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Recruitment Success Stories
Northern Star Lodge No.2012
Saturday 13th of May
On Saturday the 13th May, the Northern Star Lodge No 2012 were pleased to have in their presence two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, namely W.Bro Richard Goodwin and WBro John Stannard.W.Bro Richard had been invited as a guest by the Worshipful Master, Andy Sylvester and John Stannard was a founder and member of the Lodge.
This breakfast Lodge, since its conscreation has gone from strength to strength having no fewer than 12 applications from a recent awareness meeting in the Province, the work load has been such that emergency meetings and double ceremonies are happening to bring the candidates into the Lodge and Friendly Degree.
After a fantastic full English breakfast, the meeting began, where Caeleb Young and Efraim Hazzan were Advanced to the Degree of a Mark Master Mason by Andy Sylvester in a fine manner,ably assisted by his Officers. Caeleb and Efraim enjoyed their Ceremony and are looking forward to progressing in the Degree. They were especially pleased that it was adouble Advancement as they are very close friends and have similar ceremonies in the Craft.
Pictures are John Stannard, Caeleb, Efraim Andy Sylvester and Richard Goodwin.
This breakfast Lodge, since its conscreation has gone from strength to strength having no fewer than 12 applications from a recent awareness meeting in the Province, the work load has been such that emergency meetings and double ceremonies are happening to bring the candidates into the Lodge and Friendly Degree.
After a fantastic full English breakfast, the meeting began, where Caeleb Young and Efraim Hazzan were Advanced to the Degree of a Mark Master Mason by Andy Sylvester in a fine manner,ably assisted by his Officers. Caeleb and Efraim enjoyed their Ceremony and are looking forward to progressing in the Degree. They were especially pleased that it was adouble Advancement as they are very close friends and have similar ceremonies in the Craft.
Pictures are John Stannard, Caeleb, Efraim Andy Sylvester and Richard Goodwin.
Centurion Lodge No.1804
Saturday 22nd of April
The members of Centurion Lodge of Mark Master Masons met on Saturday 22nd of April at Fratenity Hall, Leigh-on-Sea to welcome Johhny Gunner, another candidate from the Chelmsford event.
John's Advancement was carried out in fine style by the Master David Garston and he was ably assisted by Terry Birdseye and all of the Officers of the Lodge.John thanked the Lodge and looked forward to becoming an active member of this impressive Lodge and he was pleased that he had joined such a vibrabant Lodge. With four joining forms completed at the meeting, the Lodge is living up tp its new moto "Centurio Renatus"
Photos are:
David Garston, Johhny Gunner and John Finlay. John Finlay welcoming Johhny into the Lodge and the Province, and finally all the members and visitors welcoming Johnny.
Curious as to the use of the swords? Then why not visit and find out..
Chelmer Mark Lodge
The last meeting of Chemer Lodge saw the first of the candidates from the highly sucessful Mark Awareness event, held at Chelmsford.
The Mark meeting was opened by the Worshipful Master, Ian Gager. After the approval of the minutes, a ballot was held for a joining member, Worshipful Brother William Rudd (who was unfortunately absent), and tonight’s Advancee, Brother Andy Cook of Old Chelmsfordian Lodge No 5499 the ballot proving in favour of Andy Cook, the ceremony of Advancement was able to commence immediately.
The ceremony of Advancement was conducted by the Worshipful Master in an absolutely excellent manner, ably assisted by all the Officers of Chelmer Lodge, including the presentation of the working tools by Brother Bruce Huebner; all this ensured Brother Andy had a very memorable, and more importantly enjoyable, welcome into the Mark.
Following the Advancement, the Worshipful Master had great pleasure in presenting a Grand Lodge certificate to Brother Richard Ramjane, who was Advanced at the January meeting. All that now remained was to complete the remaining agenda items, and, after the Lodge was closed, a number of the brethren retired to a friendly and enjoyable Festive Board.
Ian welcoming Andy into Chelmer Lodge.
The Mark meeting was opened by the Worshipful Master, Ian Gager. After the approval of the minutes, a ballot was held for a joining member, Worshipful Brother William Rudd (who was unfortunately absent), and tonight’s Advancee, Brother Andy Cook of Old Chelmsfordian Lodge No 5499 the ballot proving in favour of Andy Cook, the ceremony of Advancement was able to commence immediately.
