It was another packed evening at Carnarvon Lodge No 2376, with nearly 50 brethren present to witness a splendid initiation ceremony, led by the light blue brethren in charge. Master of the lodge Chris Upton opened the lodge and delivered a fantastic display of ritual in the chair of King Solomon. Assisting new WM Chris were his wardens, Adam Dennett (senior warden) and Kieran Taylor-Bradshaw (junior warden), Ewan Farquhar as inner guard, along with an attentive performance by Michael Kipping stepping in as junior deacon for the initiation of Stuart Macfarlane into Freemasonry.
Having met with the lodge members a few months ago, Stuart was deemed a fit and proper person to be made a Mason and was welcomed with open arms as a great candidate into the lodge. Even with so many esteemed brethren present, the members of Carnarvon Lodge were unfazed and delivered a splendid first degree ceremony, with newly made brother Stuart later thanking the lodge brethren for such an enlightening experience.
Other specific ritual was given by Graham Roberts with the northeast corner, fellow craft, brother Heath delivered the working tools of an entered apprentice and to complete the ceremony, junior warden Kieran delivered the charge after initiation.
Following the initiation, the lodge brethren were graced by a fantastic presentation of the master Mason’s Grand Lodge Certificate by David Bishop, group vice chairman, who presented the certificate to Colin Pickup.
Before closing the lodge, there was an important matter to attend to, as it was clear three other lodges had come out in force to claim the Traveling Gavel from Carnarvon Lodge who had taken it from Tyldesley Lodge No 2572.
Astley and Ellesmere Lodge No 730, Rivington Lodge No 8013 and Leyland St Andrew’s Lodge No 7391 all came with a considerable number of their brethren. After counting the lodge members, it was Leyland St. Andrew’s Lodge who came out on top, winning with a total 10 members present. It was a close win as Rivington Lodge had 8 members and Astley and Ellesmere Lodge had 7 members present. Better luck next time brethren.
After the gavel was claimed by Alan Archer, master of Leyland St Andrew’s Lodge, the lodge was closed and everyone made their way downstairs for the festive board. Carnarvon Lodge had been honoured to welcome Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stuart Seddon, Peter Allen, the group chairman, David Bishop the group vice chairman, Provincial Membership Officer Neil Ward, and there was an impromptu visit during the festive board by Peter Lockett, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
It was also announced that the evening was part of ‘Super Monday’, with three other lodges in the Chorley and Leyland Group initiating new members. Everyone enjoyed the festive board and the raffle raised a few £100 towards Carnarvon Lodge’s chosen charity, Holly’s Hearts who create heart-warming memories for children with cancer.
Carnarvon Lodge is a very busy and active lodge and if you would ever like to visit, please contact their secretary Graham Roberts via graham.sec2376@gmail.com
