No, not the Rugby Union Trophy, but the brethren of West Lancashire Lodge 1403 crowned the end of their Masonic season with a triple initiation ceremony. The lodge was privileged to welcome Frank Umbers, in possibly his last role as Assistant Provincial Grand Master before he became the Deputy Provincial Grand Master. The Provincial Membership Officer Neil Ward and the Southport Group Chairman Phil Stock were also in attendance.
The lodge was opened in due form by the master of the lodge Arthur Wain in the normal manner. Frank Umbers then entered the lodge and was offered the gavel, but on this occasion, he politely declined. The minutes of the previous meeting were then read and approved and the formal business concluded.
It was then time for the initiation ceremony to begin. The candidates, Robert Williams and brothers Philip and Lewis Latham, were led through the ceremony in a disciplined and orderly manner by three deacons, acting junior deacon Lee Martin and Jamie Brady, and Peter Dunn. Both Jamie and Peter are junior members of the lodge. At each of the pedestal stops during the perambulations, newer brothers assisted the wardens with the signs and tokens. The younger members also contributed to the ceremony by delivering the working tools, with the charge being delivered by Adam Russell.
The evening was rounded off with an excellent festive board, after which the director of ceremonies led the brethren in the Entered Apprentice’s Song and the Chain of Fellowship.
To round off the evening one of the elder statesmen of the lodge, David Bradbury, delivered the poem ‘The Night of My Initiation’. Who explained he has been a member of Masonic lodges for over 50 years, but has never seen a triple first degree ceremony performed, it shows how healthy West Lancashire Lodge is.
The whole evening was enjoyed by all, in particular the serving staff who received an end-of-season ‘thank you’ of £140 from the brethren.
