On a dark evening in February, a very smart but slightly nervous Pathway candidate, Arthur Berks, crossed the threshold of Dominion Lodge No 4289 into Prescot Masonic Hall for the very first time eagerly anticipating the mysterious secrets that are only accessible to the good men who proudly proclaim themselves a Freemason.
The lodge was opened precisely at 18:30hrs by the WM Samuel Conroy, aided in this task by his wardens acting junior warden for the evening Robert McMillan as well as the senior warden Jimmy Williams, who all performed the role with distinction as well as the usual jolly humour that is embedded in the very character of all the brethren that have ever had the honour to call themselves a member of this worthy lodge.
The secretary confirmed the minutes of the last regular meeting which were duly approved on the night and circulated to all the members of lodge. A single ballot was taken and proved successful for Arthur Berks, Jason Gallagher, who has deferred his membership until next season, and rejoining member Christopher Gavin who attended as a guest on the evening, but who will be rejoining the fraternity later in the season.
Then the time had come for the secretary and treasurer to step out of the temple for a brief time to check on the initiate, to be sure his fees were paid and that his finest handwriting did adorn that most special book of declarations which generations of Masons have graced with their signatures over the decades. Upon their return both did attest that the above had been performed satisfactorily, thus meaning that the most exciting event for a newcomer, the imitation ceremony, was only a matter of seconds away.
The ceremony commenced after the WM asked Scott McMillian if he would do the honours of taking the chair for the main event and in so doing, the about to be newly made brother Arthur Berks, could start on his journey into the mysterious yet awe-inspiring world of self-discovery that Freemasonry offers candidates of the Craft.
Arthur was led round by the senior and junior deacons Joshua Payton and Tyler Broadhurst respectively without missing a step. The obligation was taken and a word-perfect northeast corner was delivered by the organist Andrew Jackson. This was followed by the explanation of the working tools of this degree, which was given by the banner bearer David Forber.
Finally, the Charge after Initiation, which Jimmy Williams masterfully delivered with his eyes closed the entire time, what a remarkable feat to behold that was! The lodge warrant was presented to the new entered apprentice; thus, this act concluded a spectacular ceremony.
The reports were then given by the almoner Ken Jones and charity steward Jimmy Williams. The charities were honoured and then onto any other business before the lodge was closed by the WM and his wardens at 20:10.
The festive board was filled with songs, toasts and there was even a very special birthday surprise for one of Dominion Lodge’s members on his birthday.
Frank Lees was delighted when he heard the piano strike up ‘Happy birthday’ with so many of his friends wishing him well and the surprise cake made his evening because in his own words: “It is usually just another day for me and for the first time in years I have spent my day with true friends who are actually fond of me!” He then thanked the brethren present and sat back contemplating how he was going to cut the cake into thirty plus slices, having decided that was impossible to do, Frank took the cake home instead.
