Thursday night in St Helens, one might wonder why? Well, if you missed it, you truly missed a fantastic evening at Anfield Lodge No 2215, where an excellent double initiation ceremony was held for Mr John Magor and Mr Paul Rimmer.
The lodge was opened bang on 6pm and after the usual formalities, acting WM Gary Devlin warmly welcomed Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Frank Umbers and as is his right, Gary offered Frank the gavel of the lodge. Despite Gary’s best efforts to persuade him to keep it, Frank politely declined, saying. “Great try, Gary, thank you, but no thanks.” With a broad smile, Gary replied, “The world loves a trier,” and with that, Gary settled into the chair of King Solomon and the ceremony of initiation began.
Among those present to witness the evening were Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Patrick Murphy, Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson, Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Darren Forshaw and Provincial Grand Communications Officer Paul Brunskill, a strong Provincial presence that spoke volumes about the regard in which Anfield Lodge is held.
The ballot for the candidates’ admission was conducted and the outcome proved favourable. Lodge tyler Tommy Lunt gave the appropriate knocks and announced that the candidates were properly prepared. Inner guard Peter Williams duly reported to the WM and Gary called upon his deacons, Michael McGuinness (senior deacon) and John McKeon (junior deacon), to attend to the candidates.
Michael and John took charge with quiet confidence, presenting John Magor and Paul Rimmer to the WM and being satisfied that both were free and of mature age, the ceremony proceeded. The deacons guided the candidates around the temple with skill and assurance, ensuring that both men felt safe throughout, presenting them first to junior warden Graham Bass and then to senior warden Matthew Parkinson.
Matthew presented both candidates to the WM Gary Devlin, announcing that they were properly prepared to be made Masons and after the necessary questions were asked and answered, the deacons were directed to instruct the candidates to advance to the pedestal in due form.
Pictured right from left to right, are: Paul Rimmer, Frank Umbers and John Magor.
Gary conducted the ceremony with great skill and quiet authority. The working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason were delivered by junior warden Graham Bass and the charge after initiation was given by senior warden Matthew Parkinson, both with real expertise and sincerity.
Frank Umbers then presented John Cork with his Grand Lodge certificate, informing him that it was not complete until he had signed it, which he duly did. It was then that group mentor Jack Billington was called upon to present both the newly made brothers with welcome packs on behalf of the Mersey Valley Group Chairman Dave Atkinson.
Frank Umbers took a moment to address the lodge, offering warm congratulations to everyone who had played a part in such a well-executed ceremony. He spoke briefly but genuinely to John and Paul, reminding them that the evening marked not an ending, but a beginning.
After the lodge was closed, members and guests retired to enjoy some well-earned refreshment, conversations flowed easily and the two newest members of Anfield Lodge were made to feel exactly what they now are, part of the family and evenings like this are what Freemasonry is all about.
