By Anthony James, ProvGStdB

It is strange how things in life sometimes seem to link together.

Earlier in the day, while working on my latest book and researching new content for the UK Author Promotion website, I came across the name François-Marie Arouet, better known to the world as Voltaire.

By coincidence, on this very date, 16th May 1717, Voltaire was imprisoned in the Bastille for refusing to stay silent in the face of ignorance and injustice. That seemed particularly fitting on an evening centred around the Second Degree, with its emphasis on learning, understanding, and the steady pursuit of knowledge.

Voltaire was never afraid to question accepted ideas, think for himself, or search for truth. Those qualities sit comfortably alongside the lessons of the Fellow Craft Degree, which reminds us that knowledge is not something we simply receive. It is something we work for, value, and use with courage.

Later in life, Voltaire became a Freemason, joining a fraternity whose values of knowledge, tolerance, and personal growth reflected much of what he had stood for throughout his life. There is a popular misconception that Benjamin Franklin initiated Voltaire. In Fact Benjamin Franklin did not “initiate” Voltaire in the sense of being the Worshipful Master conducting the ceremony. The more accurate version is that Franklin assisted at Voltaire’s Masonic initiation and acted as one of his conductors, alongside Antoine Court de Gébelin.

As Bro. Michael Carr was to be passed to the Second Degree, it felt fitting to reflect on that same search for knowledge and understanding. The Fellow Craft Degree encourages us to think more deeply, continue learning, and keep building our character. It also reminds us, through its own words, of the importance of extending our research. Voltaire’s life is a fine example of that principle in action, a man who never stopped questioning, studying, and searching for truth.

His example reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile.

On arrival at the Lodge, it was lovely to see Bro. Ken Wright back with us after a period of ill-health. His presence had certainly been missed, and it was good to see him once again among friends and Brethren.

At the appointed time, the Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Rob Atkinson, called the Brethren to assemble upstairs and prepare for the evening’s proceedings. I took my seat as Immediate Past Master, ready for what promised to be another memorable night in the Lodge.

Unfortunately, W.Bro. Ian Parkinson, Tyler, was unable to attend this evening, but W.Bro. Frank Lovely kindly stepped in and carried out the role, ensuring everything continued smoothly.

The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form, with every Officer carrying out his duties with warmth, dignity, and feeling. Greetings were then given to W.Bro. Eddie Wildman, an Officer on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England.

As an active Provincial Officer, ProvGStdB, it was an honour to take part in the Honour Guard for W.Bro. Paul Harper, the Representative of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master. It added a real sense of occasion to the evening and set the tone for what was to follow.

Once everyone was seated, the minutes of the last regular meeting were confirmed as an accurate record, and a portion of the ancient charges was read aloud.

Bro. Carr was then asked by the Worshipful Master whether it was his wish to take a higher degree in Freemasonry. Bro. Carr confirmed that it was. He was then placed in the care of the Junior Deacon, Bro. Malcolm Gambles, before the Worshipful Master proceeded to test him on the questions with which he had been asked to make himself acquainted.

Bro. Carr answered each one clearly and confidently, showing the effort he had put into his preparation and acquitting himself extremely well.

Having then been instructed in that which would form his necessary passport to gain admission to a Fellow Craft Lodge, he retired from the Lodge to prepare himself to be passed to the Second Degree. The Worshipful Master, aided by his Officers, then opened the Lodge in the Second Degree.

Why “Passed” to the Second Degree?

The phrase “passed to the Second Degree” has its roots in the language of the old operative craft. In earlier times, an apprentice who had learned enough of his trade, shown competence, and proved himself ready for greater responsibility could be passed by his master to the next stage of training.

Freemasonry preserved this wording, giving it a deeper moral and symbolic meaning within the ceremony.

In the UK, the Second Degree focuses strongly on education, knowledge, personal development, and the lessons connected with the working tools of a Fellow Craft. It marks a clear step forward from the First Degree, moving the candidate from the foundations of initiation into a broader understanding of Masonic learning.

