On a splendid evening, for polar bears and penguins, the brethren of St Helens Lodge No 4121 assembled along with their visitors from other equally worthy lodges to see Daniel Dunn take his first step along the mysterious pathway, a journey that few many have trod, which is known as Freemasonry.
The lodge was opened promptly on time at 18:30hrs by the towering yet elegant WM in his finest regalia and his obedient and steadfast wardens who all performed their duties to the letter. John Roughley performed with outstanding precision as the acting WM; he is usually the director of ceremonies of St. Helens Lodge. The minutes were circulated by the assiduous secretary to all brethren which were duly approved in the usual manner.
Officers were invested who were not at the installation ceremony, the secretary and membership officer, junior deacon, assistant secretary, inner guard and steward were collared, all of whom showed great skill throughout the events of this bitterly cold evening thus bringing warmth to the hearts of every man who was lucky enough to witness the delights that transpired.
A ballot for rejoining members of this admirable lodge was taken together, which proved favourable for all the rejoining members, then visitors were admitted into the opulent temple chamber. The treasurer’s report and the charity steward delivered their reports, the reports were then approved by all non-visiting brethren present.
Then, Daniel Dunn’s time had arrived! He was eagerly awaiting his moment outside this historic temple, the inner guard and acting tyler were marvellous in their assigned duties. The deacons led Daniel expertly around the lodge with flawless footwork as well as unshakeable voices, which echoed high above around that gilded dome which has seen so much history throughout many years.
The candidate was unbelievably calm in his role, completely unaware of what was going on around him but showed a determination that few have within them and fewer can act upon which such ease in the moment. The obligation was taken by Daniel Dunn with great aplomb, for his first time taking part in a ceremony of this nature, the walls vibrated as if trembling amid the presence of Daniel’s booming voice which was unshakable in its strength and confidence, not to mention a sheer delight to hear.
John Roughley was word perfect throughout the ceremony of this initiation, as too were the junior and senior wardens each extraordinary in their words and actions during the entire ceremony. The addresses where outstandingly good by all who performed them; the NE corner was as informative as always, this duty was undertaken by John from the master’s chair, high above the floor without dropping a syllable during this address, which was extremely impressive.
The working tools were explained by the junior warden, again with a great confidence and skill that many men hope to attain at some stage of their journey in Freemasonry. The warrant was presented along with the bylaws and book of constitutions were presented by John Roughley while acting as the WM for the evening.
The newly made brother retired from the worthy lodge for a short period of time, during his absence a late member, who was aiding the acting tyler in his duties throughout this wondrous spectacle and thus not actually late on the night was then admitted in fine form. Daniel Dunn was readmitted into the temple a few minutes later.
Graham Williams then stepped forth to deliver the charge with an awe-inspiring mastery of perfection that only a privileged few attain in their journey within Freemasonry, but many brethren admire and wish to emulate.
That concluded Daniel’s initiation ceremony; what a joy to behold throughout. There were no propositions for new members made at this time. The charities where then honoured by all the brethren in the splendour of the jaw dropping art deco surroundings. One communication from Grand Lodge was circulated to the assembled company of worthy men, there was also a communication from Provincial Grand Lodge regarding the forthcoming Grand Ball, which too was duly circulated the general communications were expressed by the jaunty secretary of this worthy lodge with great flair.
Apologies were given for absent brethren who couldn’t attend the meeting tonight. Hearty and fraternal greetings were given from the various visiting lodge members as were well wishes given to the now entered apprentice, Daniel Dunn. The lodge closed in peace and harmony at 20:04hrs by the acting WM and his most worthy wardens.
The festive board was a wondrous event, there being so many visiting lodges in attendance on the night, filled with laughter, joy, toasts, banter and the pleasure of knowing that even on a bad day, you’ll end up beaming being able to count yourself amongst the great and the good of society. Daniel had a toast to his heath by the brethren and responded with great gusto! A visiting WM, Ryan Billington responded on behalf of the visiting brethren with extraordinary enthusiasm. The amount raised for charity totalled £197 on the night.