The ceremony of raising Ian Wilson to the sublime degree of a master Mason took place at St Helens Masonic Hall, where the brethren of Lodge of Hospitality No 5074 were honoured by the presence of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Andrew Whittle, Vice Chairman of the Mersey Valley Group John Gibbon and provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Robb Fitzsimmons.
Master of the lodge Kevin O’Connell opened lodge at 6:35 pm, after which he welcomed Mark to Hospitality Lodge and hoped he would have a very enjoyable evening. As is his right, Kevin offered Mark the master’s gavel, Mark graciously declined and took his seat at the right of the WM. After confirming the previous meeting’s minutes, the lodge was opened in the second degree and Ian was presented to the WM to answer the necessary questions, which he answered with confidence and accuracy.
After being entrusted with the pass grip and password, Ian retired from the lodge to be made ready for the ceremony of raising. The lodge was then opened in the third degree. Kevin asked James Pennington if he would assist him by taking the chair of King Solomon for the next part of the ceremony, which he gladly accepted.
The lodge was then prepared for the next part of the ceremony. Acting inner guard Dave Berrington announced that the candidate was properly prepared for the next part of the ceremony and Ian was admitted. The senior deacon Paul Middleton took charge, assisted by Michael Long the junior deacon and they conducted Ian around the lodge with confidence in their ability to do a great job, which they did. After their perambulations, Ian was presented to James who conducted the next part of the ceremony of raising in exemplary fashion.
The ceremonial work was shared by the past masters of the lodge. When it was time for John Webster to step onto the floor and do his bit, he conducted the floor work with the expertise that has come with many years of study and practise and after raising Ian to the third degree, Ian was allowed to retire and restore himself to his personnel comforts. On Ian’s return, David Rigby presented the signs and working tools of a master Mason with great aplomb.
On completion of the third degree ceremony, Mark Matthews addressed the brethren and congratulated everyone who had taken part in what he said was a great ceremony and one that all the brethren should be proud of. He also commended Ian on the way he had conducted himself and congratulated him on attaining the sublime degree of a master Mason. During the meeting, the brethren of Hospitality Lodge raised £415 for their designated charities.
