Countdown to Centenary Year
Preston Guild Lodge’s Installation Meeting marked the start of the count down to their Centenary Year in 2022.
Ian Greenwood, who is a Past Junior Grand Deacon of the United Grand Lodge of England, and the lodge’s senior member, was reinstalled into the Master’s Chair for the first time since 1992. The lodge were eager to have Ian as their figurehead for the Centenary Celebrations next year and an action-packed programme awaits him.
The Provincial Grand Master was represented by David Edwards who is a Past Senior Grand Warden. He was accompanied by Dave Winder, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master and other Grand Officers who were the guests of Ian.
Ian was installed with dignity and confidence by the outgoing Master, Tim Horton. Tim has been a beacon for the lodge by serving the two years through the Covid Pandemic. His commitment to the lodge has been second to none and it has been a joy to have a number of extra meetings since the lockdown was lifted for him to lead.
The working tools were presented by David Parker Jnr, David Gregson and Joey Sahota. A highlight of this were the First-Degree Tools presented with assured confidence by Joey at what was just his third meeting since being made a mason. He certainly stepped up to the mark.
Before the lodge was closed there were two Notices of Motion. The first to propose a new member and the second to propose a joining member. The lodge is ending the year on a high!
The Installation banquet was attended by 36 brethren who enjoyed a fine meal prepared and served by Preston Masonic Hall’s excellent chef. Alistair and his team. Kevin Ruffley, accompanied by Howard Linacre and performed the Masters Song for Ian. As ever, that brought everyone to their feet.
David Edwards commented on the preparations for the Centenary Year and the work ahead. The lodge starts 2022 with a new member bring made a mason and a succession of second and third-degree ceremonies before the big day with the Provincial Grand Master in October. In February, the lodge will welcome the Provincial Grand Master of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons – Freemasonry for Women with members of their Preston Guild Lodge No29; our sister lodge. There will be a special lodge meeting in May to honour our Founder Members to which wives, partners, family and friends will be welcome to attend. This will be followed by a celebratory Sunday Lunch. Finally, in September, the lodge will host an all singing and dancing Lancashire Night.
Ian has a very busy year but the lodge has a firm hand on the wheel!
