On Tuesday the 30th May at Stanley House, Audenshaw, Semper Paratus Lodge No 852 (Lodge of Instruction) held an emergency meeting to conduct the Advancement of Brother Andrew Robert Taylor, a Craft member of Iron Road Lodge no 4964.
In attendance at this special meeting was RWBro John Hartley Smith, Provincial Grand Master along with WBro Kevin M Reaney, APGM.
32 Mark Masons were present and included RWBro Alexander McLaren, PProvGM, who is a member and acted as ADC.
The acting Worshipful Master on the evening was WBro Paul M Holt who conducted the ceremony in a fitting manner along with a full team of officers. The PGM gave the signs and words to the newly Advanced Bro Taylor in a superb manner and the whole ceremony was well received by the brethren.
The workings of the lodge being ended, photographs were taken in the lodge room following which, 31 brethren sat down to a pleasant meal of fish, chips and mushy peas.
In a few years’ time the lodge will reach its centenary. The possibility of this being formally acknowledged has always been a concern as sadly, the records from the consecration and for many years following had (it was thought) been lost or destroyed. Thankfully, the secretary WBro Peter Lambert has been on the hunt for the missing documents and a few weeks ago, WBro The Revd. Robert Murphy from West Lancashire, contacted the Province to advise that, through a third party, he had been made aware that the missing records had been located. These included the minutes from the consecration in 1928 through to the 1990’s. The first minute book included four pages of just the visitors at that first meeting.
As the evening had been an emergency meeting, the records were presented and their recovery explained at the social board, to the applause of all present.
A raffle took place and raised a substantial amount for good causes.
A very pleasant evening was enjoyed by us all.
Wishing you all a happy summer break and keep safe and well.
