On the 12th of May 2022, a special ceremony will take place in Hope Lodge 54, in the Province of East Lancashire.

Ian Dugdale will be initiating his son Calum into Freemasonry, making Calum what is known as a Lewis.

A Lewis, inoperative masonry, is a tool used to lift heavy objects, but the term is used in Freemasonry as an analogy for a father raising his son into a position to take his place as part of the structure of Freemasonry.

What makes this even more special is that Ian himself is a Lewis – initiated into Freemasonry and joining his father Tony’s Hope Lodge in 1987.

Calum was involved in the social aspects of freemasonry from an early age – attending children’s Christmas parties, garden parties and as he got older, Ladies Evenings with his parents. This early introduction to the charity and community aspect of freemasonry struck a chord with him and became a large aspect of his day-to-day life. Calum recently completed a charity skydive, raising £6500.

“Charity work has always played a big part in my life, and it is one of the main drivers for me to join Freemasonry. I am really looking forward to being part of an organisation that does so much for local, national, and international charities and good causes.”

Ian, who is DC for Hope Lodge, will be stepping into the chair specially to initiate Calum and said “welcoming Calum into Hope Lodge will be my proudest moment in Freemasonry – it means so much to me to be able to start his Masonic journey in the lodge I became a Lewis in.”

It will, however, be a bittersweet moment for Ian and Calum. Tony, Ian’s father, and Calum’s Grandfather passed away in December after a long-fought battle with dementia.

At 22, Calum will be the youngest member of Hope Lodge but that doesn’t faze him. He said “I’m both nervous and excited for the ceremony, but being the youngest member isn’t daunting at all. I know the other members will teach me a lot and help me out when I need it”

Hope Lodge meets at Rochdale Masonic Hall, Richard Street, Rochdale. If you would like to attend Calum’s initiation, please contact Hope Lodge secretary, WBro David Jones atHopeLodge54Sec@outlook.com

If you are interested in finding out more about Freemasonry, please visit https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/what-is-freemasonry