The brethren of Southport Temple Lodge No 7526 gathered for a meeting that proved to be a testament to both Masonic resilience and the curious workings of fate. Despite a sudden wave of illness that forced a major reshuffle of the evening’s officers, the lodge successfully initiated its newest member, Adam Spinks, in a ceremony marked by exceptional dedication.
With several key officers absent, the lodge saw members stepping into unfamiliar roles at a moment’s notice. The master, Neil Griffiths, took the reins of the ceremony, supported by a makeshift but highly capable team with Edward Thompson serving as junior deacon, Bryan Henshaw occupied the junior warden’s chair and Roy Hedges stepped in as senior warden. Joel Kavanagh, a fellow craft, acted as senior deacon with only 24 hour’s notice, delivering what was described by those present as an ‘incredible job’.
A special mention must go to Bryan Henshaw, who demonstrated true Masonic labour by simultaneously acting as junior warden and secretary, while also delivering the first degree tools from the north east corner and the charge, which was performaned as many hailed a ‘Masonic master class’.
The evening was further brightened when David Thomas AProvGM and the group chairman Phil Stock dropped into the festive board. The pair had been attending a concurrent first degree at Fermor Lodge No 1313 but made a point to visit Southport Temple to congratulate and formally welcome Adam spinks into the Craft.
The path that led Adam Spinks to Southport Temple is one for the history books. While on holiday the master of the lodge, Neil Griffiths, unfortunately lost his ritual book and against all odds, the book was found by Adam. Recognizing the importance of the document as his own father had been a Mason. Adam contacted the United Grand Lodge to ensure it was returned to its rightful owner and when Neil reached out to thank him, they discovered a startling coincidence, Adam lived right in Southport.
Intrigued by the connection and the values of the Craft, Adam expressed his interest in joining, leading directly to his initiation. It’s amazing how a lost book led to find a new brother, with the tail being told at the festive board. The momentum for Southport Temple Lodge shows no signs of slowing down. The brethren are already preparing for their next meeting for another initiation, this time for the master’s own brother-in-law.