Members and guests of Derby Lodge No 724 met at the Geoffrey Hirst Memorial Suite inside Woolton Golf Club to initiate a new brother, Craig Atkin, who had come through the Pathway Scheme.
The WM Stephen White, accompanied by his wardens, with Albert Hogg acting senior warden, entered the lodge and took their respective seats so that the lodge could be opened in the first degree and the usual opening business was conducted.
The secretary and treasurer retired from the lodge to attend upon the candidate and on their return announced that he had signed the necessary papers and paid his dues. Shortly after Craig Atkin was duly announced and senior deacon Andy Barr and junior deacon Barrie Mault attended upon the candidate to guide him through his initiation. A smooth ceremony ensued, with the Charge After Initiation being given by Kevin Henderson and the explanation of the first degree working tools given by Andy Barr.
The ceremony of initiation being completed, Craig took his place in the lodge and was able to meet the previous month’s initiate Mark Lyth. Mark started his journey into Freemasonry 20 years ago but due to personal circumstances was unable to proceed until 2024.
Craig, on the other hand, had wanted to join after reading about Freemasonry on social media and applied through the Pathway Scheme where he was initially met by Mersey Valley Group Membership Officer Chris Lyon, who informed him of the lodges that met at Woolton Golf Club.
Craig met with members of Derby Lodge and was proposed by Keith Lindsay and seconded by John Smith. After a very good ceremony, the lodge was duly closed and the brethren retired to the dining room for a very enjoyable festive board. During the evening the lodge sang the Entered Apprentice’s Song with gusto!
Article by Colin Roberts.