A special event was held in Southport at Shalom Lodge No 7541, in honour of the Richter family. Chris Richter, the senior deacon of the lodge, was presented with his Grand Lodge certificate, on the day his son Will received the Charge.
Chris was originally initiated into Freemasonry in another Province 20 years ago, but before he could receive his certificate he moved to Southport. A few years later he met his neighbour Ed Mawdsley who introduced him back into Freemasonry via the welcoming environment of Shalom Lodge. Chris was then duly passed and raised to the third degree.
The neighbourly meeting proved to be a fortuitous one, as Chris’ son Will also expressed an interest in joining Freemasonry. It became apparent that Chris has also never received his Grand Lodge certificate or its explanation. Mike Swift, a former director of ceremonies of the lodge and WM of Shalom lodge therefore decided to organise a special event for the Richter family.
Mike reached out to Stewart Cranage, the West Lancashire Provincial Grand Mentor. He asked if Stewart would make a special effort to visit Shalom and present the certificate to Chris, as well as give the explanation. In addition, he asked if Stewart would also deliver the Charge to Chris’ son Will, as he had not yet received it due to unexpected illness at late notice. Stewart, one of the friendliest and most approachable gentlemen it is possible to meet, was only too happy to oblige! In the meantime, Ray Roukin, the lodge secretary, showed his customary work ethic by tracking down the certificate.
The night began with gusto with Mike Swift in the chair and Chris Richter in the role of senior deacon. The business of the lodge was conducted including the ballot for a new member and Stewart then stepped forward at the WM’s invitation to deliver the Charge to Will Richter. Those who have seen Stewart perform can testament to his skills at oratory and Chris watched proudly as his son stood tall and the Charge was delivered with both skill and warmth.
Junior brethren then retired and the lodge was opened in the second and third degree, before Stewart took the floor again to present the Grand Lodge Certificate to Chris. Chris stepped forward and for the second time that evening Stewart performed a long piece of ritual for a member of the Richter family. This was delivered with just as much skill and gusto as Stewart first presented the certificate then gave the explanation. The members of Shalom Lodge being a small but creative lodge which has been growing steadily since the COVID break could not but admire Stewart’s skill, contribution and craft skills in presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate and delivery of the Charge.
The lodge was then closed back down to the first and the business of the lodge continued with the appointment of the next years officers. The evening then proceeded to the festive board, where the focus was naturally on Will and Chris. Shalom Lodge remains one of the most people focused and friendly lodges it is possible to find and with the welcome the Richter family have received; long may the culture of the lodge continue.