An Evening of Fun & Fellowship at the Lodge of Silent Temple No. 126

It was a crisp autumn evening at the majestic Manchester Hall, its storied walls glowing under the soft golden light that bathed Bridge Street. Inside, brethren and guests gathered in anticipation of a unique event hosted by the historic Lodge of Silent Temple No. 126. The evening promised a demonstration of the Craft degrees by the newly formed East Lancashire Level Club, a fresh initiative bringing together young and enthusiastic Freemasons from the Province.

The grandeur of Manchester Hall added a sense of occasion. The lodge room’s Corinthian pillars and intricate wood panelling reflected centuries of Masonic heritage. At the same time, the eager buzz of conversation hinted at the modern energy brought by the Level Club.

A Warm Welcome

The Acting Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Silent Temple, WBro Philip Tiiterton (the Acting Junior Warden for the Province of East Lancashire 2024), opened the evening with precision and warmth. After the Lodge was duly opened, he welcomed members, visitors, and the East Lancashire Level Club brethren.

“This evening is about celebration,” WBro PhilipTitterton said. “We celebrate the light of Freemasonry passing to a new generation. Hosting the East Lancashire Level Club for this demonstration is a privilege, showcasing their passion for our Craft.”

A round of applause filled the room as the members of the Level Club took their places, their excitement palpable.

The Demonstration Begins: The Entered Apprentice Degree

The Initiation Ceremony’s first demonstration began with a solemnity that captivated the audience. The Junior Deacon of the Lodge of Silent Temple, Bro JP McCrosson, played the WM, delivering the signs and tokens of the initiation ceremony with a mix of reverence and wonder, embodying the journey of a man seeking light in Masonry.

Every detail was executed with precision. It was then the turn of Bro. Aaron Garner, the Chairman of the ELLC, then delivered an encapsulating demonstration of the First Degree Tools.

The brethren of the Lodge of Silent Temple noted how seamlessly the Level Club members blended traditional ritual with their youthful energy. It was a testament to their dedication and the guidance they had received from experienced mentors.

The Passing to Fellow Craft

After a short adjournment, the brethren reconvened to demonstrate the Second Degree, the Passing. The candidate, now a Fellow Craft, was led through the mysteries and symbolism of this vital step in his Masonic journey.

The Lodge of Silent Temples’s inner guard, Bro Miles Davis, shone during the perambulation, and his delivery of secrets of the second degree was given in a very theatrical manner and captured the attention of every brother present.

After that, Brother Tim Poole delivered the Working Tools, earning nods of approval from the more seasoned brethren.

The Raising to Master Mason

The climax of the evening came with the demonstration of the Third Degree, the Raising. The solemnity and drama of the ceremony filled the room with an almost tangible sense of reverence.

Bro Miles Da\vis again jumped into action and ably delivered the signs of a Master Mason to the candidate, moving through the symbolic journey with an emotional depth that impressed even the most experienced Masons.

The Deputy Chairman of the East Lancashire Level Club, Bro Andy Robson, delivered the third-degree tools which have been developed from his lodge based in Ashton – The Lodge of Union No. 268

The silence during the symbolic raising was profound, broken only by the heartfelt applause at its conclusion.

Reflections and Festive Board