The numbers and activity on the night were aplenty
On Tuesday 28th January we experienced our third annual New and Young Masons’ Night here at The Lodge of Dawn, 6511.
Firstly, we were joined by our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro. Malcolm Whiteley. Secondly, we were incredibly fortunate to have 35 visiting worshipful brethren and brethren from 21 lodges across two continents, amongst which were 24 visiting Light Blues from our Province. Thirdly, it was also the initiation ceremony of Peter Gawtry, and a few friends (unbeknown to him), were there too! And finally we received an enhanced explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board delivered by W Bro. Ian Schofield visiting from the Friendly Lodge No 1513.
First Degree Ceremony
As a fitness instructor living and working in North Leeds, Peter had returned from climbing Mount Kilamangaro on the day of his initiation. He had been raising funds for elderly care in the Yorkshire region. Asked about his experience of his initiation ceremony, Peter said “I was both excited but apprehensive at the same time. When I was restored to light, I was surprised to see several friends who I did not even know were Freemasons. It was such a bonus for me because I know they were there to support me as visitors from other lodges”.
Peter continued “The festive board was also a very friendly and warm introduction to the Lodge of Dawn and I was quite overwhelmed by the reception I received.”
Visitors and Light Blues
The number of visitors and so many Light Blues made the evening twice as special. The following are the thoughts of Brother Eóin Byrne;
“A founding principle of the Leeds Light Blues is to bring together new and young masons to showcase the breadth and depth of Freemasonry in the greater Leeds area. Tonight showed again that there is no better place to see a lodge steeped in tradition, who embraces the next generation of Freemasons, quite like The Lodge of Dawn. As a member of the Leeds Light Blues committee – and a brother at The Lodge of Dawn, I know that starting off our annual visiting circle here in Castle Grove sets the stage for the months that follow. The entire lodge makes every effort to throw open the doors to brethren from across the Province, particularly those who may never have visited another lodge, to show them our ritual and traditions. We are also often treated to a speaker or presentation that the guests and brethren may have never heard or seen before which adds a real sense of occasion to the night. “
“In forging a partnership with the Leeds Light Blues, it means that centuries’ old traditions can be preserved and showcased every year, and it honestly makes me really proud to be part of a lodge that builds this night into its calendar”.
And finally
We raised £375 from our raffle in favour of the 2028 Festival.
So there we are. Oh what a night! Not quite a run of the mill event at the Lodge of Dawn, but one we intend to repeat again next year!
A big thank you has to go a Brother Eóin Byrne for helping The Lodge of Dawn encourage so many Light Blues to the evening and to Brother Sam Fryer who, as secretary of the Leeds Light Blues, puts in a lot of hard work to make these events happen. Not forgetting W. Bro Philip Fraser for creating this now annual event that has become such an important part of our calendar, and the Province in general.
Joining 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.
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.