A Third Degree, Two Certificates and One Promotion
Father & Son Raising
On Tuesday 28th April at The Lodge of Dawn 6511, Worshipful Master Dave Jackson conducted his first Third Degree ceremony of the Masonic year 2025/26. Bro. Nick Jackson was dutifully raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.
As the name suggests this was a father and son moment to savour. As we all know, this ceremony signifies the transition from youth to maturity, encouraging moral reflection and a dedication to integrity. To witness such an event was quite a treat and provided an added ingredient to proceedings. It was also an accomplished performance by all Lodge Officers involved, with ritual being delivered to a great standard by some of our more experienced brethren. W Bro Stephen Brown, W Bro Jeffrey Hillman, W Bro Michael Rose and W Bro David Myers were excellent.
With 52 brethren in the Temple including 10 visitors, the Third Degree ceremony was enjoyed by all. A bonus for any candidate that added to a warm atmosphere.
A Great Honour
In addition to a wonderful ceremony we had a surprise visit.
Prior to the ceremony, there was a report. The Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies was admitted. Outside the door of the Lodge was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Malcolm Whiteley, who was demanding admission.
Following his admission, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master accepted the gavel from the Worshipful Master and requested that Worshipful Brother Simon Fellerman be brought to him.
Following a resume of Worshipful Brother Simon’s Masonic career he promoted him, on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. A tremendous and well deserved honour. Only the seventh member in the history of the Lodge to receive this highest honour from the Provincial Grand Master.
W Bro. Whiteley then proceeded to relate how W Bro. Fellerman was initiated into The Lodge of Dawn 6511 in 1989, becoming Worshipful Master in 2006. Following his first Provincial appointment to Prov. Grand Steward in 2012 and subsequent promotion to PPDepGDC, Simon received Grand Honours to the rank of PAGDC in 2016 in recognition of his work with the Masonic Samaritan Fund since 2008.
W Bro. Simon was exalted into Loyalty Chapter 4971 in 2007, went through the 3 Principals’ Chairs in 2009 to 2012, and following Provincial ranks of Provincial Grand Sojourner in 2017, and Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 2022, he was appointed the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal in 2025 and was promoted to the Grand Rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer.
W Bro. Whiteley described W Bro. Simon’s current position as a Board Member and Trustee of the MCF, Chairman of the MCF Masonic Support Committee, Member of the Board Strategy Committee, Nominations Committee and Duty Doctor.
For more than three decades W Bro Fellerman has stood as a steadfast pillar of Freemasonry, known among his brethren for his unwavering dedication, tireless service, and deep commitment to the principles of the Craft. A supportive, kind and committed brother with the added bonus of a good sense of humour and generous spirit; The Lodge of Dawn 6511 are so proud of him!
Additionally…
In addition to this, Grand Lodge Certificates were presented to Brother Pete Gawtry and Mark Raw by the Immediate Past Master, Worshipful Brother Mark Gaftarnik.
Worshipful Brother John Watson PJGD was introduced as our new Lodge Liaison Officer by Worshipful Brother Gerry Barker PGStdB, our retiring Liaison Officer.
Worshipful Brother David Myers thanked Worshipful Brother Barker for his 12 years service, and announced that at our next meeting he would propose that the Lodge confers Honorary Membership to him.
The festive board was as lively as one could ever be, with the response to the visitors’ toast by a Past Master of the Lodge of Fidelity 289 being received with great acclaim and laughter.
The usual raffle raised £240 in favour of the 2028 Festival.
A wonderful evening at the Lodge of Dawn!
If you are not a Freemason and, having read the above, would like to find out more, read our Seven Reason to Join The Freemasons, our guide on ‘How to join The Freemasons‘ or our simple ‘What is Freemasonry?’ page.
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