W.Bro. Roderick Fraser Installed as W.M. of The Old York Lodge of Mark Master Masons T.I.

Tuesday 22nd October 2024 at the Masonic Hall, Cleckheaton where the sun never sets saw the Installation of Bro. Roderick Fraser into the chair of Old York the self-proclaimed “Premier Mark Lodge in the Province”.

On duty for the Province was W.Bro. William R. Light the Prov.G.S.W. who seems to have made Old York his second home just now and, W.Bro. Richard Stone, the elected representative of the Charity Committee.  All under the guidance of W.Bro. Robert Barton Prov. A.G.D.C.  

It was also great to see R.W.Bro. Alan Oldfield Dep.Prov.G.M. present.  Alan is an honorary member of the Lodge and is a regular attender.  The W.M. W.Bro. Christian Holmes did try his luck in passing the gavel to Alan but guess what? Alan thanked Christian for the opportunity but, said he was here to enjoy the spectacle and wouldn’t be working tonight.  It was the first time Alan was saluted and greeted with seven, certainly bringing a big smile to his face.  

The W.M. W.Bro. Christian Holmes composed himself and conducted a fantastic ceremony with not a book in site.  A ceremony that will stay in the memory of now W.Bro. Roderick Fraser and the thirteen visiting Brethren.  The newly installed Master Roddy then invested his officers in his own unique way.

The new W.M. will certainly be put to the test very shortly as there was also a proposition for yet another candidate to Advance.  

A surprise for nearly everyone, certainly the W.M. as at the end Bro. Craig McIntosh entered the Lodge and piped Roddy and everyone else out.  Roddy although an honorary Yorkshire man is proud of his Scottish heritage and roots.     

There was a really feelgood mood in the bar as the attending Brethren chatted about the fabulous meeting.  Craig was not yet finished with his bagpipes, and he led W. Bro Roddy, R.W. Bro. Alan and W. Bros. Billy and Richard into the Festive board with a rendition of Penny Arcade a well-known song of Roy Orbison written by a Batley lad called Sammy King.  Penny Arcade is also the Anthem for Rangers Roddy’s Scottish team of choice.

The meal was excellent as always.  W. Bro Billy Light Congratulated Roddy on behalf of R.W. Bro J. Trevor Bolton the Prov.G.M. on his being installed as W.M. of Old York and the Brethren of the Lodge on being appointed or re-appointed at the Provincial meeting last April.  Going on to give a brief report about the recent initiatives that have been introduced in the Province, with more to come.  

Christian wished Roddy all the best for the coming year and said he knew he would certainly give it his all.  In response Roddy thanked Christian for the incredible job he had done in the Installation and for the great 12 months he had enjoyed as W.M.  

W. Bro. Stuart Prince, responding on behalf of the 13 visitors, congratulated Roddy on becoming W.M. and, thanked the lodge for a great ceremony, great food and great company.  

You can gauge a good meeting by the camaraderie and chatter at the Festive board and, the chatter was plenty.

With thanks to

W. Bro John M Fitzpatrick

Prov.G.Stwd.