The Holmes Lodge room at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester was bustling with excitement and anticipation as members of the Lodge of the Golden Fleece and their many guests and visitors gathered to witness the Installation of Samuel Harris.
Due to last year’s extremely sad death of the Master of the lodge, David Williams, the proceedings for the evening were in the hands of Jed Peacock to direct the lodge through the Installation. The nearly 70 members were fortunate to witness an excellent ceremony of Installation, as Samuel for the first time since he joined Freemasonry in 2013, sat in the chair in the East of the lodge.
During the investment of the officers of the lodge, the new Master presented personalised gavels, expertly crafted by Simon Sharman of the Lodge of Welcome, to the two wardens to help them in their duties throughout the evening. The Master was also pleased to present personalised napkins to several members in grateful recognition of service to the Lodge of the Golden Fleece.
The Address to the Wardens was expertly and flawlessly carried out by Jim Williamson, who himself was Installed as Master of the lodge forty years ago. The address to the brethren was undertaken by Jed Peacock, having only just installed the new Master, and taken on the role of Director of Ceremonies, to cement his excellent participation in the evening’s proceedings.
As a special surprise to Samuel, a friend from far off lands had made the journey all the way from Cyprus to be at the meeting, as Karl Coles wanted to surprise and celebrate with the lodges new Master.
Watching the meeting was the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Brian Carruthers, accompanied by the Provincial Director of Ceremonies Geoff Searson, who enjoyed a fantastic ceremony and a full and joyous festive board afterwards.
Left to Right: Master of the lodge Samuel Harris, and his surprise friend and guest from Cyprus Karl Coles