On a mid-week evening filled with quiet anticipation, the brethren of Hardshaw Lodge No 8722 gathered with a shared sense of purpose, for this was no ordinary meeting. At this meeting, one man would take his first steps on a journey that countless others before him have found both enriching and life-changing.
Master of the lodge, Ryan Billington, opened the lodge promptly at 6:30pm, and after the customary lodge business had been conducted, brother David Robinson was invited to read Ancient Charge No 6, a timeless reminder of the values that bind every Freemason together. The evening brought further good news. The lodge received two applications for membership, and a ballot was held for Brian Tilley and Noel Davies. The results were warmly welcomed by all present, with the lodge looking forward to receiving both brethren in due course.
But the moment the brethren had truly gathered for was now at hand. Secretary Sandy confirmed to the WM that Keith Saxon had paid all dues and signed the Book of Declaration, the final formality before a life-changing ceremony could begin. Ryan turned to Darren Forshaw and asked if he would honour the lodge by occupying the chair of King Solomon to conduct Keith’s initiation. Darren accepted with what those present could only describe as obvious delight, and the ceremony began.
The moment of transformation was now close. Lodge tyler Rodger Kilshaw announced that the candidate was properly prepared and ready to receive the mysteries of Freemasonry, and acting inner guard Brian Moore duly reported to the WM. Darren called upon his deacons, junior deacon John Williams and senior deacon Ramil Rayo, to attend to the candidate.
When Keith entered the temple, the atmosphere was charged with that particular stillness that only those who have experienced it truly understand. It was clear that Keith, like many before him, he found the occasion understandably quite nerve-wracking, but John Williams was quickly at his side, calm and assured, and Keith was soon in safe hands.
Throughout the ceremony, both John and Ramil demonstrated exactly why the role of deacon is so vital to the initiation experience. With quiet skill and genuine care, they guided Keith through every step, ensuring that at no point did he feel anything other than safe, secure and supported. It was a masterclass in how the ritual, when performed with heart as well as precision, can be both moving and reassuring for a new candidate.
Keith was presented in turn to junior warden Gareth Forbes and then to senior warden Jonny Edwards, both of whom carried out their respective duties with skill and quiet confidence, each playing their part in welcoming a new brother into the fellowship of the craft. Keith was then presented to the WM Darren, and as he knelt before the chair of King Solomon, Darren invited him to state his name at length before repeating his solemn obligation. What followed was a testament to the quiet, careful preparation that John Williams had undertaken, Keith repeated his obligation with a calm clarity that drew quiet admiration from the brethren present.
Darren conducted the ceremony of initiation with great skill and evident dedication. It was plain to all who witnessed it that considerable work had gone into the preparation for the evening, not merely to fulfil the requirements of the ritual, but to ensure that Keith’s experience was everything it should be: meaningful, memorable and moving.
Keith was once again presented to senior warden Jonny Edwards, who was commanded by the WM to invest him with the distinguishing badge of an entered apprentice Freemason. Jonny rose to the occasion magnificently, delivering his charge word-perfect and, commendably, the long way, a mark of respect to both the ritual and to the newly initiated brother before him.
Keith was then placed at the north east corner of the lodge, a position rich in Masonic symbolism, and Darren invited Ken Wesley to assist by delivering the North East Corner Address. Ken spoke with warmth and conviction, reminding Keith, and indeed all present, that the great building he is now called upon to construct is one of personal character, laid stone by stone upon the firm foundation of integrity, kindness and truth. It was Ken Wesley who then gently drew Keith’s attention to the profound significance of that moment. He invited him to remember this, that he had been brought into Freemasonry poor and penniless, and that if ever he were asked to assist a brother in time of need, he should recall this very moment and embrace the opportunity to practise what he had professed to admire. That single virtue which stands above all others in the Masonic canon: Charity.
Keith was then placed before the senior warden’s pedestal, where Jonny Edwards presented the working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason with real distinction. The tools were explained superbly, their lessons delivered with the clarity and care that Keith deserved on such a significant evening. Keith was then presented once more to WM Darren, who presented him with the lodge bylaws and the Book of Constitutions, the guiding lights of every Freemason’s journey, before allowing him to retire briefly and return himself to his personal comforts.
On his return, Jonny Edwards rose again to deliver the Charge after Initiation. Jonny may be a relatively young Freemason, but what followed was nothing short of exemplary. He delivered the charge with a confidence, sincerity and polish that many a longer-serving brother would be proud to call their own. It was a fitting and eloquent close to a ceremony that had, from first to last, done Hardshaw Lodge proud.
With the ceremony concluded, Darren invited Ryan Billington to resume his rightful place in the chair, and Ryan duly took his seat asking Jack Billington to present our newly made brother with his welcome pack from the Mersey Valley Group. Jack did so with warmth and generosity, welcoming Keith to the group and expressing the hope that he would spend many happy years among his newfound Masonic family.
The lodge was then closed in due form and the brethren retired to the dining room where great food, good company, and a glass of wine or two awaited them. It was, by any measure, a wonderful evening, and at the centre of it all sat Keith Saxon, a man who had walked through the doors of Hardshaw Lodge as a candidate and left the dining table as a brother. Welcome to Freemasonry, Keith. May your journey be long, fulfilling, and rich with fellowship.