On the 23rd of May at Salford Masonic Centre, a group of Freemasons assembled in the heart of the City West Area. This group of men held steadfast to their traditions, cherishing the ideals of brotherhood, charity, and knowledge.
The Lodge of Silent Temple No. 126 had decided to organise an explanation of the first degree in conjunction with the Manchester Level Club unlike any other before. The anticipation among the members was palpable as word of this extraordinary event travelled through the province of East Lancashire and beyond.
Preparations were made diligently as every Masonic brother contributed their time, expertise, and passion to ensuring the explanation’s success. The chosen venue was a historic Helmsley House in the heart of Salford, where countless meetings and ceremonies had taken place over the years.
The brothers performing the Explanation of the First Degree were W. Brother Philip Titterton from Friendship Lodge number 44, who navigated them through their journey to Bro. Paul Mansell and Bro. Fraser Arrowsmith, Bro. Robert Barnard from Caledonian Lodge number 204, Bro. Roy Walker from Vigilance 4952, W. Bro. Tom Daniel from Shakspeare Lodge number 1009, Bro. J.P. McCrossan Bro. Aaron Garner and Bro. Francesco Toto from Maccabee Lodge number 8947 and Bro. Nick Druce from Arkscroll Lodge number 6594.
As evening approached, seventy guests and members eagerly gathered in a packed lodge room, their curiosity piqued by the intriguing promise of a first-class explanation circulating throughout the Masonic Lodge members, clad in their distinguished regalia. They stood proudly, welcoming the guests with warm smiles and gracious hospitality.
Finally, the moment arrived. And the room fell into a peaceful silence. WBro. Mark Davis, the APGM for the City East Area and the Worshipful Master, stepped forward, opening the lodge and conducting the usual business.
The Lodge also paid tribute to WBro. David McGurty, the APGM from the Northern Area, had come as a guest.
The lodge was then called off as the specialist team assembled by the Manchester Level Club under the watchful eye of WBro. Philip Titterton began their excellent and deeply knowledgeable demonstration of the meaning of the First Degree.
The demonstration continued with precision and grace, aided by a set of custom T-Shirts for each lodge officer. Each officer of the Lodge highlighted their unique talents and contributions. They all presented beautiful pieces of ritual, explaining each point intricately crafted with hidden symbolism and capturing the essence of the Masonic philosophy. The air was alive with inspiration as if the wisdom of generations past had descended upon the hall.
A candidate was taken around the lodge with the JD whilst acting Worshipful Masters and asked the questions. When the candidate answered, a member of the MLC explained their meaning in front of all the brethren present in the Lodge.
The evening was a mutual feeling of learning and remembrance of a peculiar moment in all Freemasons’ lives in a circle which carries on day after day, a fragrant lesson of humanity, charity and brotherhood, which is what Freemasonry is all about.
It is a simple formula to make friendships last a lifetime, helping each other become a better version of themselves.
For in their light, we’ll find our way to make the most of every day.
As the explanation ended, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall. The guests, moved by the experience, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Freemasons for sharing their wisdom and unveiling a world hidden in plain sight.
After that, the Lodge was called back on, then subsequently closed, and there was an excellent social board, which saw the usual toasts conducted to the rulers; also, a fantastic charity raffle was held that raised a generous amount for the lodges charity account.
The APGM/WM WBro. Mark Davis would like to express his most profound appreciation and gratitude for the extraordinary explanation conducted by the Manchester Level Club. May the light of wisdom shine brightly within the Manchester Level Club, inspiring generations to come.
Story – DF/FT Images BD
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