The 286th Annual Installation

The 286^th Annual Installation on Tuesday November 18^th saw Bro Capt. Allan Ian MacFeate placed in the Chair of King Solomon.  in front of a large number of brethren from within and outwith the province of Renfrewshire West in a packed 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 2^nd Mates and 1^st 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 and most especially enjoys being a Granddad.

At the Harmony in the main Town Hall a large number of brethren enjoyed supper 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 James P Livingstone Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.  A heartfelt toast to Her Majesty’s Armed Forces was delivered by Past Master Bro Bob Bain, himself a former regular soldier. The Right Worshipful Master, Bro MacFeate, toasted the Installing Masters and the Immediate Past Master.  The replies to these came from Bro. Iain White PM and Bro Alan D Beck IPM, respectively.  Bro Allan T Glen WSW 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 brought good news that some of the Victorian coloured glass windows, missing from the Saloon for many years, would be reinstated soon. Planning permission was being sought. Bro Wilson concluded as he extended his good wishes to the Lodge for the forthcoming session.



For the first time in over 45 years, the Toast to the House of Ardgowan was on the list and proposed by Bro Alan D. Beck IPM.  Sir Ludovic Houston Shaw Stewart, 12^th Baronet of Greenock and Blackhall replied and thanked Bro Beck for his kind words.  Sir Ludovic particularly appreciated the way in which the long connection, stretching back to the 1840s, between the Shaw Stewart family and No XII was highlighted.



Bro Allan I MacFeate spoke of his pleasure at taking the chair and of the plans that he had for the Lodge in the year ahead.  A major charity drive is again under way.

Musical contributions from Polly Beck and Bro Barry Banks were much enjoyed by the company as was the piping of Bro Alasdair Beaton No XII piper and Past Master of Lodge The Gael No 609.

The extremely happy evening finished with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and three hearty cheers!



Office Bearers for 2014-15

Right Worshipful Master Bro. Capt. Allan I MacFeate Immediate Past Master Bro. Alan D Beck Depute Master Bro Derek A. Macfeate Substitute Master Bro. Alexander Galbraith PM Worshipful Senior Warden Bro. Allan T. Glen Worshipful Junior Warden Bro. J. Robert Crossan Secretary Bro. Kenneth C MacDougall PM  Treasurer  Bro. David D. Stevenson Almoner Bro. Kenneth K. Morrison PM Chaplain Bro. Robert J. Bain PM Senior Deacon Bro. A. Buckley  Junior Deacon Bro. Paul G. Galbraith  Director of Ceremonies Bro. Iain White PM Director of Music Bro James McGregor Architect Bro Brian McFadyen Jeweller Bro Ross Gourdie Bible Bearer Bro. Albert McLean Sword Bearer Bro James McGregor Jr Piper Bro Alasdair Beaton PM Marshal Bro Hector Macphail PM Inner Guard Bro. Alistair Glenny PM President of Stewards Bro. John W. Dyer 1^st Assistant Steward Bro. Iain Hanlon 2^nd Assistant Steward  Bro. M. Barry Banks Tyler Bro. Ewen Maclean

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