Just over a year since joining Carnarvon Lodge No 2376 as an initiate, Stuart McGrath has been raised to the degree of a master Mason by a nearly all light blue team. Chris Upton, installed as master of Carnarvon Lodge in December 2023, opened the meeting fully in all three degrees with the aid of Adam Dennett (SW), Kieran Taylor-Bradshaw (JW) and Ewan Farquhar (IG).
The ceremony was then picked up by the deacons of the lodge Prof Michael Kipping and Barry Scowcroft, who together with their master delivered a superb first section of the ceremony. Chris then requested the support of Michael Norris for the second section of the ceremony, while Allan Scott completed the third section. Both Michael and Allan gave perfect ritual to gift Stuart a very splendid third degree. Chris then resumed his chair as master.
Putting the finishing touches to the ceremony, Carnarvon Lodge master presented Stuart with the third degree working tools and then finding him a suitable place in the lodge. As they had started, the officers of Carnarvon Lodge closed the meeting in full, something rarely seen in most meetings, even rarer by all light blue members.
The third degree ceremony was a huge success and a testament to the effort given of the light blue officers of the lodge and the experienced dark blue lodge members who had clearly guided and support them.
Following the ceremony, festive board was enjoyed by everyone present and after the toasts there was a ‘Chorley Raffle’. The evening ended with everyone happy at what was delivered and witness by the brethren. Carnarvon Lodge now have two new candidates to initiate in March and April, followed by two other third degree raisings. If you would like to visit the lodge who meet on the 2nd Monday of each month, please contact Graham Roberts via graham.sec2376@gmail.com
