The Lodge of St George No 6048, opened promptly at 18:00hrs by the WM, Paul Holden and his very capable wardens, with great skill. No man within the temple chamber would be in any doubt that a gargantuan effort was summoned forth regarding the countless hours of many resolute rehearsals which had taken place during the weeks prior to this momentous event taking place.
The gavel was offered to Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Frank Umbers, who along with his accompanying Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, David Boyes, were already within the temple chamber at this time. The gavel offered to Frank Umbers was refused with great humour, thus causing a thunderous eruption of hearty laughter from all corners of the lavishly decorated lodge room which echoed high above the heads of the assembled brethren in that awe-inspiring gilded triumph of architecture that adorns the ceiling of the cavernous space in which Freemasonry is practiced in St. Helens.
The studious secretary of this splendid and most hardworking lodge then announced to the WM that the minutes had been circulated to all brethren which were duly approved and seconded by the brethren who were in attendance on this marvellous evening.
The ballot proceeded for the hopeful new candidates into this band of brothers, which shapes good men into even better ones namely, Mr Keith Lewis, Michael Thomas Burrows and Gareth Anthony Raymond Middlehurst. After a short period of time the ballot proved favourable for all candidates.
The secretary, Jonathan Holden, occupied the chair of King Solomon for this ceremony; Jonathan is already an accomplished veteran in the chair of King Solomon and he performed his role admirably while his father Paul looked on swelling with pride as his son took command with great aplomb and with a style that can be said is only found at this honourable lodge.
The ceremony commenced and all involved from the deacons to the stand-in officers and from the WM and stand-in junior warden of the Lodge of Hospitality No 5074 and all the other officers ,especially the senior warden, did marvellously well in their roles during the evening with the tyler and inner guard’s stentorian voices echoing off the walls.
The deacons had complete command of the floor throughout, leading the candidates around with an adroitness that only tireless practice can be the result. The initiates did not flinch at all during any part of their ceremony which holds then all in good stead as just, upright Freemasons which as always is very reassuring to behold.
The lodge director of ceremonies, Chris Maloney kept a watchful eye during the evening’s events from the North east corner. The first degree charge was delivered with great gusto which he himself performed effortlessly. This was a sheer delight to witness and it achieved a high standard which all Masons aspire to during their time in this glorious hobby.
The working tools of the first degree were presented by a worthy brother who was so confident, measured and engaged in his task that he was emanating strength and power with every word.
After the ceremony of initiation had ended, the WM congratulated the candidates who then took their places in the lodge, all of whom looked just as relaxed as they did in the ceremony. The Mersey Valley Group Mentor, then welcomed the newly made brothers on behalf of the group after which the charities were honoured by all present.
Communications from grand lodge were circulated to all brethren. Greetings from the grand officers were given followed by the presentation of Grand Lodge Certificates which were presented to multiple brethren by Frank Umbers.
The grand officers accompanying Frank Umbers retired from the lodge chamber, the Provincial deacons were flawless in their execution of their duty.
Provincial Grand Lodge communications were circulated electronically to all brethren, general communications were also circulated electronically, apologies were given by the lodge secretary.
Then came the greetings from brethren from visiting lodges after which the lodge was closed at 19:32hrs by the WM and his wardens in peace and harmony.
The festive board was, as it always is at this wonderful lodge, filled with great friends, a fantastic feast for the eyes not to mention the tastebuds. The toasts were given to the latest members of this loyal, friendly and fun fraternity, all of whom responded with wit which was greatly appreciated by the lodge members.
Frank Umbers praised the lodge on its noteworthy rise in membership numbers over the past few years as well as commending all the brethren who were present, on an extraordinary performance which he was delighted to witness.
