Ballymena’s Man – R.W. Brother Allan Mercer.
By 6.30pm the Leighinmohr House Hotel was already busy with Brethren catching up, renewing friendships & sharing old stories. The PGM, R.W. Brother John Mc Lernon and the Provincial Assistant Grand Masters took time to mix with the Brethren chatting, listening, catching up & welcoming one & all. All together a convivial atmosphere of Brotherly love and fellowship.
The PGM opened the meeting in confident manner, a prelude to precision ceremony by the Provincial Directors of Ceremonies & accomplished ritual of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers
The PGM welcomed everyone noting the excellent turnout. He took time to welcome all brethren and proceeded to accord salutes of honour to many distinguished Brethren. among whom it was good to see R.W. Brothers Robert J. Thompson Past Provincial Grand Master, Jack. O. Dunlop Past Provincial Deputy Grand Master, and Bill Balmer & Ken Porter Past Provincial Assistant Grand Masters.
He also informed the Brethren that R.W. Brother Ivan Gillispie & Worshipful Brother Michael Gingles remained in hospital. As a consequence, he would be unable to install R.W. Brother Gillispie as Provincial Deputy Grand Master. In wishing Ivan & Michael well the PGM expressed the kind thoughts of all the Brethren.
Having dealt with the general business of the meeting the PGM proceeded with the main business of the evening, the Installation of R.W. Brother Allan Mercer as Provincial Assistant Grand Master. R.W. Brother Allan Mercer is a member of Lodge 990 Kells and a large turnout Brethren supported him. R.W. Brother George Peden & Worshipful Brother Sam Eccles acted as Sponsor’s, while R.W. Brother Fergus Jameison acted as Chain Bearer. R.W. Worshipful Brother Mercer was presented to the PGM, Obligated, Invested & Installed. The ceremony was conducted with great dignity, sincerity & pure professionalism by all – evidence of many rehearsals and the dedication of the relatively new – and young team of Directors of Ceremonies. Work to be emulated by all.
Following the ceremony R.W. Brother Mercer thanked the PGM and Brethren, referring to the great honour bestowed on not just him but also his Mother Lodge Kells 990.
Hearty congratulations to our new Provincial Assistant Grand Master.