Broadwater Lodge No 9027 recently held a memorable ceremony at which 22 brethren gathered to witness the initiation of Nick Griffiths into Freemasonry.
WM Walter Daubney presided over the ceremony, guiding the proceedings with dignity and precision throughout. The candidate was expertly conducted around the lodge room by junior deacon Phil Drake, ensuring that Nick experienced this important step in his journey through Freemasonry in the traditional manner.
Senior deacon Luis Gutarra Diaz delivered an excellent explanation of the first degree working tools, highlighting their symbolic significance and the moral lessons they convey. David Martland then rounded off the ceremony with an outstanding delivery of the charge after initiation, communicating its important message with sincerity, conviction and warmth.
The ceremony was conducted to a very high standard in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with members of the lodge coming together to welcome brother Griffiths into the Craft. His initiation marks the beginning of what is hoped will be a long, rewarding and enjoyable time in Freemasonry within Broadwater Lodge.
Following the ceremony, North Fylde Group Mentor Adam Simpson sought permission from the WM to address the newly initiated brother. He warmly welcomed Nick into the Craft, presented him with his welcome pack and wished him every success and enjoyment in his journey through Freemasonry.
The festive board was a hearty affair, beginning with Welsh rarebit, followed by gammon steak with all the trimmings and concluding with sticky toffee pudding. During the meal, the brethren enjoyed the traditional toasts given in Freemasonry, with particular attention given to the toast to Nick Griffiths, proposed by his proposer and sponsor, Phil Drake. In his response, Nick thanked the brethren for the kindness, friendship and support shown to him throughout the evening.
Stuart Decore had the unenviable task of extracting charitable donations from the brethren, which he accomplished with ease, raising a splendid £161.00 for worthy causes.
To bring the evening to a close, lodge director of ceremonies, Duncan Smith, conducted the chain of union. A tradition unfamiliar to many of the visiting brethren, it proved to be a particularly moving and memorable conclusion to the evening. Several visitors remarked that they had never witnessed the chain of union before and were highly impressed by both its symbolism and its delivery.
The brethren of Broadwater Lodge extend their sincere congratulations to Nick Griffiths and look forward to supporting him in his future progress through Freemasonry.
