Garston Masonic Hall was the venue for Paul Hudspith to be initiated into the Lodge of Harmony No 220. The WM Eirwyn Jones opened the lodge in due form and completed the domestic business of the lodge, including a notice of motion.
The WM then announced that the next item of business was to initiate Paul Hudspith. The treasurer entered the lodge and announced that Paul Hudspith had paid the necessary fees and signed the declaration. The WM asked the deacons to retire to prepare the candidate.
Paul entered the lodge in due form and the initiation ceremony began with the prayer and perambulations around the lodge. The WM then obligated Paul in a perfect manner and continued by explaining the position of the officers in the lodge and then imparted the necessary information to Paul to allow him to continue his journey through his initiation.
The deacons then escorted Paul to the wardens for some questions to be asked. After that part of the ceremony was completed, Paul then went to junior warden Peter Bush who delivered an explanation of the first degree working tools. To complete the ceremony, Paul was escorted to the lodge mentor Kevin Flynn who delivered the Ancient Charge in a competent manner.
Paul retired from lodge for a short period and on his return the necessary business of the lodge was concluded and the brethren retired to the festive board. It was a well-attended festive board with 29 attendees. At the festive board, Gary Mason the lodge secretary explained that Paul had come through the Membership Pathway system.
Chris Lyon, Mersey Valley Group Membership Officer had explained some that men come to us not knowing anything about Freemasonry, but Paul had picked out which night, hall and lodge he preferred to join. He had visited the hall and committee meetings and been introduced to members of the lodge. At the meetings it was discovered that his father Roger was a Freemason, and his grandfather Ron was also a Freemason.
It was a very enjoyable meeting and festive board which was completed by a raffle which raised £145. Following a toast to his health, Paul gave a short speech thanking everyone for a very memorable occasion.