Toxteth Lodge No 1356 initiated Harry Robinson, MC, in January 2020 but have been unable to conduct his raising to the sublime degree of a master Mason due to his work commitments. The bond of brotherhood came to the rescue when Olympic Lodge No 4461 offered to devote their lodge night to Toxteth Lodge. After much discussion and planning the date was set and making sure that Harry was available, especially considering he had just had a motorbike accident, the evening was agreed.
The venue for the raising was the Geoffrey Hirst Masonic Suite inside Woolton Golf Club. For the ceremony, officers of Toxteth Lodge paired off with the officers of Olympic lodge. The WM of Olympic Lodge David Cairns with Tony Standish acting chaplain for the evening, opened the lodge and welcomed all who were attending. The usual opening business was conducted and then David invited Matthew Wilson, master of Toxteth Lodge to occupy the chair for the forthcoming ceremony.
Once seated, Matthew expressed his appreciation to the members of Olympic Lodge for allowing him to occupy the chair. Matthew then requested the officers of Toxteth Lodge who would be assisting him to ‘take post’. This allowed Eric Binks to take the role of senior deacon whilst the role of junior deacon was taken by Anthony Robinson, brother of Harry. Unfortunately, their father Stephen was unable to be present. Matthew opened the lodge to the second degree and the deacons attended upon Harry who had answered the usual questions and retired from the lodge.
In his absence the lodge was opened to the third degree and after the tyler had informed the lodge that Harry was ready, the deacons once again attended upon him and escorted him through the ceremony whilst he was raised to the sublime degree of master Mason. Eric Binks provided the explanation of the traditional history and Peter Ryan the explanation of the working tools of the third degree.
Eric invited Anthony to congratulate his brother on being raised, this was followed by congratulations from Eric. The lodge was resumed to the first degree after what had been a very good ceremony. Matthew requested officers of Olympic Lodge officers to resume their places and thanked the brethren of Olympic Lodge for allowing then to use the evening.
Matthew requester David Cairns to reoccupy the chair of the lodge. Following communications from the secretary the lodge was closed in due form.
Article by Colin Roberts.