The ceremony of Advancement was conducted by the Worshipful Master in an absolutely excellent manner, ably assisted by all the Officers of Chelmer Lodge, including the presentation of the working tools by Brother Bruce Huebner; all this ensured Brother Andy had a very memorable, and more importantly enjoyable, welcome into the Mark.
Following the Advancement, the Worshipful Master had great pleasure in presenting a Grand Lodge certificate to Brother Richard Ramjane, who was Advanced at the January meeting. All that now remained was to complete the remaining agenda items, and, after the Lodge was closed, a number of the brethren retired to a friendly and enjoyable Festive Board.
Ian welcoming Andy into Chelmer Lodge.
Northern Star Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.2012
Northern Star had another candidate from the Awareness Event last year.
The Candidate was Peter Campbell a member of Lodge of Charity, Brightlingsea.
The Ceremony was carried out by Andy Sylvester, ably assisted by his Officers in a most superb manner.
Brother Peter really enjoyed his Advancement and is looking forward to becoming an active member of the Lodge.
The Candidate was Peter Campbell a member of Lodge of Charity, Brightlingsea.
The Ceremony was carried out by Andy Sylvester, ably assisted by his Officers in a most superb manner.
Brother Peter really enjoyed his Advancement and is looking forward to becoming an active member of the Lodge.
Posted 0n 21/02/23
Wayfarers Mark Lodge No.1096
Thursday 2 February 2023
Colchester
Bro. Ernie Watson, W.Bro. Jim Burgoyne and Bro. Vic Godfrey
Last evening Wayfarers Lodge carried out a ‘double’ Ceremony when two Members of Blackwater Lodge No 1977 were advanced.
Their interest arose from the Mark Awareness Meeting held in Colchester in September and they were encouraged to join two members of Blackwater Lodge who were already Mark Masons - our Worshipful Master James Burgoyne and our Chaplain W. Bro. Peter Nason. They were conducted around the Lodge by W. Bro. Victor Hodson, Senior Deacon, while Grand Officer V. W. Bro. Paul Humphrey, W. Bro. Brian Dack, the Lodge Secretary, Bro. Arthur Channon, Senior Steward and guest Bro, Brian C. Wright– all Blackwater members looked on.
Their interest arose from the Mark Awareness Meeting held in Colchester in September and they were encouraged to join two members of Blackwater Lodge who were already Mark Masons - our Worshipful Master James Burgoyne and our Chaplain W. Bro. Peter Nason. They were conducted around the Lodge by W. Bro. Victor Hodson, Senior Deacon, while Grand Officer V. W. Bro. Paul Humphrey, W. Bro. Brian Dack, the Lodge Secretary, Bro. Arthur Channon, Senior Steward and guest Bro, Brian C. Wright– all Blackwater members looked on.
The average age of the two Candidates was 82.5 but that was irrelevant as Bro. Vic Godfrey achieved a long-standing ambition to become a Mark Mason and Bro. Ernie Watson gave him moral support!!
They have been Craft Masons since 1989 and 2003 respectively and will bring a wealth of Masonic knowledge to the Lodge.
W. Bro. Brian Dack, at the end of the Ceremony, informed the Brethren present that they still had three candidates in the pipeline, waiting to join the lodge – all thanks to the Awareness Morning and Full English Breakfast, enjoyed by so many last September!
The Candidates afterwards dined in Masonic harmony at the Festive Board and had to admit that they didn’t have much of a clue as to what had been going on during the Ceremony but W. Bro. David Rout, visiting from St. Nicholas Lodge Mark Lodge in Harwich, responding on behalf of the visitors, welcomed Vic and Ernie into Mark Masonry in general and Wayfarers Lodge in particular. He also reminded the Brethren of the common aim we share to meet in friendship and to visit each other’s Lodge Meetings when the occasion arises.
Oh, and by the way, he was also a Blackwater Lodge member until recently!!
They have been Craft Masons since 1989 and 2003 respectively and will bring a wealth of Masonic knowledge to the Lodge.
W. Bro. Brian Dack, at the end of the Ceremony, informed the Brethren present that they still had three candidates in the pipeline, waiting to join the lodge – all thanks to the Awareness Morning and Full English Breakfast, enjoyed by so many last September!
