On a warm autumnal evening, with the golfers enjoying a well-deserved drink after playing a round of golf, the brethren and guests of Anfield Lodge No 2215 met in the Geoffrey Hirst Masonic Suite within Woolton Golf Club for a second degree ceremony.
WM of the lodge Tommy Lunt, accompanied by his officers, with Andrew Whittle acting as treasurer and director of ceremonies Alan Ledger acting as IPM and David Atkinson acting as senior warden, opened the lodge in due form. Tommy offered the gavel to Andrew Whittle, which he declined saying he already had two jobs to do and handed it back to Tommy.
During the summer recess, the lodge learned of the sad passing to higher service of John Hibbert, their tyler. John had been the tyler of Anfield Lodge for many years as he was to many other lodges within the Mersey Valley Group. John will be sadly missed, especially on installation evenings and at festive boards where he proposed the last toast of the evening, always ensuring that guests were warmly welcomed. The brethren stood to order in respect to departed merit.
The usual opening business of the lodge was concluded and then the brethren held a ballot for two joining brethren. This proved in favour and John Murphy was allowed into the lodge to be informed by the WM of the ballot. John thanked the members of Anfield Lodge. WM enquired if there was any brother present desirous of being passed to the second degree.
Andrew Poole stood and was accompanied by the deacons where he answered the usual questions with confidence before continuing with his progression into Masonry. Graham Bass delivered an excellent explanation of the working tools of the second degree which received acclaim from the brethren.
The lodge was closed to the first degree and the closing business was completed so that the brethren could attend the festive board which consisted of an excellent hotpot followed by individual apple crumble and custard. Alan Ledger acted as director of ceremonies during the proceedings. An enjoyable evening was had by all who attended.
Story and pictures by Colin Roberts.