Luke Fox became a lifelong friend of Daniel Kendal when they met at school, and they now have become business partners. Daniel was initiated into Yachtsman’s Lodge No 3698 who meet at Woolton Golf Club in February 2023 and is enjoying it so much that he had no hesitation in recommending Luke to join Freemasonry.
Danny Crichton, WM, accompanied by his wardens took their respective seats in the lodge which was opened in due form. Officers who had been unable to attend the recent installation meeting were collared. Danny requested lodge director of ceremonies Phil Gambrill to occupy the chair for the ceremony.
Phil informed the brethren that the next item on the summons was to ballot for Luke Fox and duly read out the details. Luke’s business partner had a front row seat to watch the proceedings. The ballot proved totally in favour, so the secretary and treasurer retired to attend upon the candidate; they returned to inform the brethren that the necessary paperwork had been completed and Luke had paid his dues.
Shortly after, Luke was announced in due form and was met by the junior deacon Arthur Merrill and senior deacon Andrew Aitchison who were to accompany his on his journey into Freemasonry. The ceremony was conducted with great dignity by Phil Gambrill and all the officers. Danny Crichton delivered a lovely rendition of the ancient charge and Jimmy Campbell delivered the explanation of the working tools of the degree. The ceremony being completed Luke took his seat next to Daniel and received hearty congratulations.
Although it was a short ceremony it was delivered with passion and great warmth and Phil requested Danny to resume his rightful place in the lodge and Phil thanked the WM for allowing him the honour of conducting the ceremony and in return Danny thanked Phil, and the other officers, for a magnificent ceremony. After other Masonic business had been completed, the lodge was closed in due form and the brethren retired to the dining room to partake of a two-course meal of steak and ale pie, chips and peas followed by sticky toffee pudding or cheese board.
The lodge chaplain Len Jones informed the brethren that Danny Crichton and Arthur Merrill had just celebrated 60 years of marriage with their respective wives and in the morning were due to be collected to join a short cruise,
Toasts were taken as is customary and the important toast to the initiate was given by Phil Gambrill and all the brethren joined in the singing of the Entered Apprentice song with gusto. Luke was delighted to respond and thanked the lodge for accepting him and he, in turn, hoped to have many happy hours in their company. The final toast, given the long way was given by John Hibbert in his usual style.
Article by Colin Roberts.