When Chris Porter-Blake arrived for his initiation ceremony to join Longton Lodge No 6237, he had no idea how many brethren would be there to support him through the evening. For that matter, neither did the WM Nigel Monks.
At the 11th hour, Nigel received a phone call from Simon Wright, master of Ribble Lodge No 4558, who meet on the same night as Longton Lodge at Preston Masonic Hall, to say that their candidate was, unfortunately unable to attend. He then asked if it would be acceptable for the brethren of Ribble Lodge to join those of Longton Lodge to witness their ceremony.
After a short discussion to work out the practicalities, it was agreed that Ribble Lodge would open their lodge, call off and then make their way along the corridor to the next lodge room at Preston Masonic Hall to join the Longton Lodge members and visitors. Simon then added that one of their guests was Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Lockett who would also be joining them.
After opening the lodge, Nigel then offered the gavel to Peter, who thanked him then swiftly returned it so that he could enjoy the evening as a spectator on this occasion. The initial business being conducted, the inner guard then reported that the brethren of Ribble Lodge requested admission, following which, some 20 more brethren were then led in by Simon and after being welcomed by Nigel they all managed to find themselves a seat in what was now a very full lodge room.
The ceremony of initiation was then conducted in an exemplary manner by Nigel, ably supported by Michael Shuttleworth, the junior deacon, Phil McRitchie who presented the working tools in fine style and Tom Riding who delivered a marvellous rendition of the charge after initiation. With the ceremony being concluded the Chorley and Leyland Group Mentor Derek Robinson welcomed Chris into the fraternity and handed him an information pack.
The remaining business of the lodge being concluded, Peter Locket then brought greetings from United Grand Lodge, congratulated the officers of the lodge for the way they had conducted the ceremony and also congratulated Chris on his initiation into Freemasonry.
The members of Ribble Lodge then requested leave to depart in order to call on and conclude their own business, following which the lodge was closed and the brethren retired for a most enjoyable festive board which included a raffle raising £150 to be donated to Bolton Hospice, for which the immediate past master Michael Frankland is raising funds by taking part in a Strictly Come Dancing competition.
Given the last-minute changes to what had been well practiced proceedings, all agreed that it was a most successful and enjoyable evening with Chris commenting in his toast response: “I feel blessed to have become part of such a wonderful fraternity and in the company of such a friendly lodge.”
