The Lodge was opened in due form by the Acting Worshipful Master W.Bro. Brian Short P.A.G.D.C. (who by the way did an excellent job).
Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. G. Gary Parker and his escort team entered the Lodge at Tapton Hall, Sheffield with the usual pomp and ceremony, led by W.Bro. Rob Barton, Prov.A.G.D.C. The W.M. offered the gavel and despite many pleas it was politely declined by Gary.
A Ballot was taken and was successful for Bro. Nicholas James Greyson to be advanced into Cleeves Mark.
The ceremony of advancement then took place, and the candidate was led around the lodge expertly by W.Bro. Trevor Hurd. The obligation was delivered with aplomb by the acting W.M.
When the workman lined up to receive their wages for some reason W.Bro. John Fitzpatrick got left behind, got to be honest I’ve never seen him move so quickly and he did eventually receive his wages!
After much searching the keystone was eventually found, it mysteriously kept moving down the lodge. A super ceremony with some well delivered ritual, congratulations Cleeves. Gary delivering both the conclusion and presenting Lodge Certificates to Bro’s. Sena Yildirim and Stephen Quick and, as you all expect this was done very well indeed.
It must be said the candidate conducted himself with a degree of confidence certainly enjoying the occasion.
And so, to the Festive Board the atmosphere was in the style of Mark Masonry with plenty of cordial chat and humor. Gary gave us a brief update of what’s happening in the Province as well as acknowledging that the evening belonged of course to the candidate.
W.Bro. Michael Holmes gave a lovely speech about the candidate, and I have no doubt Nicholas will be an excellent Mark Mason.
The speech by the candidate Bro Nicholas was thoughtful and humorous. The J.W speech to the visitors was given with the usual joke from W.Bro. Rodney Marshal (don’t give up your day job Rod). The response for the visitors was given by W.Bro. Rod Dyer Prov.G.S.W. which was ‘Bob On’. No need to say more, eh?
It really was a lovely evening of Mark Masonry that I am sure will live in the memory of our candidate. Welcome Bro. Nicholas Grayson.
With thanks to
W.Bro. Terence Sweet
P.Prov.G.Stwd.