It was a brisk evening in St Helens; the cold evening air was a chilling reminder that the warmth of summer was disappearing rapidly. The brethren of the Lodge of Hospitality No 5074 were not deterred by the bitter blasts of wind which swirled around their necks as they and their guests for the evening had something which the passers-by did not possess; this was the inextinguishable raging fire from within which drives each and every Freemason around the globe to be a better version of themselves on a daily basis. Every gentleman proudly entered the extraordinary example of Victorian architecture with regalia cases in hand and a blissful expression of contentment on each brother’s face, knowing that an evening of frivolity and friendship awaited them.
The lodge was opened promptly on time at 18:30hrs, in a highly theatrical fashion which would have delighted many a theatre director and with such an adept cast that was performing under the scintillating luxuriance of the majestic golden dome which has shimmered with real gold leaf high above the heads of worthy men for generations, by acting WM David Rigby and his wardens for the evening. One of whom Phillip Jones, was asked to fulfil the role of senior warden with only two days’ notice; he excelled in his duties. as too did the junior warden, Tim Alberts. All three men could have been auditioning for the Bard of Avon himself, William Shakespeare; their words flowed naturally and with such a passion which proved them all as devoted members of one of the world’s oldest fraternities.
The minutes of the last regular meeting were duly proposed, approved and confirmed by all members present.
The deacons, Ian Wilson and Michael McBride were outstanding in their duties throughout the evening; they glided across the floor in sync with one another as though linked telepathically. It was like watching a world-class dancing championship; both men moved with grace, poise and precision all evening, which was a great pleasure to behold.
The next item was to pass Bozhidar Ivanov to the third degree. His voice would inspire many a gentleman to follow him as an extraordinary example of a good man who has become better. The lodge was duly opened in the third degree with such great flair by every man under the dome.
The acting tyler, normally the lodge’s indefatigable secretary, was astonishing in completing his duties with a voice that would have frightened a herd of stampeding rhinos into a retreat. Bozhidar Ivanov was then led into the awe-inspiring temple flanked by those most graceful of deacons; all three men stood upright and proud as all master Masons should do, and with that, the raising ceremony did commence.
The acting WM, David Rigby, performed his role in fine style befitting a thespian worthy of treading the boards at the Globe in the presence of the Bard of Avon himself. The junior warden, Tim Alberts, and the acting senior warden, Phillip Jones, performed their duties admirably throughout the ceremony with not a word missed nor a nervous shudder in either man’s shoulders; their voices rang out, filling the cavernous temple chamber for all to hear. The wardens were gloriously theatrical during this sublime degree ceremony, which rivalled the acting WM David Rigby. The solemn obligation was given by brother Bozhidar in a triumphant voice worthy of his great achievement of this event that only few worthy men throughout history have ever gazed upon.
After the charge had been superbly given by David Rigby, Bozhidar then retired from the lodge in the accepted manner before returning to witness that most illuminating experience, the explanation of the traditional history delivered by David with Bozhidar looking immaculate wearing his new badge as a master Mason. He was also shown the tracing board by Dave in his usual confident voice.
The immaculate acting WM also explained the working tools of the third degree perfectly as per usual, showing great skill and devotion to his ritual, and with that, brother Bozhidar Ivanov had successfully completed his third degree ceremony with tremendous aplomb.
The lodge was closed in the third degree and resumed in the first degree and the charities were then honoured by all brethren present. After this, all communications were given which was swiftly followed by greetings from the Provincial grand officers who were present and conveyed in his astounding theatrical style by David Rigby. The apologies were given and regretted.
Visitors’ greetings were given by all visitors from other lodges, and congratulations given to brother Ivanov. Then the lodge was closed at 20:06hrs in peace and harmony by the acting WM and his wardens for the evening.
The festive board was a delightful affair which was filled with laughter, banter, delicious food and the usual toasts as well as a very special toast to the health of that very special man of the evening, brother Bozidar which was given by none other than David Rigby in splendid fashion with his usual wit. Bozidar responded, exuding an air of relaxed confidence, knowing that he had made it through the evening’s events surrounded by great friends who support each other in times of uncertainty and need. Jonathan Edwards, the visiting WM of Hardshaw Lodge No 8722 gave the response to the toast to the visitors with great enthusiasm whilst wearing his new WM lapel pin.
The total raised for charity on the evening was £151.30. This concluded a highly enjoyable evening which showcased the very best of what good men can do when they come together and work as a team.
Story written by Frank Lees.