The Candidates afterwards dined in Masonic harmony at the Festive Board and had to admit that they didn’t have much of a clue as to what had been going on during the Ceremony but W. Bro. David Rout, visiting from St. Nicholas Lodge Mark Lodge in Harwich, responding on behalf of the visitors, welcomed Vic and Ernie into Mark Masonry in general and Wayfarers Lodge in particular. He also reminded the Brethren of the common aim we share to meet in friendship and to visit each other’s Lodge Meetings when the occasion arises.
Oh, and by the way, he was also a Blackwater Lodge member until recently!!
... and with the Wardens
Posted on 05/02/22
St. Nicholas Mark Lodge No.413
Thursday 19 January 2023
Harwich
St. Nicholas Mark Lodge No. 413 in Harwich Advanced another Candidate on Thursday 19th January 2023
This followed on from the success of a Mark Awareness breakfast morning at Kirby on Saturday 2nd April 2022.
Bro. Alan Hodgson who is a member of Mistley Lodge in Manningtree.
The Lodge received an ‘Official Visit’ from W. Bro. John Stannard Assistant Provincial Grand Master with his Escorting Officer, W. Bro. David Lambert Prov.AGDC.
John is a firm friend to us all and the Lodge were honoured that this was one of his first visits.
The Lodge presented John with a cheque for £250 towards the Provincial Grand Masters Wing
Walk.
This followed on from the success of a Mark Awareness breakfast morning at Kirby on Saturday 2nd April 2022.
Bro. Alan Hodgson who is a member of Mistley Lodge in Manningtree.
The Lodge received an ‘Official Visit’ from W. Bro. John Stannard Assistant Provincial Grand Master with his Escorting Officer, W. Bro. David Lambert Prov.AGDC.
John is a firm friend to us all and the Lodge were honoured that this was one of his first visits.
The Lodge presented John with a cheque for £250 towards the Provincial Grand Masters Wing
Walk.
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Posted 01/02/23
Aurelius Lodge
Friday 9th of December
Clacton-on-Sea
Aurelius Lodge welcomed their latest Advancee Mick Wolfe on Friday 9th of December.
Mick was the winner of the prize raffle draw at Kirby Cross Awareness Event.
The Ceremony was carried out in an explempary manner by Tony King, who decided to swap his D.C wand for the Chair.
They were once again assisted by several visiting Norhtern Brethren.
After the meeting concluded the Brethren retired to their Christmas festive board, which was tinged with saddness, as Colvin Memorial Temples long serving caterer of 30 years, Angie Stubbings was retiring.
Friday 9th of December
Clacton-on-Sea
Aurelius Lodge welcomed their latest Advancee Mick Wolfe on Friday 9th of December.
Mick was the winner of the prize raffle draw at Kirby Cross Awareness Event.
The Ceremony was carried out in an explempary manner by Tony King, who decided to swap his D.C wand for the Chair.
They were once again assisted by several visiting Norhtern Brethren.
After the meeting concluded the Brethren retired to their Christmas festive board, which was tinged with saddness, as Colvin Memorial Temples long serving caterer of 30 years, Angie Stubbings was retiring.
Wayfarers Lodge
Thusday 1st of December
Colchester
W Bro James Burgoyne and his Wardens , with the two Advancees, Bro Nick Savin and Bro John Slaughter who were Advanced into Wayfarer’s No 1096 on Thursday 1st December.
Bros John and Nick attended the recent awareness day at St Giles, Colchester, and are the first Advancees from that day.
Welcome Brethren and Mark Well!
Thusday 1st of December
Colchester
W Bro James Burgoyne and his Wardens , with the two Advancees, Bro Nick Savin and Bro John Slaughter who were Advanced into Wayfarer’s No 1096 on Thursday 1st December.
Bros John and Nick attended the recent awareness day at St Giles, Colchester, and are the first Advancees from that day.
Welcome Brethren and Mark Well!
Aurelius Lodge
Wed 12 October 2022
Clacton-on-Sea
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Friday, 12th October, saw Aurelius Lodge in Clacton-on-Sea, Advance Colin Fisher, a member of Colvin Craft Lodge into our "Friendly Degree".
