Vermont Lodge 696
Installation - 22 October 2005
VMMA Installation Team
The VMMA was, once again, privileged to conduct the ceremony of Installation for another of its members; on this occasion Brother Cameron MacMahon.
Travelling from many (and distant) parts of Victoria, the Team assembled at 1200 for a bite to eat and rehearsal. Many thanks to Matt Turner for picking up the keys to the Blackburn Masonic Centre early from Cameron and helping the team out by unlocking the rooms, greetings us on our arrival, then cooking the pizza lunch.
Having been sufficiently fed and watered we adjourned to the Lodge room for that ever important rehearsal. Under the leadership of John Wilson (our Patron and Installing Master for the occasion), and our Proclaiming Officer (The Red Baron), we put the final touches to what would be our second last Installation for this year.
Unfortunately, Vic Smith was called out to some emergency electrical work in the late afternoon and was therefore unable to perform his task as Chaplain. Drew Webber arrived mid afternoon and kindly drove The Baron and I back to Cameron’s house for a quick shower and change, whilst the other team members either zipped home or stayed at the Centre until tyling time.
Our return to the Lodge was very timely as we arrived right on tyling time at 1730. Final arrangements for our entry having been made we were admitted around 1800. The ceremony went very well, and highlighted by the joviality of those present, which at times was warmly encouraged by the Most Worshipful Installing Master. If nothing else, those present will remember all the nicknames of the members of the VMMA Installation Team – thanks John.
It was pleasing to see the District Co-ordinator and a number of other Grand Lodge officers in attendance. After the presentation of jewels, which was accompanied by some fascinating information as to the heritage of the jewels, the new Worshipful Master closed the lodge at 2030. The normal photos were taken of the Installation Team in the lodge room. NB. Some may be pleased to see that for once I’m not in any of the pictures as I volunteered to take the photos of the event.
Those in attendance from the VMMA included: John Wilson (Patron, and Installing Master), Robert van Lunenburg (The Red Baron – Proclaiming Officer), George (Uncle) Allen, Dennis (Casper) Setterfield, Colin (Taxi) Fletcher, Brian (The Colonel) Sanders, Robert (Red) O’Meara, Stuart McMillan, Richard (Ricardo) Penna, Cameron MacMahon, Dave Cash, Warren Combes, Don Lowe, Drew Webber, Chris Wells, and Pedro Eberbach.
The supper room was nearly packed and a rough count indicated 60, of which there was a good array of visiting Masters (including Chris and Drew from the VMMA) as well as a large number of Past Masters, and not forgetting those very important Master Masons, Fellowcraft, and Entered Apprentices. I’m sure Cameron really appreciated the attendance and the support from all those present.
The night progressed through various interesting speeches, a very tasty supper, and finally the raffle. The VMMA bought up big and were keen to take home some ‘booty’. We were not disappointed and secured 3 out of 6 prizes. Some might venture to say “another profitable night at Lodge”. But more correctly I would say unreservedly that we all profited from a fantastic night of warmth, fellowship, and friendship with a group of great people.
And so the night slowly drew to a close and the packing up commenced once brethren started to drift away to their homes. From memory, The Baron and I jumped into Cameron’s car around 2230 and by 2300 we were sitting in his lounge savouring the delights of a very nice Muscat.
Rob and I set off at 0900 on Sunday after a light breakfast with Cameron and Barbara, and weaved our way around various suburbs to hit the Maroondah Highway and ride through Yarra Glen, Yea, and Seymour, where we split to head our separate ways to home. Again we were fortunate to have fine weather on our home journey. Arriving home at 1230, I felt a little tired, but well satisfied in the knowledge that I had contributed to, and enjoyed yet another enjoyable weekend with a great bunch of very friendly folks. Thank you all.
Ciao Pedro.