Ryan Murphy became the newest member of Makerfield Lodge No 2155 in the Wigan and Leigh Group in October 2025. Ryan first heard about Freemasonry through his proposer, Dan Ackers, who at the time was working in the same building as him. They used to talk regular about his hobby of being a Freemason, this he found very intriguing and began to ask more questions.
An event came up at Makerfield Lodge Olde English Night in which non-Masons were allowed to attend, so he decided to go and meet some of the other members and get a feel of what it is all about, it was after this meeting he decided to go for an interview that led to him being proposed by Dan, Andrew Boardman was his seconder.
He mentioned he has really enjoyed his journey so far and look forward to continuing his support to the lodge. Ryan was initiated in March and became a fellow craft in September, he learnt to answer to the WM in such a competent and efficient way, the lodge knew they had something very special in this new member. He has proved to be an invaluable person with the two most recent members who have gone above and beyond in their Masonic abilities, this is good news for the lodge to have three very competent new light blues that really enjoy each other’s company.
Ryan has had an interesting work and social life, He first started work for his family’s business, Murbros Printers Ltd, on an apprenticeship scheme as a graphic designer and type setter, he still works there today though his roles have increased. He now runs the design department as well as working with the digital printing machines and with traditional printing machinery. Although the printing industry has become more modern, they are still using machines from the 1940’s and 1950’s that are used every day. Ryan is now looking at the possibility of a career change to start as an emergency medical technician, and upon completion will be able to progress to become a full paramedic.
The WM of the lodge was David Bridge who exceled in all duties with regular visits to other lodges, the senior warden Phil Kearns, junior warden Neil Burdess, senior deacon Dan Ackers, junior deacon David Banks, inner guard Sammy Owens. Andrew Boardman, the ADC offered, as usual that competent prompting of the ritual, six of those acting officers were light blues. The lodge was privileged on this occasion to have as visiting officers, Mike Purcell, Group Vice Chairman and Eddie Atherton, Group Mentor
The lodge opened with the usual formalities to the second degree where the WM put the questions to Ryan, who answered them very proficiently. The ceremony of raising was assisted by past master Michael O`Neill, this joint effort made certain that Ryan was given a wonderful experience, Dan Ackers guided Ryan with the assistance of David Banks through the whole ceremony on the floor with the supporting wardens. David Banks gave his usual quality rendition of the working tools of the degree and Sammy Owens gave an excellent rendition of the Ecclesiastes Chapter 12 Verses 1 To 7, all together leaving Ryan who is now feeling so proud to be called a master Mason.
Ryan was told that at the next regular meeting he will be given the traditional history explanation as he is eager to receive his Grand Lodge certificate, ultimately to enable Ryan to make a decision to join the Royal Arch in the not-too-distant future, he has already expressed an interest by asking many questions. The lodge was eventually closed in peace and harmony, then the usual dash to the social board for some refreshment.
At the social board there was plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the wonderful food and wine. A new tradition in the lodge at the social board is what may happen in many lodges, that the candidate will thank the brethren after their initiation for the help and support given. At Makerfield Lodge the candidates always thank the brethren for each part in their Masonic journey, this always gets plenty of laughter as the candidate’s confidence starts to improve. Lodge collection was £20, the raffle at the social board was £104,