39 brethren gathered at Garston Masonic Hall, Island Road, Liverpool, for a meeting not only to raise Seyi Joseph to the third degree but to celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry for Steven Kayne.
WM Malcolm Povlo opened King David Lodge No 7256 in due form and completed the domestic business of the lodge, including the reading of the dispensation to hold this important meeting.
On opening the lodge in the second degree, the WM proceeded to put the necessary questions to Seyi Joseph, who confidently answered them. Seyi was then escorted to the WM’s pedestal, where he was given the pass grip leading from the second to the third degree, including the password and meaning. Seyi then left the lodge for a short period to prepare for the ceremony.
Steven Kayne occupied the WM’s chair for the first part of the ceremony, on which Seyi took his obligation and then the grip, token and word were delivered and explained, which Seyi copied. Steven then explained the exhortation and after raising Seyi, explained the five points of fellowship and delivered the charge.
WM Malcolm Povlo carried out the second part of the ceremony and after returning to his chair, he explained the traditional history, tracing board and demonstrated the signs and words of the degree, which Seyi copied, and also the third degree working tools. At all times during the ceremony of being raised to the sublime degree, Seyi was confident and comfortable during the proceedings.
Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson then rose and proceeded to explain the details of the 50th certificate received from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and proceeded to present Steven Kayne with the certificate to celebrate his 50 years in Craft Freemasonry.
At the festive board, in response to the toast to his health, Steven replied how 50 years in Freemasonry had gone quickly and when he joined King David Lodge it required support, which he did by taking on different roles in the lodge and how he had the pleasure in going through the chair as WM and now it is a thriving lodge.
Steven also said how he enjoyed being a volunteer at the West Lancs Freemasons’ charity office and how substantial amounts of grants had been given to deserving causes. Steven completed his response by thanking the brethren and for being among friends, for not only attending his celebration but in supporting Seyi Joseph on his raising.