A LARGE number of masons from a Greenock lodge turned out recently to welcome a new installation.

Instituted in 1728, Lodge Greenock Kilwinning No XII is the oldest and longest surviving organisation in Inverclyde and recently held its 285th Installation Ceremony.

Bro Alan D Beck was installed into the Chair as Right Worshipful Master in front of a large number of brethren from within and outwith the province of Renfrewshire West in a packed Greenock Town Hall saloon.

It was the biggest Installation attendance for many years.

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 Ian McPherson.

Bro Alan is very well known in the area and beyond.

As a music teacher, he has taught at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Northern College of Music.

He is currently a member of the teaching staff of Scottish Opera and Clydeview Academy.

Bro Alan is also a founder member of the three tenors group Caledon with whom he has performed all over the world including for the Queen at the opening of the Scottish Parliament, Kofi Annan at the UN Headquarters in New York and at venues such as The Sydney Opera House, T in the Park and Hampden Park for the Scottish international football team.

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 Alan Beck toasted Her Majesty the Queen.

His Toast to The Grand Lodge of Scotland and The Provincial Grand Lodge of Renfrewshire West was replied to by Bro James P Livingstone Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Depute Bro James P Livingstone.

A heartfelt toast to Her Majesty's Armed Forces was delivered by Immediate Past Master Bro Bob Bain, himself a former regular soldier.

The Right Worshipful Master, Bro Beck, toasted the Installing Masters and the Immediate Past Master.

The replies to these came from Bro Iain White PM and Bro Robert J Bain IPM, respectively.

Bro Martin Anderson WSW toasted the Visiting Brethren and, as is traditional in No XII, the reply was given by Bro Ian McPherson RWM of Lodge Doric Kilwinning No 68.

The artistes and Stewards were toasted by Bro Paul G Galbraith WJW.

As is the custom in No XII, Inverclyde Council was represented at the Installation Supper and Harmony by Provost Robert Moran.

Provost Moran 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 expressed his pleasure at being in attendance again at a No XII function and extended his good wishes to the Lodge for the forthcoming session.

Bro Alan Beck 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 under way and its focus will be on the Erskine Home and Youth Theatre at the Beacon Centre.

Provost Moran also agreed to nominate a charity to be supported by No XII on his behalf.

Musical contributions from Elliott McKelvie, Craig Dunsmore and Ian McCrorie were much enjoyed by the company as was the piping of Alasdair Beaton WSW 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 2012-13: Right Worshipful Master Bro Alan Beck Immediate Past Master Bro Robert J Bain Depute Master Bro Allan I Macfeate Substitute Master Bro. Alexander Galbraith Worshipful Senior Warden Bro Martin Anderson Worshipful Junior Warden Bro Paul G Galbraith Secretary Bro Kenneth C MacDougall PM Treasurer Bro Iain White PM Almoner Bro. John McFadyen Chaplain Bro Derek A Macfeate Senior Deacon Bro Allan Glen Junior Deacon Bro James S Adams PM Director of Ceremonies Bro Kenneth K Morrison PM Bible Bearer Bro Albert McLean Jeweller Bro James McGregor Architect Bro Brian McFadyen Inner Guard Bro Gordon Thompson President of Stewards Bro Ross Gourdie Tyler Bro Shaun Barton