Triple Initiation – 9th November 2013

This triple initiation ceremony was very special indeed.

It was the first time a triple initiation had been carried out by St Laurence Lodge in the whole of their 78 year history. Furthermore, a triple initiation has probably been attempted by very few active lodges within the Constitution of England. A special dispensation was necessary from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Essex to enable the ceremony to proceed and a cast of thousands (well quite a few!) assisted during the meeting.

                                  .Some of the Brethren preparing for the meeting.

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Instead of one person carrying out the ceremony (usually the Master of the Lodge), many brethren were involved in this triple initiation, including one of our Honorary Members, W Bro Ken Birnie PSGD, PAPGM who asked initial questions of the Candidates and Inner Guard. The Obligations were conducted by W Bro John Stonely PGStB, W Bro Len West PPGSwdB and W Bro Ken Cownden PPJGW.  There were three officers fulfilling the duties normally attributed to one deacon and many other members of the Lodge also took part. Many visitors also assisted and their participation provided additional interest to this triple initiation ceremony.

During the meeting our Charity Steward presented W Bro Alan Everard PSGD, APGM with a cheque made out to the charity Lifelites in the sum of £2,800. Lifelites provides fun and educational technology to the 9,000 children who stay, play and learn in all 49 baby and children’s hospices throughout the British Isles. In recognition of the donation, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Colin Felton, thanked the members of St Laurence Lodge for their generosity and presented them with a certificate on behalf of Lifelites. The certificate names St Laurence as a Principal Sponsor, an honour which has not been bestowed on any other Masonic Lodge under the Constitution of England.   .Triple InitiationAfter the meeting at the festive board an early traditional Christmas dinner was served, while a wonderful saxophone quartet called One Screw Loose played popular music. The brethren dined in peace and harmony and also sang along to a number of festive tunes played by the quartet to complete the evening.