenary Appeal £300, Wigan and Leigh Hospice £250 and the Masonic Hall Appeals Fund £551.10, giving a magnificent total of £2,011.10.
Bill with a gavel presented to him by his colleagues from the West Lancs Clay Pigeon Society.
It is a tradition in the lodge to give a bound copy of the summonses to the retiring IPM for all the meetings he had attended in his year in the chair.
This was tinged with more than a hint of sadness following the sudden and unexpected passing to the Grand Lodge above of WM Alfredo (Alf) Francesco Carletti just days before he was due to install his successor last year.
Bill was honoured to present the bound volume to Alf’s son Peter, who was installed as senior warden. A further presentation was made, this time to the WM, which was a commemorative gavel from friends from the West Lancs Clay Pigeon Society.
Bill started his Masonic career in South Africa as a member of Charter Lodge in Zimbabwe, where he was a member from 1990 to 2008. He progressed to and served as warden, but never gained the chair in his mother lodge. As a ‘light blue’ master, he is looking to make the most of his new experience.