FOR centuries in Masonic circles worldwide, it has become an established custom for each lodge of freemasons to elect and install from its ranks an experienced warden to preside over them as Master for the ensuing year.

Traditionally, the distinction of getting the installation bandwagon rolling in Bermuda has fallen to Lodge Somers Isle No.1503 of the Grand Registry of Scotland on the second Monday in each November.

This year was no exception for the lodge situated on Hog Bay Level in Sandys. Fully regaled members of the dozen or so Scottish, English and Irish lodges in the island, supplemented by visitors from overseas, turned out in strength for the installation of Leonard G. W. Holder, Jr., as Right Worshipful Master.

He succeeded Robert D. Fox. Presiding over the impressive ceremonial was Installing Master Edward (Eddie) M. W. Robinson. A banquet followed in the lodge hall. What might be termed the variation of a Scottish theme took place exactly one week later, this past Monday night, when Lodge Civil and Military No. 726, GRS, situated in Hamilton opposite the Fire Station, held its annual installation and banquet. James M. Pace was installed as Right Worshipful Master by Tennyson M. Bruce, succeeding Wor. Bro. Kevin J. DeSilva.

The Grand Superintendent of Scottish Lodges in Bermuda, Bro. Lawrence M. Davis, said the event was significant because it was the end of an era for Lodge Civil and Military, in that its long-serving Director of Ceremonies Raymond Boorman for the first time in more than 50 years had declined installation to any office. Succeeding him as Director of Ceremonies is Bro. Peter B. Brown.

Tradition was also underscored at Lodge Somers Isle. For the past 30 years brethren from Lodges in New Jersey have made a point of attending the Bermuda installation. Representing the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was Bro. Wiley Clark and delegates from Alpha Lodge No. 166 of the Grand Lodge of N.J. included Andrew Oliver and Donald Shear. A reciprocal visit by Somers Isle will see a delegation of 20 members under R.W. Holder go to New Jersey for Alpha's Installation.

Also a sentimental visit to Lodge Somers Isle was made by Stephen John Thomas, the Master of Hauley Lodge No. 797 in south Devon, England. Mr. Thomas was serving in the Royal Navy, being the last cook stationed at HMS Malabar, and Eddie Robinson, then a prison officer and cook at Casemates when they became friends.

It was Eddie who proposed him for membership in Somers Isle nearly ten years ago; and Eddie went to Devon when Mr. Thomas was installed Master of his lodge last March 10.