Brethren of North Meols Lodge No 5828 have never been afraid of hard work, and this was amply on display as they smoothly dealt with a 60th jubilee, a second degree ceremony and a Provincial visit, all in a single evening. To make the evening extra special, it was all performed in front of the Provincial Grandmaster Mark Matthews and Southport Group Chairman, Phil Stock.
The lodge was first opened in good order by the WM, Ian Taylor and his regular offices. The first business of the evening was to offer the gavel to Mark Matthews, in line with ancient tradition. This having been politely declined Ian smoothly conducted the main business of the lodge, including paying tribute to departed merit, which was done with great solemnity.
Ian then moved lodge on to a more celebratory tone, as Phil Stock rose and with clear pride to address Brian Raine on the grand occasion of his reaching 60 years in Freemasonry. As is customary, he read out to the brethren Brian’s personal and Masonic history, his interesting life commanding the rapt attention of the brethren. Phil concluded by reading out Brian’s celebratory certificate, before Mark Matthews rose to personally present it to Brian and add his own kind words to those already given.
The lodge then moved on to yet another grand event, namely the passing of Anthony Wilson to the second degree. Entered apprentices having been asked to withdraw, Antony stood before the master of the lodge and answered the usual questions. These having been answered correctly, Ian conducted the ceremony with great confidence and skill.
Lol Blundell presented the working tools of a fellow craft in a most assured manner, clearly demonstrating to the esteemed guests both his great individual promise and the warm mentorship available at North Meols. Following the ceremony and the final business the lodge being closed, the brethren retreated to the bar for a double celebration. It must be said the atmosphere remained extremely warm throughout the night, and the celebrations continued late into the evening.