Lodge Namoi celebrated 130 years of continued traditions as local and visiting Freemasons gathered for Saturday evening’s installation ceremony and dinner.

The night, in particular, was a poignant occasion for the Hall family, with grandfather Len Hall vacating the chair of King Solomon as the worshipful master of Lodge Namoi and passing the regalia to grandson Jordan Rex.

Following the installation and ceremony, Freemasons and partners gathered at the Narrabri RSL to celebrate the occasion.

Among the visiting officials at Saturday night’s installation at the Lodge Namoi hall was grand master (NSW/ACT) Les Hicks.

Following the installation proceedings conducted inside the lodge room, members and guests assembled at the RSL where the official proceedings continued.

Addressing the local Freemasons, partners and invited guests, Mr Hicks described the evening as a special occasion.

He said it was not common that a grandfather oversaw the installation of his grandson.

“I congratulate Len and the Hall family. They are staunch Freemasons,” Mr Hicks said.

“It’s been an occasion I’ve been very much looking forward to.”

Following a toast by Robert Taylor, in honour of Mr Hall as installing master, Mr Hall spoke of his family’s pride in Saturday night’s momentous occasion.

“There is no one here that has more pleasure in this room than myself, with a son and a grandson in the chair,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall’s son, Luke, has also previously served as the worshipful master of Lodge Namoi.

“I have been very fortunate to come in for second time. It has been 48 years since I came out of the chair the first time.”

Toasts were conducted throughout the evening in honour of the Queen, the visiting grand master and grand officers, as well as to the new worshipful master.

Peter Etheridge told the audience he had known Mr Rex, the new worshipful master, for his entire life.

“It is good to see a young worshipful master,” he said.

“The year that we will have in the next 12 months will be very rewarding.”

Richard Hamilton proposed a toast to partners and thanked Lindy McMicking for the meals she provided in the past year.

Mr Hamilton made a special tribute to the late Beth Brown, wife of Freemason Jim Brown and mother of Freemason James Brown, for her ongoing support to the Lodge over many years.

On the night, donations were also presented to the grand master’s flood appeal.

Visiting members from Lodge Courallie, based in Moree, contributed $1000 while local Freemasons conducted a raffle on the installation night and donated more than $500 to the cause. Mr Hicks told the gathering close to $200,000 had been raised for the appeal.

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