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Warrington Conclave No. 119 Installation Report |
| Installation Ceremony of the New Supreme Ruler Brother Paul Robert Smith Date: Tuesday, 6th October 2026 |
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| The installation ceremony of a new Supreme Ruler is always a historic and momentous occasion for every conclave and its members. The recent meeting of Warrington Conclave No. 119 was rendered particularly memorable by the presence of the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler for the Provincial Grand Conclave of West Lancashire, R.W.Bro. John Charles Bicknell, who attended alongside brethren and distinguished guests to observe the proceedings and celebrate the installation of:- |
Bro.Paul Robert Smith into the Chair as the Supreme Ruler |
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| The meeting was opened by the outgoing Supreme Ruler, Wy. Bro. Joe Royle, who extended a warm welcome to Right Worthy, Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler. In accordance with protocol, Wy. Bro. Royle offered the gavel of the lodge to R.W.Bro. Bicknell, as it is his right to rule any conclave within his province. Declining the gavel with his customary experience and charm, the Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler remarked that he was present to enjoy himself and looked forward to watching a well-rehearsed and dignified ceremony before swiftly returning the gavel. |
| Wy. Bro. Joe Royle then invited conclave stalwart Rt. Wy. Bro. David Knight to take the Chair for the Installation Ceremony and thereby followed a faultless, dignified, and sincere ceremony of installation to place the new Supreme Ruler into the Chair. |
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| V. Wy. Bro. Alan Bibby, Grand Visitor, ably supported the proceedings by acting as Director of Ceremonies for the evening. |
| Following the installation, the Director of Ceremonies ensured continued compliance as the meeting reverted back to the business highlighted on the summons. |
| In his first official task, the newly installed Supreme Ruler detailed donations to two local charities totalling £300 a noteworthy contribution from a relatively small conclave. The conclave also remains hopeful that later in the year, matched funding from Grand Conclave will further benefit their chosen charities. |
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| Following the formal meeting, the brethren retired to the social board to enjoy a superb four-course meal: |
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| Responding to the toast to Provincial Grand Lodge R.W.Bro. Bicknell congratulated the conclave on a wonderful ceremony and in particular the work of the Installing Supreme Ruler Addressing Provincial affairs, he encouraged greater attendance from brethren at each Provincial Grand Conclave meeting. He also announced that details for the Province’s Blackpool Weekend are now being circulated, strongly advising early booking as last year’s event was a sell-out. |
| In response to the toast to his health Bro. Paul Smith expressed how impressed he was by the impeccable manner in which he had been installed into the chair by Rt. Wy. Bro. David Knight, as well as the hard work of the conclave in putting the ceremony together. He also expressed his sincere hope that Warrington Conclave will continue to thrive under his rule. During the festive board, the Director of Ceremonies conducted a "Chorley Swindle," raising £66; this combined with the charity collection will be allocated toward future worthy causes. This ceremony along with the ambience of the festive board highlighted that Warrington Conclave No. 119 and the Order of the Secret Monitor continue to uphold their tradition of being one of the friendliest Masonic orders. It remains an ideal order for prospective candidates looking to further their Masonic involvement. |
| If you are interested in finding out more about the order then join us with your wife or partner when we be holding a joint “Ladies to Dine Evening” with Travellers Lodge at Warrington Masonic Hall on Thursday 15th October 2026. |
| Report and Photo's courtesy of Bob Williams |
