Welcome Bro. Gary David Colman

Gothic Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1018 Masonic Hall, Swinton, Tuesday 1stOctober 2024 saw Gary Advanced into our wonderful order.  It was a good turnout with the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Andrew J. Brown in attendance, supported by a mix of both Acting Provincial Officers and, members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge.  All under the watchful eye of W.Bro. Robert Barton Prov.A.G.D.C.

The W.M. W.Bro. Ralph Adey welcomed Andy and offering the gavel said he hoped he would have a good night with them, and it would certainly be a good night for him if Andy accepted the gavel and kept it.  No such luck!  No reason why Ralph should be a little worried as he ran a good show.  Gary was certainly well Advanced and looked after on his journey round the Lodge by his proposer W.Bro. Alan Bartrop S.D. and, what could possibly go wrong under the supervision of his seconder and Lodge D.C. W.Bro. Charles Lindsay who, incidentally, was in fine singing voice.  The hidden talent of Charles knows no bounds!  The ceremony was sincere and conducted with a bit of fun too.  Gary seeming to twig early doors something was wrong!

The food at Gothic is always first class and tonight was no exception.  Andy welcomed Gary to the order and pretty much left it at that.  Saying tonight was all about the candidate and he kept his other messages short and sweet.  

Alan in speaking about the candidate said he had known Gary many years and had been a great asset to St. Georges Lodge no.242 and was a superb ritualist and would certainly bring those qualities to Gothic Mark. Gary in his response said he had really enjoyed the ceremony and the fabulous way it was conducted but, felt as though he had been set up from the start! even blaming some Grand Lodge Officers for moving something……!  He promised he would certainly get involved with both Gothic Mark and the order in general.  He was very much looking forward to getting stuck in with his latest ritual book one of seven he now owned.  

Responding to the visitor’s toast W.Bro. Christopher Wheeler of AireFerry Lodge of M.M.M. No. 1769 thanked Gothic for a great ceremony, great food and, great company.

Its watch this space as Charles said hopefully next month, they would have a further candidate to Advance which is of course great news for Gothic and great news for the order in general.

Thankyou Gothic Lodge of M.M.M. No.1018 for a super night.

Andrew Johnson

Communications Manager