Colin was another candidate from the awareness event at Kirby Cross.
The Lodge was joined by several members of the Northern "Brotherhood" of Lodges to assist and make Colin's Advancement a fun packed and friendly ceremony.
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Colin Fisher with Ivan Bruce W.M
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Colin, Ivan and Ken Headworth
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The Ceremony was carried out by Ken Headworth, who at the spritely age of 88, shows no signs of slowing down.
After the Ceremony, Colin thanked the Lodge and looked forward to becoming an active member of the Lodge and even offered his services as Inner Guard at their next meeting, where his friend Mick Wolfe will be Advanced.
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Posted 30/10/22
Northern Star No. 2012
Sat 10 September 2022
Kirby Cross
Bro. James, W.Bro. Paul and Bro. Gus
Yet another double Advancement for Northern Star Lodge, this one took place at Kirby Cross on Saturday 10 September and commenced at
10 o'clock after the traditional buffet breakfast enjoyed by 29 Brethren. The Worshipful Master partook of a marmalade sandwich in honour of H.M. The Queen's passing.
The meeting was a fun event, as it to be expected at Northern Star, with Paul Firmin at his best. The signs and passwords were explained by Bob Crow in a first-class manner.
Our Fire was explained by their Director of Ceremonies Jeff Hierons.
The candidates were James Clarke from Lodge of Charity, Brightlingsea and "Gus" Fidgett a member of Essex United Service Lodge, Harwich. Both thoroughly enjoyed their Advancement and look forward to becoming a part of the Lodge.
Only another 12 candidates to Advance.
10 o'clock after the traditional buffet breakfast enjoyed by 29 Brethren. The Worshipful Master partook of a marmalade sandwich in honour of H.M. The Queen's passing.
The meeting was a fun event, as it to be expected at Northern Star, with Paul Firmin at his best. The signs and passwords were explained by Bob Crow in a first-class manner.
Our Fire was explained by their Director of Ceremonies Jeff Hierons.
The candidates were James Clarke from Lodge of Charity, Brightlingsea and "Gus" Fidgett a member of Essex United Service Lodge, Harwich. Both thoroughly enjoyed their Advancement and look forward to becoming a part of the Lodge.
Only another 12 candidates to Advance.
L to R Andy Sylvester (S.W), James Clarke, Paul Firmin (W.M), John Stannard. (A.P.G.M), Gus Fidgett and Bob Crowe (J.W)
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Bro. James, W.Bro. Paul, W.Bro. John and Bro. Gus
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Posted 21/09/22
Northern Star No. 2012
Sat 2 July 2022
If you like getting up early on a Saturday morning and eating a good English breakfast, then a visit to Northern Star Lodge is well advised.
At 0900 on Saturday 2 July, members of the Lodge assembled at the Brightlingsea Masonic Hall for an emergency meeting to Advance a further two candidates form the Awareness Event.
After a most hearty English breakfast, which was enjoyed by all present, including the two candidates, Justin Guilder and Donald Dickeson. The Junior Warden, Michael Levene was delayed on his travels from North London and just managed to arrive in time before breakfast was cleared away.
At 0900 on Saturday 2 July, members of the Lodge assembled at the Brightlingsea Masonic Hall for an emergency meeting to Advance a further two candidates form the Awareness Event.
After a most hearty English breakfast, which was enjoyed by all present, including the two candidates, Justin Guilder and Donald Dickeson. The Junior Warden, Michael Levene was delayed on his travels from North London and just managed to arrive in time before breakfast was cleared away.
Breakfast
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Breakfast
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Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Lodge found itself short on numbers, for the Ceremony, and the two visitors in the form of the Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary Colin Kendrick and Media Manager David Todd were asked to assist in the Advancement ceremony, which they were more than willing to do. Before the ceremony commenced the members were presented their Founders jewels by the Worshipful Master. W.Bro. Paul Firmin conducted the Ceremony in a most excellent manner and was ably assisted by all his Officers. The candidates were conducted around the Lodge by W.Bro. Brian Birkin as Senior Deacon and he explained everything to them during the Ceremony putting them at ease. |
Media Manager, Dave Todd, being briefed by the official provincial photographer
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Justin Guilder, W.M. Paul Firmin and Donald Dickeson
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W.Bro. Richard Stephens was asked to assist with the Signs and Passwords, once again carried out to a very high standard.
