Bela Lodge Installation Wednesday 15th April 2026
Bela Lodge No. 7576 held its Installation Meeting at Milnthorpe Masonic Hall on Wednesday 15th April 2026, marking a memorable occasion as Bro. James McGregor was Installed as Worshipful Master for the ensuing year.
The meeting was opened by the outgoing Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Gerald Davies PPGSwdB, who welcomed a strong attendance of members and visitors. The Lodge was particularly honoured by the presence of W.Bro. John Fielding PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, together with a distinguished delegation of Provincial and Grand Officers.
Following the opening business of the Lodge, Bro. James McGregor was presented as Master Elect by W.Bro. Peter Miles PPGReg and, after completing the necessary proceedings, was Installed into the Chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom.
Following the completion of the Inner Working, the newly Installed Master was formally proclaimed in each degree.
W.Bro. Steve Roberts proclaimed W.Bro. James McGregor as Worshipful Master for the first time from the East, with the Master Masons greeting him in due form.
W.Bro. Peter Miles then proclaimed him for the second time from the West, followed by the greetings of the Fellowcraft Brethren. Finally, W.Bro. Gerald Davies proclaimed him for the third time from the South, before the Entered Apprentices offered their greetings.
The Working Tools of the respective degrees were then presented to the Worshipful Master. W.Bro. Michael Collins delivered the Working Tools of the Third Degree, Bro. Stephen Lawton presented those of the Second Degree, and Bro. John Lowther presented the Working Tools of the First Degree.
A significant moment of the ceremony followed when the Installing Master, W.Bro. Gerald Davies, presented the Worshipful Master with the Warrant of Bela Lodge before entrusting him with the Book of Constitutions and the Lodge By-Laws, reminding him of the responsibilities and privileges of his office.
The newly Installed Worshipful Master then appointed and invested his Officers for the coming year, assisted by the Installing Master and senior members of the Lodge.
The traditional Addresses were delivered in excellent fashion, with W.Bro. William Lennox presenting the Address to the Wardens, W.Bro. Stuart Pritchard delivering the Address to the Brethren, and W.Bro. Brian Duckett giving the Address to the Master.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the presentation of a £500 donation to the 2027 Festival by the Immediate Past Master, W.Bro. Gerald Davies. The cheque was received by W.Bro. John Fielding PSGD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who congratulated the Worshipful Master and the Brethren on an excellent Installation ceremony and thanked those who had contributed to its success.
The occasion was supported by an impressive attendance, including 28 visiting Brethren from Lodges across the Province and beyond. Greetings on behalf of the visitors were given by W.Bro. Graham Ducksbury, Worshipful Master of Windermere Lodge, while W.Bro. David Lachmann, Senior Warden, responded on behalf of the members of Bela Lodge.
The meeting concluded in harmony before the Brethren retired to the Festive Board, where an envelope collection raised £277 for charitable purposes.
Bela Lodge extends its thanks to all who attended and contributed to what was a memorable and successful Installation meeting.
