Brethren of Perfect Ashlar Lodge No 5246 were extremely privileged to welcome an extremely distinguished group of guests for a first degree ceremony. Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, the Southport Group Chairman Phil Stock and an accompaniment of grand and acting Provincial grand officers made a special effort to visit Perfect Ashlar Lodge to see old friends, watch a first degree ceremony and present several Grand Lodge Certificates.
Perfect Ashlar Lodge brethren are renowned for the quality of their ritual and anticipation filled the room as the master of the lodge Robert Woodiwiss opened the lodge and welcomed Mark and the other distinguished guests.
The primary ceremony of the evening was the initiation of Laurence Walsh into Freemasonry. As the ceremony began, Robert and the senior members of the lodge showed just why Perfect Ashlar Lodge has such as strong reputation. A superb display of ritual followed, and special complements must be made to Andrew Pennington for the explanation of the first degree tools, and Malcolm Gregson for the delivery of the charge after initiation. It must also be said on his part, that Laurence conducted himself with great confidence throughout the ceremony.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mark stood to commend Perfect Ashlar Lodge on their high standards, noting what a wonderful ceremony it had been. He congratulated everyone who had taken part in making it a truly memorable occasion for all present.
Mark then had the extremely pleasant task of presenting and explaining the Grand Lodge Certificates to Philip McNair and Simon Flemming. Philip and Simon stood beaming at having their certificates presented by such a distinguished and skilful guest, and in front of the high-ranking audience present.
The evening then proceeded to the festive board. Mark stood to complement the lodge again on the splendid ceremony, noting also what a successful lodge Perfect Ashlar Lodge was in terms of recruitment, as evidenced by the large number of light blues who were in attendance. He also mentioned the importance of joining the Royal Arch to complete the Masonic journey. The attention then returned rightly to the candidate for the evening, with entered apprentice song being delivered with aplomb by Alan Foster.
In the end, a great evening was had by all at this exceptional lodge, and as usual charity was the major beneficiary with £345 being raised between the raffle and the lodge collection.