The Working Tools were presented by Bro. Peter Alexander, who is a member of The Lodge of Hope Craft Lodge, of which Donald and Justin are members of. After the Ceremony was completed, W.Bro. Peter Nason gave a demonstration of Mark Fire to our newly Advanced Brothers, much to everyone’s amusement. W.Bro. Richard Stephens was congratulated by all those present on his recent promotion to Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearer. The meeting finished and everyone parted company, after the photographs and were looking forward to their next emergency meeting in September for another double Advancement. The Lodge has another 10 candidates waiting to join. Busy times ahead for this Lodge. |
Getting ready for the photo
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Getting ready for the photo
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Lodge members present
Posted 11 July 22
Essex Jubilee Mark & RAM Lodge No.1123
Fri 13 May 2022
Bro. Stephen Sawyer with W.Bro. Martin Bullard and W.Bro. John FInlay
Despite Covid and the sad loss of several senior brethren, Essex Jubilee Mark & RAM Lodge has gone from strength to strength and has seen 3 new candidates join in the last year and a half, and has 2 further candidates for this the Masonic year!
Friday 13 May, saw Brother Stephen Sawyer Advanced in an excellent manner conducted by W.Bro. Martin Bullard, under the watchful eye of Deputy Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. John Finlay and his accompanying Assistant Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Phil Richardson on their Official Visit to the Lodge.
Over 20 Brethren were in attendance, and a most enjoyable festive board was held at Saxon Hall, Southend.
Their I.P.M. W.Bro. Rob Benham acted as Tyler for both the Mark & RAM meeting and said the Lodge is in great spirit and it was nice to prepare another candidate for his ‘4th regular step’ in Freemasonry. Word of mouth about our Friendly Degree and the ‘Mark Awareness Evenings’ organised by Province, are really helping to attract new candidates to the Mark Degree.
Friday 13 May, saw Brother Stephen Sawyer Advanced in an excellent manner conducted by W.Bro. Martin Bullard, under the watchful eye of Deputy Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. John Finlay and his accompanying Assistant Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Phil Richardson on their Official Visit to the Lodge.
Over 20 Brethren were in attendance, and a most enjoyable festive board was held at Saxon Hall, Southend.
Their I.P.M. W.Bro. Rob Benham acted as Tyler for both the Mark & RAM meeting and said the Lodge is in great spirit and it was nice to prepare another candidate for his ‘4th regular step’ in Freemasonry. Word of mouth about our Friendly Degree and the ‘Mark Awareness Evenings’ organised by Province, are really helping to attract new candidates to the Mark Degree.
Northern Star No. 2012
Sat 14 May 2022
Double Advancement
Bro. Craig Fenner, W.Bro. Paul Firmin & Bro. Vince Smith.
Saturday mornings are traditionally a time for rest and relaxation with a possible lay in.
Not so for the brethren of Northern Star Lodge No. 2012, who met to Advance two candidates.
The Brethren started the meeting with a full English breakfast and after the toast list was completed, no pun intended, the brethren adjourned to the Temple in preparation for the ceremony. The members had decided to advance the candidates separately to make it as personal and special for each candidate as possible.
This was explained to the candidates as the second brother to be Advanced would have a bit of a wait, He was quite happy and understood why.
The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master W. Bro. Paul Firmin and the main item on the agenda was to Advance the first two of the candidates from the very successful Mark awareness meeting that was held at Kirby Masonic Centre last month.
Bro Vincent Smith was advanced into the friendly degree of Mark Master Masons with a very good standard of ritual, with all the officers in good form with W.Bro. Bob Crow explaining the signs with his usual flair and command of the ritual. At the point where the working tools would be given Bro.Vince was escorted to a chair and the second candidate Bro. Craig Steven Fenner was escorted into the Lodge and advanced into the degree.
Not so for the brethren of Northern Star Lodge No. 2012, who met to Advance two candidates.
The Brethren started the meeting with a full English breakfast and after the toast list was completed, no pun intended, the brethren adjourned to the Temple in preparation for the ceremony. The members had decided to advance the candidates separately to make it as personal and special for each candidate as possible.
