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THE TRUE COURAGE OF A MASON!
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Brethren
gathered from all over Merseyside and some even journeyed from
the Lake District for a very special Installation at Perfect Ashlar
Lodge No 5246 in February at our Masonic home in Duke Street.
It was to be the first time installed in the Chair of King Solomon
for Bro Christopher William Barker and his story is quite a remarkable
one.
Chris built his reputation in America after gaining a BSc in Avionics
there. He and his wife settled in Seattle where he worked as a
designer on many of Boeing's major passenger aircraft. He joined
Freemasonry whilst in the USA and all seemed perfect and regular
until, in 1993, Chris was struck down by a devastating stroke,
which left him partially paralysed on his right side with total
loss of both speech and short-term memory. It soon became obvious
he could not continue his work with Boeing. Consequently, in 1999,
he returned to home shores with his devoted wife, Maureen.
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It was on
Maureen's insistence and with her devoted support that Chris rejoined
Masonry in the UK; first in Lytham and then with Perfect Ashlar Lodge.
Immediate Past Master, Doug Drysdale remembers with fondness that Chris
had but one word when he first arrived. If asked whether he wanted another
drink his answer was always a simple, "Yes!"
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Chris's entry into Perfect Ashlar Lodge has generated a remarkable
bonding and focus for all brethren as they helped their fellow
brother on to and up 'the ladder'. Sheer determination and hard
work in attempting to learn ceremonies has given him purpose in
life and a promoted a remarkable improvement in memory and speech.
Working with fellow lodge members, Chris now tackles much of the
work and his speech has returned considerably.
The Installation Ceremony was an emotional experience for all.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Leon Tax, commented at the
Festive Board how the ceremony epitomises the essence of what
Freemasonry should be about. The fraternal devotion to Chris from
all of the lodge brethren in this, his crowning achievement, was
truly palpable. The enjoyment Chris experienced was obvious from
that beaming smile that seemed never to leave his face all evening.
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Congratulations,
Christopher Barker…you are truly a remarkable mason and a man!
And, congratulations brethren of Perfect Ashlar, one and all, for showing
us what Freemasonry is all about!
1: That Smile of Pride. WM Chris Barker with Southport Group Chairman,
Bryan Henshaw and Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Leon Tax.
2: Chris rises to give his speech of thanks ably assisted by IPM Doug
Drysdale.
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chrisbarkerchrisbarker
News Date: 08/03/2010
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©
The Southport Group 2004
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