The regular meeting took place at the Masonic Hall, Pontefract on Friday the 11th of April, a good attendance in place. The Lodge was opened in fine style by the Worshipful Commander, Worshipful Brother David Whitelaw and his Officers. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and duly signed.
Attention then turned to the first major agenda item that a ballot for Brother Timothy Johnson which proved positive. Good news for all present as he was to be Elevated with Brother Chris Eyre who was also present having been confirmed at the January Meeting. Both candidates had been proposed and seconded by the Worshipful Commander and Worshipful Brother Gary Parker, R.A.M.G.R. Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Bro. Eyre, having been duly prepared, and upon an alarm, was the first to be admitted under the guidance of the Senior Deacon Brother Alan Law and Junior Deacon Brother Andrew Weston. He was then Obligated in good form by the W.C. W.Bro. David culminating in being shown the method in advancing to the East in this degree. At this point Bro. Chris took his seat in the Lodge and Brother Timothy, upon an alarm, was admitted under the guidance of the Deacons, whereupon he was Obligated in due form by the W.C. W.Bro. David and shown the method of advancing to the East in this degree.
Both candidates now at the same point of the Ceremony they undertook the remaining proceedings together beginning with the signs and secrets in the hands of Worshipful Brother Charles Lindsay, an accomplished ritualist, Past Commander of the Portal Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, No.127, excellent performance, attentively followed by both Bro. Timothy and Bro. Ian.
Brother Marcus Higgins, Senior Warden then invested both with the Apron and Jewel of a Royal Ark Mariner after which they received an explanation of the working Tools of the degree and an explanation of the history of the Fraternity and Principal Officers, all in the capable hands of the acting D.C, Worshipful Brother John Whitworth, superb delivery and good to see John back in harness,. Bro. Marcus then took over to explain the steps of the Degree, well received by the candidates. The Ceremony complete both Bro.Chris and Bro. Timothy then took their seats in the Lodge.
Worshipful Brother John Derwanz then stepped forward to present the Almoners report, sadly a number of Brethren absent where John is continually in touch. Unfortunately this included Worshipful Brother Paul Levy, a stalwart of the Lodge and the Province, who I then learned a few days later had died, he will be very much missed. The Lodge was then closed in proper form.
All adjourned for suitable refreshment and the Toast List in the hands of W.Bro. John, these were despatched with due aplomb as one would expect, that to the W.C. W.Bro. David by the Acting Senior Warden W.Bro Robert Patrick congratulating him on a job well done and looking forward to further Ceremonies later in the year which W.Bro. David acknowledged in his response. He then moved on to Toast both candidates who had certainly enjoyed the proceedings and he commended both to the Lodge, I am sure they will prove very capable members. Responding first Bro. Tim made mention of the occasional moments of laughter and Bro. Tim felt that the Ceremony had most certainly been an eye opener.
A superb evening thoroughly enjoyed by all, smile, be happy, you are all Royal Ark Mariners.
Worshipful Brother Duncan Smith R.A.M.G.R.