On 16th March 2023, with dispensation from the Provincial Grand Master, Davie Lodge carried out a triple initiation…
When your lodge takes the “Yes, if…” approach when times are tough, the results can be astounding. This is the approach Davie Lodge have taken to grow their membership. With use of some of the tools within The Members’ Pathway and some unsolicited candidates the lodge has grown from 7 members to above 30 members. This level of growth can bring its own problems though, such as getting candidates processed through their ceremonies when you only meet 7 times a year!
Having previously carried out a quadruple passing, the lodge were confident that a triple initiation could also be orchestrated effectively whilst retaining individual elements for the candidates. The meeting was also attended by W. Bro. Charles Yelland, APGM, and W. Bro Reuben Ayres, Provincial Charity Steward and APGM Designate, both intrigued at how the ceremony would be carried out. There were also a good number of visitors in attendance including 2 entered apprentices, Bro’s Scott Arthur and Anthony Ward, from St John’s Lodge No.328 escorted by W. Bro Les Pym; also a fellowcraft, Bro Jason Grange, from Benevolent Lodge No.303 escorted by Bro. Karl Rowlands of the membership team; and a further fellowcraft, Bro David Glennon-Wilson, from Border Lodge in the Province of Wiltshire escorted by W. Bro Glen Weaver. These visitors were keen to attend as they have already built a friendship during their time in the Unsolicited Candidate process.
The candidates are on the front row – Starting 3rd from left is Bro Marcus Cox, then Bro Steve Walsh, and Bro Dave Holland.
The ceremony saw each candidate admitted in turn to point of their obligation being completed and then they were placed in a seat in the lodge. Once all three candidates had completed their obligations they received the entrustment as a group but with individual interactions. The perambulations were done in a line to the wardens and they remained grouped for rest of the ceremony.
The Worshipful Master thanked all those who helped with the ceremony and then went on to announce details of an upcoming Quiz Night and their Ladies Night.
The Lodge is also working on a programme of mentoring to keep all of their new candidates engaged within the lodge. This was shown by one of their newest members, Bro Lloyd Griffiths, who gave the Working Tools to the candidates during the ceremony. There will be lots of opportunities for the newer members to be involved in the lodge, both in ritual, side offices and projects, if they so wish.
The festive board was buzzing with chatter about the ceremony, the food was excellent, and the friendship and camaraderie made the night complete.
W. Bro David Goode PPrSGD
Membership Team