Although not one of the clubs official visits several members including the Chair and Vice Chair were out last Thursday at Chipping Sodbury Masonic Hall to visit Safeguarding lodge.
The ceremony was a demonstration first degree with a difference, the candidate was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro Mark Steventon-Smith and was narrated by W. Bro Richard Reeve PAGDC of the Grand Lodge of England.
The ceremony, expertly conducted by the Worshipful Master and brethren of the lodge, was for W Bro Steventon-Smith a jump back in time to 31 years ago this month where he was initiated into Freemasonry.
Throughout the proceedings W Bro Reeves stopped to explain the symbolism behind certain elements, the reason for the language used and why things are done in ain that particular way. It was a fascinating look into the history of the initiation ceremony and to get a greater understanding of the elements that date back more than 300 year but also more modern changes that have come in since the great war.
At the end there was also the chance for people ask questions about the ceremony but also Freemasonry in general.
The evening finished with a fantastic festive board and even some Bristol Fire (Safeguarding was originally formed by members of the two Provinces and so there were a few practices from across the border seen throughout the night)
Thanks to the Worshipful Master and Brethren of Safeguarding Lodge and of course the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro Mark Steventon-Smith and W. Bro Richard Reeve PAGDC for a lovely evening of learning and friendship.