The members and visitors at Longton Lodge No 6237, meeting at The Masonic Hall, Ashlar House in Preston. were treated to a delightful double initiation ceremony at Preston Masonic Hall, as two new brethren were initiated into the Craft.
Master of the lodge James Heaton opened the lodge and conducted the initial business in his usual efficient manner before inviting the immediate past master, Nigel Monks, to take the chair of the lodge to perform the initiation ceremony.
The candidates, Gavin Holland and Chris Towers were expertly conducted around the lodge by both the junior and senior deacons, Phil Clayton and Ian Duncan, with two past masters assisting the wardens as the ceremony proceeded.
In what was a real team effort, lodge secretary, John Lucas took post at the north east corner of the lodge, before the working tools were expertly delivered by the senior warden Michael Singleton. Proceedings were then rounded off by a superb rendition of the charge by Tom Ryding.
After James had resumed his position in the chair, he introduced Derek English, assistant mentor for the Chorley and Leyland Group, who presented the new brethren with their information packs and pin badges for the Corinthian Club, the light blue club for the group.
Formalities over, the brethren retired to the comfort of the dining room to enjoy an excellent meal. The toast to the new brethren was given by Neal Atkinson and both Gavin and Chris responded in well prepared fashion. All agreed that there could have been no better way to return to Masonic activity after the summer break and the lodge brethren are now looking forward to conducting a third degree ceremony in October, followed by a 60th celebration in November, with plenty more work to keep them busy throughout 2026.
