By Bro Ed Thompson, Senior Deacon

On Saturday 19th September at 6.30pm, Technical Lodge 5666 convocated with the main business focused on the Raising of Brother Paul Draper. The Technical Brethren were lighter in numbers than is usual - mainly due to their other family and social  engagements. No doubt, the inevitable September holidays played a part too. Many stand-ins were sought by Lecture Master W Bro Jon Sykes. Nevertheless, the Lodge room was well populated; a total of nine visitors were in attendance (from 3 separate Lodges of Humber, Kirkleatham and Beverlonian respectively). This was wonderful to see. 

Worshipful Master Arash Vesali opened the Lodge before moving it upwards to the 2nd Degree. One Entered Apprentice from Kirkleatham Lodge (who was only 15 days into Freemasonry and on his third visit already) was escorted out by stand-in Director of Ceremonies W Bro Dave Green.  The business was now to Raise Brother Paul Draper - a committed and industrious Technical Brother - to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. He answered the necessary questions posed to him by the WM with surety and precision. After which, he was instructed in his passport to gain admission to a Master Mason's Lodge by Senior Warden Bro Adam Tunnicliffe. He then retired into the safe hands of stand-in Tyler Bro John Hemingway (who was given the job at late notice and took to it admirably).

WM Vesali raised the Lodge to the Third Degree before stand-in Inner Guard W Bro Allan McKay notified Junior Warden Bro Nandakumar Thekkootu Pisharam of Bro Draper's presence. He was admitted in due form, guided by both Deacons to the pedestal and eventually obligated by the WM. W Bro Rob Gorman expertly delivered a Retrospect of Bro Draper's journey in freemasonry so far and informed him of the peculiar but no less significant subject of the Third Degree - which will not be revealed in this blog! 

On this evening, Technical Lodge was privileged to have had W Bro Eddie Wildman deliver not only a Historical Oration (adding valuable context to Bro Paul's experience of being Raised) but also an Explanation of the Third Degree Tracing Board. Bro Draper listened intently with curiosity as his masonic knowledge inflated. W Bro Dave Green communicated the Secrets of a Master Mason before Bro Ken Wright - whom all the Brethren were glad to see back regularly at Lodge - explained the uses and symbolism of the Working Tools of a Master Mason. Chaplain Bro Bill Turner-Bone imparted the Antient Charge of the Third Degree.

For Technical's team of ritualists, the main body of work was done. The WM informed Bro Draper on the next step in his Masonic journey; the Royal Arch Chapter. Listening to the Wardens, he was provided with the questions and answers he would need to learn to advance into the aforementioned stage of Freemasonry. He then retired and restored himself to his personal comforts.

The Lodge was lowered down through the Degrees by the Worshipful Master and the Brethren below the ranks of a Master Mason were re-admitted. Reports were then given. The Lodge of Instruction report by W Bro Dave Green significantly reminded the Brethren of LOI Open Night which will be held on Friday 2nd October at 6.30pm.

When it was time for Visiting Brethren to give greetings, Bro Andy Longstaff stood with five others from Kirkleatham Lodge (who all made the two hundred mile round trip from Redcar to Hull) as they demanded submission of the Travelling Gavel from Technical Lodge. Their commitment to make this journey rendered their acquisition of the Gavel very well deserved. Hopefully - back up North - they themselves will be blessed with an increase of visitors at their future meetings.

Back to the Lodge, Bro Draper was re-admitted, clad in his new Master Mason apron that was invested to him by SW Adam Tunnicliffe earlier in the ceremony. After the Lodge closing and perambulations, the Brethren hungrily journeyed downstairs. A few Technical Brethren stayed for a photograph, however...

Photograph Credit to W Bro Eddie Wildman

The Festive Board's good humour and incredible food provided a special experience for all. Technical Lodge put in serious work before and during the ceremony to provide Bro Paul an evening that he deserved. The Festive Board provided the perfect refreshment to all and the visitors seemed very gratified. Bro Andy Longstaff of Kirkleatham Lodge gave the response to the Visitor's Toast and he gave hearty compliments to the warm nature of Technical Lodge.

Bro Paul Draper's Raising was the last individual ceremony of Technical Lodge in 2026. Looking forward, we have our Business Meeting in October, Installation in November and Christmas Lodge in December. Although the Lodge Room was still surprisingly hot on this September evening, no doubt the chills of Autumn and Winter will be here soon enough. Certainly, seasons will change... but the warmth and Brotherly Love will always remain at Technical Lodge 5666.