It is always a pleasure to witness an initiation and it was no exception at Old Lerpoolian Lodge No 9270. The candidate Christopher Rutter was met prior to the start of the meeting by his proposer Mike Cunliffe and the junior deacon Fred Hulse. It proved a pleasant surprise that Fred and Christopher were known to each other through work! In conversation, Chris said that he was pleased to be joining Masonry, not just because his proposer was a family relative but because it would enable him to would like to give something back to society and Masonry. Chris is an IT leader in the Scouts so he already plays an active role in his community.
John McGibbon welcomes Christopher.
The worshipful master John McGibbon welcomed everyone and wished them all a ‘Happy New Year’ as this was the first meeting of 2017. The lodge was duly opened with Peter Connolly acting as senior warden. Following the acceptance of the minutes, a ballot was taken for the acceptance of the candidate and this was consequently declared in favour.
Whilst the tyler attended upon the candidate the WM informed the brethren of the sad passing of John Bradshaw who had been a founder of the lodge and a past president of the Old Lerpoolian society. The brethren were asked to stand to order in respect of departed merit.
The master then invited the lodge director of ceremonies Michael Mansfield-Corbett to occupy the chair for the first part of the ceremony. Chris was then admitted, assisted by the junior deacon Fred Hulse and senior deacon Christopher Duckett and initiated in an exemplary manner, in a ceremony shared by between Michael and John. Fellowcraft Oliver Leach gave an excellent explanation of the working tools and the charge was delivered with skill and sincerity by David Antonia.
In a delightful variation from normal practice, Woolton Group Chairman Andy Whittle delivered a first-degree lecture on the symbolism of the Masonic gloves which many of those attending had not heard before. This proves that it’s never too late to make a daily advancement!
Pictured from left to right, are: Fred Hulse, Christopher Rutter and Mike Cunliffe.
Prior to the meeting closing the group chairman informed the brethren that he was pleased to be able to announce that two of their number would be receiving promotion in at the next meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge; Fred Hulse was to receive the rarely conferred rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden and Michael Mansfield-Corbett would receive the high rank of Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works; this was received to great acclaim by those present.
With this welcome news, the lodge was duly closed and the brethren retired to the dining room for some well-earned refreshment.
Story and photographs by Colin Roberts.
Pictured from left to right, are: Michael Mansfield-Corbett, David Boyes, John McGibbon, Christopher Rutter, Andy Whittle and Mike Cunliffe.