On Tuesday 19th May, The Lodge of Dawn 6511 held their annual Junior Master’s Night at Castle Grove Masonic Hall. As one of the highlights in our Masonic Year, this year’s ceremony was performed superbly.
Junior Master’s Night enables our more ‘junior brethren’ to become more actively involved in ceremony, and to show the more senior members that there is much eagerness, knowledge and performance awaiting. And with all Officers in dinner suits and black/bow tie, the scene was set for an enjoyable First Degree ceremony.
Junior Master, Brother Joseph Morris alongside his Junior Officers
A little background to Junior Masters Night
The Lodge history tells us that the late Worshipful Brother Louis Brown, who created Junior Master Night in 1958 insisted that Junior brethren “should be encouraged in their researches and be provided with opportunities to show their capabilities and ritual skills.”
These principles have guided us ever since. On a regular basis junior brethren are seen participating in our regular ceremonies and once a year Junior Master’s night is arranged to enable them to demonstrate a First Degree ceremony. It has served two purposes; First to involve Brethren below the ladder and encourage them to attend Lodges of Instruction. Secondly so that Brethren can proceed through all the offices well before the time that they are called upon to undertake them in regular Lodge. Quoting Worshipful Brother Brown again “if Brethren are to experience the pleasure in performing their duties well, it is essential that they should know the work thoroughly before they venture on to the floor of the Lodge“.
In the Temple were 14 visitors from nine different lodges, along with the 37 members from The Lodge of Dawn; a good number to set the scene for what was to be a significant evening for all brethren, particularly those taking part.
At 6.00 pm prompt, our Candidate, who reassured us he was of mature age, divested of all metals and of good character was ready to be admitted. Mr Roger Levy entered the temple properly prepared to be made a Mason. At his own request he entered hoodwinked.
Roger was originally initiated into Hadassah Lodge, Sheffield in 1970. Although work brought him to Leeds he remained a member and was Worshipful Master there in 1986. He joined the Lodge of Dawn in 2003. A worthy Candidate, he enthusiastically proceeded to accept all instructions, and the First Degree ceremony was duly delivered under the direction of the Junior Master, Brother Joseph Morris. The standard of ritual was excellent and all Junior Officers did themselves and the Lodge of Dawn proud. A superb candidate, we sincerely hope that he enjoyed every minute. As Junior Deacon for the evening, it was a real privilege for me to be by his side.
A particular mention must go to Bro. Martin Dootson who not only excelled as Senior Warden but also for a magnificent delivery of the Working Tools. Also Bro. Ed Marks who delivered the Obligation brilliantly.
On a personal note…
As Junior Deacon for the night, this was my first significant piece of ritual. Although having delivered both the SE Corner and NE Corners in previous years, this was my first Officer role. I loved it. I felt honoured for three reasons. Firstly, to be by the side of ‘Mr Roger Levy, a poor candidate in a state of darkness.’ Secondly to be amongst such a wonderful brethren, whom I know had my back and were willing me on throughout. And thirdly, to represent the Lodge of Dawn with good ceremonial practice.
The fraternity, encouragement and willingness we all share through ritual is something I will always remember. The enjoyment of ritual lies in knowing it and it’s only through regular practice where that lies. And remembering what Worshipful Brother Brown says “if Brethren are to experience the pleasure in performing their duties well, it is essential that they should know the work thoroughly before they venture on to the floor of the Lodge“.
Festive Board
The Festive Board was held at Sandmoor Golf Club and £355 was raised for St Gemmas, Junior Master Bro Morris’ chosen charity for the evening. A big thank you must go to Senior Steward W Bro. Raymond Diamond, who always ensures our Festive Board food and table settings were impeccably planned and delivered.
As a thank you and appreciation for the team putting up with him, Junior Master Bro Morris generously gave each officer a copy of ‘Making A Daily Advancement’ by Mike Lawrence. The book brings together a range of Masonic facts including the origins of our customs, our ritual and our practices, all mixed together for good measure, with a little Masonic humour.
And a final thank must go to W. Bro Philip Myers who as, Junior Lodge Preceptor, does great work keeping all the Juniors up to speed and in line.
Junior Master Bro Morris generous gift to each of his Officers
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.