At the September 2024 meeting of Makerfield Lodge No 2155 in the Leigh Group, the brethren were honoured to have the company of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Malcom Bell.
Also, in attendance were, Provincial Senior Grand Warden Anthony Humphrey, Provincial Junior Grand Warden Michael Silver and a plethora of distinguished guests including Jonathan Heaton the group chairman. Barry Fitzgerald, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, ensured that everything was in order before and after the ceremony with his deputy Ryan Cambridge.
The WM was Michael O`Neill, the two most junior members were inner guard David Banks and junior deacon Daniel Ackers who did his part in a wonderful presentation of the candidate throughout the ceremony, they were both exemplary in the way they conducted themselves in the presence of such distinguished guests. In October and December David and Daniel respectively will be exalted into the Makerfield Chapter No 2155, it is fair to say they are both very excited at the thought of becoming companions.
The initiate was Daniel Dobranski, who did the lodge proud in the way he conducted himself throughout the ceremony that was witnessed by two newly entered apprentices Oliver Wheelan and Samuel Owens, both of Makerfield Lodge, Sam will be passed to the second degree in October 2024
Michael conducted the ceremony in his usual competent way that obviously set the pace for the lodge while David presented the working tools of an entered apprentice in his usual competent style. Phil Spencer delivered the charge of initiation.
Mark commented on such a wonderful joyous ceremony as did Malcolm and Jonathan the group chairman. Following the completion of all the lodge business, the lodge was finally closed in peace and harmony.
At the social board, Barry Fitzgerald kept everything in order and running smoothly. Mark gave his thanks to the WM for his work in the lodge, paying particular attention to the junior brethren and thanking everyone for their tremendous support in helping make the lodge and social board a great experience for the visiting brethren. Mark did mention the connection and importance of joining the Royal Arch and how the number of new companions and adjoining members had significantly increased.
Jonathon Heaton won the raffle prize, a bottle of whisky, that he promptly returned to the lodge for a future occasion. Michael then presented Mark with a lovely bouquet of flowers for his wife Debbie.