Thursday 24th April 2025 and The Worshipful Master and Officers of Pontefract hit the ground running with their first Advancement Ceremony after the Installation of W. Bro Gary Waddington only last month.
Once the Lodge was opened there was a moving eulogy for W.Bro. Paul Levey. Paul was a proud member of Pontefract and the order in general and will be sadly missed by all in the many Lodges and indeed orders he was a member of.
A report was sounded and W.Bro. Ian Schofield Prov.A.G.D.C. was admitted and announced that the Prov.G.M. R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton was without and demanded admission. Trevor was then admitted with a trusty escort of Provincial Officers. Trevor was offered the gavel and although tempted thanked Gary for his kind offer and returned the gavel.
A ballot was conducted by the Deacons, one being W.Bro. Matt Brelsford, acting Senior Deacon and permanent sub. The ballot for three candidates proved successful and three more ceremonies for September, October and November were confirmed. Fantastic news, there must be something in the water at Pontefract!
The main business of the evening was to Advance Bro. Dwain Longley of De Lacy Lodge No 4643. The Master called upon W Bro “Uncle” Ian Robertson to take the Chair which he did and conducted yet again a first-class ceremony everyone doing a super job. Well done Uncle Ian and all who took part.
There was also a Grand Lodge certificate to present to Bro. Martin Lambert which was done in fine style by V.W.Bro. Ian Wolstencroft with the traditional words used in Pontefract Lodge. There was also a proposition for a further candidate which shows Pontefract really are on the up.
It was great to see amongst the 11 visitors W Bro. John Clayton, President of the Leeds and District Association of Mark Master Masons together with W.Bro. Philip Ireland, Senior Vice President, and W. Bro. Jim Brown, Junior Vice President in attendance. Great support from the association.
After an excellent Festive Board of Mushroom Soup, Chicken Breast and, Cheese and Biscuits, The Master proposed the toasts including an informal toast to Trevor who was delighted to respond, and the Brethren were equally delighted to hear it. Great things were said of Dwain who suitably responded promising his best for Pontefract and the order in general.
A date for your diary. Pontefract will be having an extra meeting on Thursday 22nd May 2025 to Advance yet another candidate.
Welcome Bro. Dwain Lonley Mark Master Mason.
With thanks to
W.Bro. David Whitelaw
P.Prov.G.J.W.