On the 22nd of April 2026 at Crompton Lodge 8879 we had two candidates excitedly awaiting their first steps into Freemasonry.

The lodge was opened in due form and visiting brethren from Werneth Lodge and Lodge of Benevolence, were welcomed by the brethren. It was soon time to move on to the main business of the evening where our candidates took the life changing steps from being admitted as Mister to retiring as a Brother.

WBro Henthorn was invited into the chair of King Solomon to work the ceremony for the evening. Mr McGrath was first to be admitted and he conducted himself in an excellent manner. He was guided by our WM, WBro Taylor, who took the role of Junior Deacon. Following his obligation Bro McGrath was restored to light and the secrets of an Entered Apprentice Freemason were shared. Following the presentation of his apron by WBro Taylor it was time to admit our second candidate.

There was an alarm at the door of the lodge and Mr Butterworth was admitted into the body of the lodge. Mr Butterworth also conducted himself in an excellent manner and followed his guide and at the pedestal he took his obligation and arose as a brother amongst masons. Following the presentation of his apron, he was joined in the North East corner of the lodge by Bro McGrath and their merits were put to the test.

The working tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemason were presented to Bro McGrath and Bro Butterworth perfectly by one of our junior brethren, himself an Entered Apprentice Freemason, Bro Wharmby.
The ceremony was concluded with the first degree charge being presented by WBro Whitlow and the Mode of Preparation by WBro Reilly. The WM retook his rightful place and thanked all the officers of the lodge for their care and efforts in working the ceremony in an exemplary manner.

The evening concluded with a social board full of fraternal friendship, mutual respect and spirited singing. Crompton Lodge 8879 is one of the few lodges that still sing the Entered Apprentice song!

The lodge would also like to thank all our visitors, including a strong contingent from Werneth Lodge 6163 and a visitor from Lodge of Benelvolence 226 who was a former Crompton member, for joining us on such a special occasion and gracing us with their presence! We are eternally grateful and our visitors always enhance our evenings.