Members and visitors of Tyldesley Lodge No 2572 gathered to celebrate a significant occasion in the Masonic journey of two brothers, Matthew Taylor and John Goodenough, who were both passed to the second degree in a ceremony conducted with great sincerity and fraternal warmth.
The evening was presided over by master of the lodge, David Peacock, David has wanted to do this double second for some time now and what made it even more special is the fact that Matthew is his cousin. Both candidates rhymed off the second degree questions with ease as they had clearly been practising, in the lodge room and outside.
The junior deacon John Harrison was there on hand to assist, however neither candidate needed help. John then directed them both round the room until it was time for the senior deacon, Martin Aldred, to take over. Martin conducted the candidates round with confidence, something that made Matthew and John feel reassured.
The second degree tools were presented with distinction by Swainson Eckersley, where the candidate’s full attention was given to him. After the tools, David congratulated them both on passing and thanked the director of ceremonies, Derek Bond, for organising the logistics of passing two candidates at the same time.
After the meeting, the festive board could start. The lodge had multiple prospective members in attendance so it was a ladies and gentleman to dine. With it being an olde England night also, a fines master was needed. Something that the charity steward, Jonathan Battersby, was more than up to the task.
The meal was 5 courses with all British themes through out the night with plenty of raffle prizes being available. The fines and programs brought in £279.40, an amazing sum for the charity account. It was certainly a warm and fun evening. The visitors in attendance certainly had a most enjoyable evening as they could be clearly seen with a smile on their faces.