Phil Gaskill and Max Risley will most probably remember the first time they joined Freemasonry, although for some other brethren it may be memories that are from a long time ago. Each brother having their own pictures to recall on.
Phil, a civil servant, had been proposed into Old Masonians West Lancashire Lodge No 7702 by Dave Massam, and seconded by Keith Cole. Max, who is a student studying law, was proposed by Louis Glegg and seconded by Gavin Roberts. Both the candidates had wisely followed the suggestion they had been given about not researching Freemasonry on Google, especially the bad stuff that existed, and both were looking forward to finding out more, from their initiation, and experience.
There were 19 brethren present at the Roman Room, Liverpool Masonic Hall Hope Street for the initiation of both candidates and in the presence of John James, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who was attending in his official but private capacity. The lodge was under the expert guidance of their director of ceremonies Andrew Ridal.
John was seated within the lodge at the start of the ceremony, and the lodge was opened into the first degree, the usual minutes and business being approved. The gavel was, as is the usual custom offered to John to take charge of the lodge, John respectfully returned the gavel, to Alan.
The WM Alan Flavell then had the duty and pleasure of investing those officers who had not been present at his installation, this included those present Karl Brennan, Samuel Jackson, and Robert Morris. The ballot for both candidates was taken and proved in favour, then announced and assisted by the junior and senior deacons, Louis Clegg and James Metcalfe respectively, and also Dave Massam, proceeded to commence with their ceremony of initiation.
There then followed a wonderful ceremony of initiation, with assistance given by brethren of the lodge. Dave Massam explained the working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason. Andrew Ridal giving the ancient charge. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the WM welcomed the new initiates. John James also rose and welcomed the new initiates, giving them a brief history of Freemasonry being the oldest society. John also thanked Alan for what was a wonderful ceremony and excellent addresses and working tools, thanking Andrew also for his work within the lodge and as the DC.
A Grand Lodge certificate was then presented to Louis Clegg by John, and again John gave a history as to the formation of UGLE and the issuing of certificates. During the explanation, there was some debate amongst the wardens as to their representation as depicted by the pillars on the certificate, especially that relating to the junior warden and its significance of ‘beauty’, and indeed his own interpretation.
After the lodge was closed, the WM and the new initiates formally recessed from the lodge. The brethren then retired for an excellent festive board, and a toast to the health of the WM Alan Flavell was given by Cameron Molyneux, who in agreement with the brethren, appreciated Alan having done an excellent job, in the ceremony.
Alan took great delight in responding to the toast to his health, saying that he felt it was s stressful time, but was greatly helped by Keith Cole. Alan also thanked Adam Eeles for stepping in for the SW. Thanks was also given to Louis and all those that had taken part in the ceremony. Alan expressed his hope that the new members, Phil and Max, had enjoyed their ceremony, reassuring them that everyone present had once gone through the same experience. He explained that they were welcome to visit other lodges and reminded them that Freemasonry gives back whatever you put into it. He wished them a fulfilling journey as Freemasons, welcomed them once again, and encouraged them to speak to anyone at any time if they had questions or needed support.
Phil responded to the toast to himself and Max and thanked both of their proposers and seconders for bringing them into the lodge. They had both enjoyed the ceremony and were still awaiting the so called ‘goat ‘to appear.
The chaplain, John Mace, then gave the toast to ‘Absent and seafaring’ brethren, accompanied with an explanation of the reason of the toast for the newly initiated brethren.
The charity raffle was held, and it was pleasing to see, without any suspicion, that both newly initiated brothers Max, and Phil, managed to win, a prize. The tyler’s toast was given, by Robert Morris, the long way for the purposes of Max and Phil, with the SW being keen to finish the festive board as quickly as possible, as he was ‘Happy to Part’. A wonderful ceremony and a welcoming festive board were had for the new brethren, and all those present.