Brethren of Lodge of Triumph No 1061 were proud to welcome its newest member, Jack Todd. The ceremony was conducted by WM Mike Boxall, who skilfully guided the proceedings, which were attended by Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Barr, grand officer Edward Rhodes, group chairman Benjamin Gorry and John Topping. David Barr commended the lodge officers for their outstanding performance.
Jack received his charge in two parts. The first section was expertly delivered by junior warden and Jack’s proposer Jordan Brown and this was followed by the enigmatic Brian Pearson, who delivered the charge with such zeal that the lodge was in awe. Another highlight to the evening was the delivery of the north-east corner ritual from the ever-professional Edward Rhodes, who held the candidate’s full attention throughout.
It was a pleasure to see visiting brethren from other lodges, in particular, being honoured by the presence of Kieron Griffiths from Onward Lodge No 5540, who, during the festive board, commented: “Lodge of Triumph is always a warm and welcoming lodge and it was especially pleasing to see entered apprentice Wayne Chadwick, also from Onward Lodge, visiting so soon after his initiation. Wayne enjoyed the ceremony and commented that it was good to see it from the other side.”
The evening was followed by a warm and hearty festive board at which £302 was raised for deserving causes, of which £131 was raised in the West Houghton raffle by the generous brethren of the lodge, with William Buchanan senior narrowly missing out on his favourite tipple, a dram of whisky. Amongst those praised for their part in the ceremony, were junior deacon William Buchanan senior, who deftly led Jack on his journey from darkness into light.
During the merriment, a heartfelt message was delivered from WM Mike Boxall, in which he reminded experienced members to support younger brethren, particularly when they are moving onto the floor for the first time. Poignantly, he reiterated the importance of supporting those who are new in their roles and perhaps learning and delivering ritual for the first time. Indeed, it can be hard for experienced brethren to remember that they too were once in a position where they had to lead for the first time.
Jordan Brown raised a toast welcoming Jack into the lodge and informed the brethren that, in addition to being a catering manager, Jack is also a dab hand at the ‘oche’, being a competitive darts player at county standard. This, unsurprisingly, led to many nostalgic conversations about speedboats and Bully’s special prize of the Bullseye television game show. Jack confidently returned the toast, replying that he was deeply honoured and humbled to be part of such a prestigious organisation and is looking forward to a long and fulfilling Masonic journey.
As the evening drew to an end, the festivities were brought to a close with the tyler’s toast being superbly articulated by John Nicholls, and Jack received his final surprise of the evening, a gift of a new Provincial Craft tie from Jordan Brown.