In an early but still very well attended meeting, Tyldesley Lodge No 2572 initiated not one but two new members into its lodge. But that’s not all, the ceremony was followed by a fun and lively Old English Night, led by Andrew Parr as the fine master.
The lodge was opened by the WM Jonathan Battersby and his principal officers, senior warden David Peacock and junior warden Mike Silver. A knock at the door led to Andrew McVee, Tyldesley Lodge’s junior deacon, greeting Carl Thorpe into the lodge room as he was guided through the ceremony by a very polished and attentive deacon.
Once Carl Thorpe was initiated, he was shown to a seat in the lodge room to then witness the next initiation of Martin Aldred. It is surely a very rare and special occasion to be able to see an initiation straight after joining Freemasonry yourself.
As before, Andrew delivered a second superb show as junior deacon, again working with his fellow lodge brethren to carefully guide the candidate through his first degree ceremony. Tyldesley Lodge WM delivered fantastic ritual, echoed by his wardens and Duncan Hopkins as director of ceremonies.
With both candidates now initiated as newly made brothers, they both left the room and entered again to receive the working tools of an entered apprentice, expertly given by Mike Silver. With the ceremony nearly complete, the highlight for many during their welcome into Freemasonry is the Charge after Initiation, which was perfectly presented by David Peacock.
Before proceeding ended, Chris Upton, master of Carnarvon Lodge No 2376 stood and called out his right to claim the travelling gavel which was in the hands of Tyldesley Lodge. Junior warden Mike Silver requested proof of their claim and Chris was joined in standing by his junior warden Kieran Taylor-Bradshaw, inner guard Ewan Farquhar and Carnarvon Lodge members Stuart McGrath and Dan Heath.
With no other lodges attempting to take the gavel themselves, the claim was a success and the traveling gavel was presented to Chris to take back to his own lodge.
Following the closing of the lodge, the brethren of Tyldesley Lodge and their visitors made their way downstairs to enjoy a special Old English festive board. The meal was splendid and was hosted by Andrew Parr who regularly handed out questionable fines to the brethren to help raise money for charity.
As the evening ended, Mike Silver sang the song to the visitors which is sang at every Tyldesley Lodge meeting. The master of the lodge Jonathan Battersby gave the last word, and everyone left happy having enjoyed a packed evening of Freemasonry.