On Thursday 9th April, members and visiting brethren experienced a very special piece of masonic ritual – a Consecration Ceremony or more accurately a re-enactment of the ceremony, however, an additional and amusing twist which no one, not even the Worshipful Master WBro Steve Rinchester, was aware of, suddenly transpired.
With visitors and members asked to stand the Master and Wardens paraded into the lodge in the usual manner. The Master asked all to accompany him in the singing of the opening ode. Following which he raised his gavel to open the Lodge. WBro Jeremy Aston DC interrupted the proceedings and asked the master and all Brethren to sit.
WBro Aston, briefly, reminded all present, that Lodge Of St John No.191 is in its 256th year having been consecrated in 1796 – the year Napolean was born and 20 years prior to the storming of the Bastille. No streetlights of course and suggesting that a Lodge would possibly be held when the moon was full. He asked that the lodge lights be distinguished leaving only the spotlights, hence a dim and eery situation.
At this moment three members of the lodge entered, dressed in late eighteenth century clothes including top hats, each carrying a candle lit lantern and with walking sticks. Were these founder members of the Lodge?
The three, with great amusement to the watching brethren examined the room in its Twight light form with amusing comments to boot.
Seemingly satisfied the three brethren, who never for one moment addressed any brethren in the lodge, departed via the lodge doors. WBro Aston asked for the lights and the lodge was opened in the first degree. Items of lodge business being completed the lodge was called off, the lights once more dimmed and the three “founders” re-entered with a large lantern and being joined by the narrator then discussed a suitable name. It has to be a saints name was the decision and after rejecting St Simon and St Jeremy for most erroneous reasons the name Lodge of St John was decided upon.
The Brethren then again retired and the re-enactment of the consecration ceremony in all its solemnity, was conducted. It was a very special occasion which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
Our thanks of course to our Oscar nominees – WBros Deas; Hoyle and Bros Davis and Foster.
WBro Deas acted as consecration PGM; with WBro Hoyle and Lucas as consecrating Wardens.
Bro Foster was the narrator and Bro Verdugo consecrating Chaplain.
The social board which followed was a Cricketers Tea, an excellent buffet provided by our caterer’s and our after Tea speaker was WBro Malcom Ashtray Ashton.
A great Night was had by all. Thanks to our APGM WBro Dr Simon Archer for attending and playing the organ and piano. A particular thanks to WBro Andy Deas who came up with the historical and amusing part of the evening. Well done 191 for thinking out of the Square!