Prescot Masonic Hall was the location for the ceremony of raising Paul Duncalf to the sublime degree of a master Mason. Old Priory Lodge No 6362 was opened at 6:35 pm by the WM, Jeff Lamb. After confirming the previous meeting’s minutes, the lodge was opened in the second degree and Paul Duncalf was presented to the WM to answer the necessary questions, which he answered with confidence and accuracy.
After being entrusted with the pass grip and password, Paul retired and the lodge was then opened in the third degree. The WM, Jeff Lamb, then asked Ken Acton if he would assist the lodge by taking the chair of King Solomon for the next part of the ceremony, which he gladly accepted.
On Paul’s return, the ceremony of raising began. The deacons stepped up, and the inner guard placed Paul into their expert care. After their perambulations, Paul was presented to Ken, who conducted the ceremony of raising in exemplary fashion to the acclaim of all present.
Paul then retired to restore himself to his personal comforts and Ken asked Jeff if he would like to resume his rightful place as master, which he did. On Paul’s return, his brother Geoff Duncalf, who had travelled over 300 miles to attend his raising, presented the explanation of the third degree apron. Jeff thanked Duncalf for the excellent way he delivered the address to his brother and commented that he had never heard that particular address before.
Jeff then asked the deacons to place Paul before his pedestal to receive the Traditional History. Jeff presented the Traditional History and the working tools of a master Mason with confidence gained from years of experience and many hours spent practicing ensuring that he and the rest of his officers were at their best.
On completion of his third degree ceremony, Paul was presented with his book of constitutions and ritual book as a little nighttime reading. The lodge was then closed and all retired to the dining room for what was a very lively and enjoyable festive board.
