Azzam Bhatti spent 12 months going through the Province’s Unsolicited Membership Process and was Initiated Last Night…
Devon Lodge No.1138 have spent several months getting to know Mr Azzam Bhatti, an unsolicited candidate from the Provincial Membership Team, the culmination of which was his initiation into the lodge on Valentine’s Day 2023.
Left to Right: Bro. Anthony Ward, Bro. Azzam Bhatti, W. Bro. Mark Lewis (Worshipful Master), Bro. Jordan Houston
As with previous unsolicited candidates, Bro. Azzam made new friends during the 12 months of the process. Needless to say that some of those friends were keen to visit the lodge and witness the ceremony of their friend’s initiation.
There were a few stand-in officers on the night and the ceremony went well. The festive board was enjoyed by all and the candidate responded to his toast admirably. Our visiting Entered Apprentices are still coming to terms with masonic fire!
Bro. Anthony Ward, St John’s Lodge No.328 and Bro. Jordan Houston, Miles Coverdale Lodge No.5069, themselves both Entered Apprentices, found the ceremony enjoyable and spotted some variations to their own ceremonies. It was explained to them that there is often elements of ceremonies that seem strange when compared to their own Lodge, it doesn’t necessariy mean it is wrong, just different. Bro’s. Azzam, Anthony and Jordan are already planning their next visits to see other friends ceremonies.
This level of visiting from new and younger members bodes well for the future of Freemasonry in the Province of Devonshire.
W. Bro David Goode PPrSGD
Provincial Webmaster