On Tuesday 24th June at The Lodge of Dawn, Worshipful Master Mark Gaftarnik conducted his second Third Degree ceremony of the Masonic year 2024/25. Bro. Michael Woolfe was dutifully raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.
It was quite a performance by all involved with ritual being delivered to a great standard.
It was also noted to all present that W Bro Myers had only been asked to present the working tools of a Master Mason upon his arrival to The Lodge an hour earlier and performed his duty brilliantly.
Bro Woolfe’s answers to the test questions were perfect and despite recent distractions at home had clearly completed his homework with flying colours. About his raising Michael said “The ritual was amazing. My fellow brothers have clearly worked very hard as it all went so well. As a first experience I’m speechless, there was so much to to take in. I really enjoyed the explanations as to how masonry derived and I’m so keen to learn more about our rich history.”
During the Festive Board, Bro Woolfe, who had been part of the visit to Jersey earlier in the year, not only received his book of Emulation Ritual from W Bro Myers, Preceptor of The Lodge of Dawn, but also from the Duke of Normandy Lodge No. 245, Jersey. This book is some 90 years old and continues its life in Brother Woolfes’ hands.
In theTemple the Lodge was presented with a Diamond Patronage Certificate by Worshipful Brother Paul Nash from West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd. A copy of the certificate is attached for your interest. This is great honour. Since 2001, The Lodge of Dawn itself (not including members individual charitable donations) has donated over £20,000 to the charity.
Worshipful Brother Paul mentioned, during his presentation, that since 2001, our lodge has secured 11 minor charity grants (under £5000) totalling £13317 and 5 major charity grants (over £5000) totalling £107300. What an achievement. In part due to the hard work of our past and current Charity Stewards and the members own donations. A massive well done to all concerned.
To reflect this honour, the front cover of our summons going forward will quote our Diamond Patronage.
There will also be more regarding our Diamond Patronage Certificate and wider charity news in a future post on our website and upcoming social media channels.
With 13 visitors from 11 Lodges our Festive Board was well attended. Junior Warden Bro Fryer welcomed visitors and we were subjected to several dubious jokes (no doubt passed down by his father in law), receiving plenty of eye rolling and the occasional groan. However, with £190 raised for the Festival from our usual raffle we ended the evening on a high with W Bro Rose taking home a fine bottle of whiskey.
Bro Woolfe with WM Mark Gaftarnik
W Bro Nash presenting WM Mark Gaftarnik with the Diamond Patronage Certificate
The Diamond Patronage Certificate is a great recognition of Lodge of Dawns’ charity work.
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.