July often means there is much business to be done here at the Lodge of Dawn and this week saw a very busy evening. A long evening but a very pleasant one.
On Tuesday 22nd July at The Lodge of Dawn 6511, the third and final Third Degree ceremony of the Masonic year 2024/25 took place. Bro. Peter Gawtry was dutifully raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. 56 in attendance including 18 visitors.
The WM, W Bro. Mark Gaftarnik handed the gavel to W Bro. Jeffrey Hillman PAGDC, celebrating his fiftieth year as a Freemason, who conducted the ceremony of Raising assisted by five other experienced Past Masters in the principal Offices. Cumulatively those six Worshipful Brethren have accumulated over 265 years in Freemasonry.
With our customary raffle raising some £220, the early start and slightly late finish made the evening a real pleasure to be part of.
W Bro. Jeffrey Hillman PAGDC reflected “It was a pleasure and honour to be part of a team of senior Past-Masters and to be able to reassure ourselves that we can still present the ancient traditions of Freemasonry.“
Bro Gawtry said about his Raising, “I loved the experience. Very different from the First and Second Degrees. It was such an honour to be raised by Past Masters and is something I will always remember and treasure. I even got to know the Tyler pretty well too!”
After ritual the WM, Mark Gaftarnik declared Bro. David Jackson as Master Elect for the next Masonic year; something we shall all look forward to.
It was announced that W Bro. Philip Dante, Almoner, is going to live abroad and Bro. Carlos Reed will be returning to Chile. It is hoped that apart from the occasional return visit to the Lodge of Dawn, their Masonic journeys will continue across the globe.
The announcement of retiring Treasurer, Bro. Roy Novis, after 17 years in office, was also made and heartfelt thanks were duly expressed. Bro. Novis has quietly kept the ‘ship’ financially steady, something we are all grateful for.
And finally, the Lodge was also presented with Vice Patronage of the 2028 festival by Lodge Liaison Officer, W Bro. Gerry Barker.
At The Festive Board, the WM thanked all Lodge members for their support throughout his ‘year in the Chair’ and paid particular thanks to W Bro. Raymond Diamond and W Bro. David Myers for their help to make his experience such a fulfilling and enjoyable one.
WM Mark Gaftarnik with Bro Peter Gawtry
WM Gaftarnik receiving Vice Patron of The Charitable Foundation
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.