This was explained to the candidates as the second brother to be Advanced would have a bit of a wait, He was quite happy and understood why.
The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master W. Bro. Paul Firmin and the main item on the agenda was to Advance the first two of the candidates from the very successful Mark awareness meeting that was held at Kirby Masonic Centre last month.
Bro Vincent Smith was advanced into the friendly degree of Mark Master Masons with a very good standard of ritual, with all the officers in good form with W.Bro. Bob Crow explaining the signs with his usual flair and command of the ritual. At the point where the working tools would be given Bro.Vince was escorted to a chair and the second candidate Bro. Craig Steven Fenner was escorted into the Lodge and advanced into the degree.
Members of Northern Star Lodge No.2012 with their two new members
Before He was admitted the W.M invited W.Bro. Andy Sylvester to take the Chair to carry out the master’s role for the second candidate, bro. Craig Fenner and Bro. Bob Lawman changed places with the Senior Deacon W.Bro. Brian Birkin, it had been decided that a change of personnel would make it more interesting for the brethren attending. Again, the standard of ritual was excellent with W.Bro. Richard Stephens giving the explanation of the signs, the candidates were then both taken to the East and the working tools of the degree were given by W.Bro. Derek Mannister.
Due to Craig’s mobility issues, he was unable to kneel or stand for any length of time, the Lodge officers adapted the usual procedures and made him as comfortable as possible with a chair being provided at every point required to make it enjoyable for him.
Both candidates enjoyed the ceremony and look forward to the Friendly Degree.
The Lodge still has at least ten candidates waiting to be advanced, due to the success of the awareness event, and extra meetings are planned to accommodate them as soon as is possible, onwards and upwards we go.
Due to Craig’s mobility issues, he was unable to kneel or stand for any length of time, the Lodge officers adapted the usual procedures and made him as comfortable as possible with a chair being provided at every point required to make it enjoyable for him.
Both candidates enjoyed the ceremony and look forward to the Friendly Degree.
The Lodge still has at least ten candidates waiting to be advanced, due to the success of the awareness event, and extra meetings are planned to accommodate them as soon as is possible, onwards and upwards we go.
Posted 23 May 22
Fantastic night at Crowstone
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W.Bro. Geoff Newman had the pleasure, aided by W.Bro.Len Abrahams, to install Bro. Mike Barrett into the RAM chair and then had a double Advancement ceremony where they introduced Bro. Ezrick Campbell and Bro. Jabez Persaud into Crowstone. Welcome brethren, to our friendly degree and even friendlier Lodge. The Brethren also witnessed a word perfect presentation of the Working Tools by their last Advancee, Bro. Joshua Vaughan. Well done Crowstone!
Bro. Ezrick Campbell and Bro. Jabez Persaud meeting our very own W.Bro. Len Abrahams
Posted 23 May 22
Brilliant Beriffe Advance first Northern Awareness event candidate
Bro. Allan Hornby with W.Bro. Paul Firmin
The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master W.Bro. Paul Firmin and the main item on the agenda was to Advance the first of the candidates from the very successful Mark awareness meeting that was held at Kirby Masonic Centre.
Bro. Allan Hornsby was advanced into the friendly degree of Mark Master Masons with a very good standard of ritual, with all of the Officers in good form.
On receiving his entry form the W.Master was very keen to be his proposer as he had been his proposer into Freemasonry and wanted the opportunity to further advance Allan’s Masonic knowledge into an order that he was very confident that he would appreciate and enjoy.
The Lodge has two more candidates from the awareness event and is looking forward to bringing them into the Lodge as soon as possible, onwards and upwards for “Brilliant Beriffe”.
Bro. Allan Hornsby was advanced into the friendly degree of Mark Master Masons with a very good standard of ritual, with all of the Officers in good form.
On receiving his entry form the W.Master was very keen to be his proposer as he had been his proposer into Freemasonry and wanted the opportunity to further advance Allan’s Masonic knowledge into an order that he was very confident that he would appreciate and enjoy.
The Lodge has two more candidates from the awareness event and is looking forward to bringing them into the Lodge as soon as possible, onwards and upwards for “Brilliant Beriffe”.
Posted 15 May 22
