The WM, Percy Fenn, opened St Helens Lodge No 4121 and conducted the regular business before proceeding with the initiation ceremony. Acting tyler for the evening Paul Brunskill prepared the candidate Chris Hales for his initiation.
Chris was a little apprehensive but excited to become a member of the St Helens Lodge. The moment arrived and the appropriate knocks where given, after reporting to the WM the candidate was ready. Anthony Lindley guided Chris into the temple and placed him into the capable hands of the junior deacon John Alexander, who conducted Chris around the temple with confidence and expertise.
The ceremony of initiation conducted by Percy was one that Chris will remember and when Chris goes to see an initiation ceremony for himself, he will realise what an outstanding demonstration on just how to conduct a ceremony of initiation it was.
Chris was then placed before Graham Williams, who presented the charge after Initiation and the working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason impeccably. Chris will undoubtably realise in time that the ceremony of initiation that he went through this evening took a lot of time, effort and practice by his new brothers. This excellent work was carried out with expert supervision from the lodge director of ceremonies, John Roughley.
After the ceremony everyone retired to the bar to get a drink to celebrate a job well done. At the festive board John Dawson, who proposed Chris into Freemasonry, proposed the toast to his health to which Chris responded confidently then resumed his seat to rapturous applause.
Colin Rowling responded to the toast to the health of the grand officers and while on his feet commented on how impressed he had been with the way Chris had conducted himself in the temple and at the festive board and assured him that in his opinion, Chris had a bright future ahead of him in Freemasonry.
Paul Brunskill had great pleasure in presenting Chris with his welcome pack on behalf of the Mersey Valley Group and to bring the greetings of David Atkinson chairman of the group, who hoped he would have a long and enjoyable time in Freemasonry.
During the evening, just over £100 was raised for Masonic and non-Masonic charities. Congratulations to all who took part.