Tuesday October 27th saw The Lodge of Dawn 6511 initiate the first of three candidates of the Masonic year 26/27. With 48 in attendance (8 visiting) we welcomed our new brother, Stefan Mannion. A former military man and currently working in the fire service, we are confident that he will make a great Freemason.
Following the usual perambulations, the Candidate was obligated by the Worshipful Master before being entrusted by W Bro. Rob Philips. This was a particularly special moment for both, as W Bro. Rob had been the one to sponsor Stefan into the Lodge of Dawn, making the occasion all the more meaningful. The entrusting was faultlessly delivered. There were also two great performances from Bro. David Cole delivering the NE Corner and Bro. Mark Raw describing the tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemason with precision.
There was a lighter moment during the ceremony when Senior Deacon, Bro. Richard Casdan, had not one but two wardrobe malfunctions. With wand in left hand and candidate in the right, he was left twice with his apron around his ankles. It is impossible to correct this when both hands are ‘tied’ and ritual is in full flow. It did feel like something from a comedy sketch but with a little help from the Junior Deacon, normal service soon respectfully resumed. Quite a charming and funny moment reminding us all that Freemasonry can and should sometimes be fun.
The Initiation ceremony was very good, something we have come to expect and all officers were on top form.
Ballots for two prospective candidates proved successful and our Masonic Calendar is full.
W Bro. Mark Gaftarnik gave the Charity report which included a recent grant application for £2765 in favour of Chabad Lubavitch for kitchen equipment had been successful. Bro. Andrew Ullman thanked everybody for his 70th birthday wishes.
New Bro. Stefan Mannion with his propose W Bro. Rob Phillips
Festive Board
Festive Board was its usual top level in both speeches and food.
Our newest member Bro. Stefan Mannion said:
“I really enjoyed the evening and getting to know everyone, and I found the principles of Freemasonry particularly appealing. Having served as a Royal Marine and now working as a firefighter, I’ve always thrived in tight-knit communities with a strong sense of purpose. For that reason, I feel Freemasonry could be a natural and meaningful next step for me.”
The Lodge of Dawn 6511 welcomes Stefan with open arms and look forward to seeing him a valuable and active member.
Raffle prizes were very kindly donated by Brother Colin Ellis of Aldermaston Lodge 2760 Berkshire, son in law of our Organist Bro David Gelman. We raised £210 in favour of the 2028 Festival.
Want to join us?
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.
And if you would like to join The Lodge of Dawn in Leeds, please feel free to get in touch via our ‘Contact Us’ page.
We have a new ‘Meet a few of our Members’ feature on our website. CLICK HERE to read about some of our newer, younger members, why they joined The Lodge of Dawn and how their Masonic journey is going.