To be “passed” therefore symbolises that the candidate has demonstrated sufficient understanding of the First Degree, shown readiness to advance, and been approved by the Lodge to continue his Masonic journey.

It is not simply a promotion or a change of title. It is a recognition of progress, both in knowledge and character, and reminds us that the early stages of our Masonic journey are part of a much wider path towards deeper understanding and, in time, mastery.

Tonight, outside the door of the Lodge, our candidate, Bro. Michael Carr, waited with that familiar mixture of nerves, curiosity, and excitement that every Mason will recognise. The Second Degree marks a significant step on a man’s journey in Freemasonry, bringing with it both honour and challenge.

S.W. Bro. Ed Thompson, acting as Senior Deacon, guided Bro. Carr through the ceremony in a calm and steady manner, helping him through each stage with quiet confidence and reassurance.

The Worshipful Master carried out the obligation with confidence, apart from one slight slip of the tongue, when reference was made to the “Grand Magician of the Universe”. A little laughter could be heard around the room as the Brethren realised what had been said. It was one of those harmless human moments that brings a smile to an evening, without taking anything away from the ceremony itself.

The communication was delivered by Bro. David Turner, who carried out his part with confidence and clarity.

Bro. Tunnicliffe, Senior Warden, then had the honour of investing Bro. Carr with his Fellow Craft apron, the distinguishing badge of this degree. It was a simple but meaningful moment, marking Bro. Carr’s progress in Freemasonry and his advancement to the next stage of his Masonic journey.

I then had the pleasure of delivering the Address at the South-East Corner, a piece of ritual that holds particular personal significance for me, as it was one of the very first pieces I ever learned and performed in Lodge.

For that reason, it has always stayed with me. Returning to it on this occasion brought back a real sense of reflection, not only on my own early steps in Freemasonry, but also on the journey Bro. Carr was now beginning as he advanced further in the Craft. It was a privilege to deliver those words to him and to play a small part in such an important evening.

The Working Tools were presented by Bro. Ken Wright, and it was especially good to see him involved in the ceremony after his recent absence.

The Second Degree Charge was then brilliantly delivered by our stand-in Chaplain, Bro. David Turner, whose delivery added real warmth and dignity to the evening.

The Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Arash Versali, together with his Officers, had clearly worked hard in preparation, and their efforts showed throughout. They delivered a superb ceremony, one that was well organised, respectful, and enjoyable to witness.

Bro. John Hemingway was then presented with his Grand Lodge Certificate by W.Bro. Eddie Wildman, who carried out the presentation with his usual warmth, flair, and enthusiasm.

Bro John Hemingway and W Bro Eddie Wildman

It was a lovely moment in the evening, made all the more memorable by the way W.Bro. Eddie spoke. His delivery brought both importance and good humour to the occasion, ensuring that Bro. Hemingway’s achievement was properly recognised and warmly celebrated by all present.

The Worshipful Master then had the pleasure of presenting W.Bro. Paul Harper with a certificate of payment for £500 towards the Festival. It was a proud moment for the Lodge, reflecting the continued generosity and commitment of the Brethren in supporting such an important cause. The presentation was warmly received and served as a fitting reminder of the charitable spirit that sits at the heart of Freemasonry.

Representative of the RWPGM W Bro Paul Harper

and Technical WM W Bro Arash Vesali (Photo from W Bro Wildman)

In true Masonic tradition, the evening continued with a lively and well-attended Festive Board. The dining room was filled with conversation, laughter, and the easy companionship that follows a ceremony well performed.

It was a fitting end to a memorable evening, with Brethren enjoying good food, good company, and the warmth of shared fellowship. The night concluded in the traditional manner with the parting song, “Happy to Meet Again”, echoing through the hall in a spirit of joy and unity, and reminding everyone present that there will be many more good evenings to come.

Bro Michael Carr, W Bro Paul Harper, W Bro Arash Vesali