Bro Capt. Allan I MacFeate was reinstalled into the Chair as Right Worshipful Master in front of a large number of brethren from within and outwith the province of Renfrewshire West in a busy Town Hall Saloon. The deputation of visiting brethren was led, as always, by the RWM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68. In this case the man at the head was Bro William Lawson.
Captain MacFeate, a retired Master Mariner, has lived most of his life in Inverclyde and was educated at Gourock and Greenock High Schools. His nautical career commenced with his pre-sea Cadet Officer training at the James Watt Memorial College, William Street, Greenock, where he later studied for his 2nd Mates and 1st Mates Certificates. He then attended College in Glasgow for his Masters Certificate. His earlier years were spent on cargo passenger liners as a Cadet Officer rising to the rank of Chief Officer trading to and from the UK and Europe to the Far East. He then transferred to the Offshore Industry, spending sixteen years on the Scott-Lithgow built Drill Ship Ben Ocean Lancer, where he was promoted to Master. He has a keen interest in local sports and is a member of Greenock Wanderers Rugby Cub, Greenock Cricket Club and Gourock Golf Club. He is also a member of the Greenock Burns Club and a social member of the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club. Most especially enjoys being a Granddad.
At the Harmony in the main Town Hall a large number of brethren enjoyed dinner and the usual Loyal and Masonic Toasts were observed. Bro Allan I MacFeate RWM toasted Her Majesty the Queen. His Toasts to The Grand Lodge of Scotland and The Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West were replied to by Bro John RS Keith Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Depute. A heartfelt toast to Her Majesty’s Armed Forces was delivered by Bro Tam Hamilton, himself a Royal Air Force veteran. The Right Worshipful Master, Bro MacFeate, toasted the Installing Masters. The reply came from Bro. Iain White PM, Principal Installing Master. Bro Paul G Galbraith SD toasted the Visiting Brethren and, as is traditional in No XII, the reply was given by Bro William Lawson RWM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68. The artistes and lassies were toasted by Bro J Robert Crossan WJW.
As is the custom in No XII, Inverclyde Council was represented at the Installation Supper and Harmony On this occasion, Depute Provost Bro David Wilson, a member of Lodge Sir Michael 989 and Honorary Member of No XII represented the Provost. Depute Provost Bro Wilson addressed the assembled brethren and spoke of the long and close connection between No XII and the town of Greenock and the Lodge’s historic right to meet in the Saloon of the Town Hall. He also received the grateful thanks of the assembled brethren that some of the Victorian coloured glass windows, missing from the Saloon for many years had been reinstated as part of the magnificent refurbishment. Bro Wilson extended his good wishes to the Lodge for the forthcoming session.
Bro Allan I MacFeate spoke of his pleasure at taking the chair again and is looking very much forward to building on the successes of his first term. During his first year, Bro MacFeate continued the growth of the Lodge, further enhanced its involvement in the community, continued its significant charitable work and supported Sister Lodges in Scotland and beyond. This year, around £7,000 will be distributed to local charities by No XII. Bro MacFeate plans to lead a deputation to New York to visit the Mother Lodge of Bro Barry Banks, the renowned operatic tenor, who is an affiliate member of No XII. Bro. Barry’s Mother Lodge is Independent Royal Arch No 2 in New York.
Musical contributions from mezzo soprano Cheryl Forbes accompanied by Gordon Cree on the Town Hall grand piano were much enjoyed by the company. The extremely happy evening finished with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and three hearty cheers!
Back Row from Left: Senior Deacon Bro. Paul G. Galbraith Past Master Bro. Murray Thomson Junior Deacon Bro. A. Campbell Snoddy Director of Music Bro James McGregor Sword Bearer Bro James McGregor Jr Bible Bearer Bro. Kenneth K. Morrison PM Chaplain Bro. Robert J. Bain 2nd Assistant Steward Bro. Fraser N. Cameron Architect Bro Brian McFadyen 1st Assistant Steward Bro. Iain Hanlon President of Stewards Bro. Anthony Buckley Treasurer Bro. David D. Stevenson Inner Guard Bro. Paul Stevenson
Front Row from Left: Worshipful Junior Warden Bro. J. Robert Crossan Substitute Master Bro. Alexander Galbraith PM Immediate Past Master Bro. Alan D Beck Secretary Bro. Kenneth C MacDougall PM Director of Ceremonies Bro. Iain White PM Right Worshipful Master Bro. Capt. Allan I MacFeate Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. James P. Livingstone Marshal Bro Hector Macphail PM Depute Master Bro Derek A. Macfeate Depute Provost of Inverclyde Bro David Wilson HM Almoner Bro. Alistair Glenny PM
Thanks to Bro Paul Stevenson IG for the photos shared in this edition of XII Talk.
More can be seen at Annual Installation 2015 photos
287th Annual Installation - 2015
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