Technical Lodge No 5666By Anthony James - ProvGStdB.
From the moment the Lodge opened at 6:30pm, there was a feeling in the room that we were in for a memorable evening. The Officers were in fine form from the start, the responses were clear, and the work moved along with confidence and care. It was one of those nights when the Lodge seemed to settle beautifully, and everyone played their part.
The candidate for the evening was Brother John Hemingway, who was to be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. John had obviously worked hard in preparation. He takes real pride in his ritual, and that came across in the way he answered the questions, with confidence, thought, and sincerity. He approached the ceremony in exactly the right spirit.
After the Lodge had been opened in due form, the Wardens and Deacons responded well, a portion of the Ancient Charges was read, and the minutes of the previous regular meeting were confirmed. Those below the rank of Fellow Craft were then asked to retire for a short while, before the Lodge was raised to the Second Degree.
Brother Hemingway was invited to express his wish to advance, which he did clearly and sincerely. His answers showed the effort he had put in and the respect he had for the step he was about to take. Following the next part of the ceremony, he retired while the Lodge was raised to the Third Degree.
Once properly prepared, Brother Hemingway was admitted back into the Lodge room in the traditional manner. From that point, Brother Ed Thompson, the Senior Warden, guided him around the Lodge with great dignity. It was calm, steady, and well handled throughout.
Worshipful Brother Paul Hillary then delivered the Retrospect with his usual authority and composure. He held the room beautifully and gave the piece the weight it deserves. The investiture by Brother Adam Tunnicliffe was carried out with care, while Worshipful Brother Mark Cusack delivered the Working Tools to the high standard we all know he is capable of.
The Ancient Charge was then given by the Chaplain, Brother Bill Turner-Bone, with warmth and reverence. Brother Hemingway was also introduced to the Royal Arch, with a clear explanation of its place within Freemasonry, followed by a well-delivered exchange between the Wardens.
After the Lodge was returned to the First Degree and everyone was re-admitted, the usual reports were received, along with kind greetings from our visitors.
The evening continued at the Festive Board, where there was good company, sincere toasts, warm conversation, and the traditional parting song. All in all, it was a lovely evening, full of meaning, pride, friendship, and brotherhood. It is one that Brother Hemingway, and all those present, will surely remember with great fondness.