On Friday the 1st of September 2023, The Lodge of Friendship Numbered 44, had its first meeting of the new season and as usual, the first business on the agenda was to confirm the Minutes of the last meeting held on the 5th of May 2023. The next business was to propose WBro. Barlow, Senior Warden of the Lodge as Master Elect for the ensuing year, and to propose Bro. Saigon Moundanga was proposed by the W.M. Brother Makosso as a joining member of the Lodge. The Worshipful Master then proposed a donation of 500 to the British Liver Trust, which was accepted unanimously by the brethren.
There was a report at the door, and the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro.John Curry was admitted. He announced that the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Robert Frankl, was outside the lodge room accompanied by a Provincial Deputation and he demanded admission.
The RWPGM was admitted along with the deputation, which comprised WBro. Mark Davis APGM, WBro. Peter Hegarty APGM, WBro. Dave McGurty APGM, WBro Mo Afsa APGP, WBro Philip Collier ProvSGW, WBro Paul OCarroll ProvJGW, WBro Gary ONeil Provincial Standard Bearer, WBro Stephen Smith Acting Provincial Sword Bearer, WBro. Harold Cooper PProvDepGDC, WBro David Dean PAGDC and WBro Colin Firth PAGSwdB processed into the Lodge.
After the delegation had sat down, WBro Makosso offered the gavel to the RWPGM which he accepted. The RWPGM introduced the delegation and explained to the brethren his reason for attending the lodge was to thank WBro OCarroll for his service and support in the office of Provincial Junior Grand Warden over the past 12 months. The RWPGM invited the WM to take the chair once more, and a cheque valued at 1,500 in aid of the 2026 Festival was presented to the RWPGM, which he happily accepted. The cheque qualified the Lodge to become a Grand Patron of the 2026 Festival Appeal.
The next business was to Initiate the candidate, Mr. Muntu. Bro Alex Evans acted as Inner Guard, an underrated role as it was his first speaking role in the lodge, Bro John Berry acted as Senior Deacon and Bro Olly OCarroll acted as Junior Deacon. It strained his nerves, only stepping in at the last minute with a short rehearsal before the meeting. Bro Olly OCarroll had the important role of guiding the candidate around the lodge, which was conducted superbly under the proud eyes of his dad, WBro. Paul OCarroll. The Son followed in his father’s footsteps.
Bro Nathan Smith brilliantly delivered the tools. and the Charge after Initiation, one of the most challenging pieces to learn, was superbly delivered by Bro. Tony Rhoades.
It was a ceremony that Brother Muntu, in front of 59 brethren, will never forget, especially having the honour and pleasure of having the RWPGM and a full Provincial Deputation in attendance.
The RWPGM mentioned how happy he was to attend the Lodge, he then paid a tribute to WBro OCarroll.
Friendship Lodge was witnessing an achievement that goes far beyond the greatness of this man and brother who made the word help the meaning of his life. Always happy to talk with new potential candidates, always there to guide and support new brethren on their Masonic journey, helping those to find their place in Freemasonry and making them feel welcome every time that they meet. A real Mason, in and out of the Lodge, an example for all throughout the province.
The evening continued to the social board, where many attended to celebrate with Brother Muntu and Bro. Paul OCarroll.
It was an evening to remember for many years to come for Bro Muntu on his initiation and W Bro Paul O,Carroll who was surrounded by many friends and family.
Many members of The Manchester Level Club attended to welcome not just the Provincial Deputation and the RWPGM, but also the newly made Brother into the fraternity.
The evening was a great example of what Freemasonry and it will live long in the memory of all those who attended.
Story by Bro. Francesco Toto
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