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Another Excellent Evening: Old Mancunians’ Lodge No. 3140

Under the Universities' Scheme, which was launched by the Assistant Grand Master, RWBro David Kenneth Williamson, in 2005, Old Mancunians’ Lodge, No. 3140 is certainly making a contribution to Freemasonry, especially in our own Province of East Lancashire.

Bro Andrej Arpas, WBro G Creswick, WBro B Maynard, Bro Jordan Donohue, Bro Hassan Gyhas, WBro H Bentwood, WBro P Rose and RW Bro P Rink

On Monday 6th December they Raised a further four brethren in an excellent Third Degree Ceremony, followed by a Second Degree Ceremony where they Passed a further three brethren.  Most interesting was the makeup of the brethren, coming from different parts of the globe; Syria, Peru, Argentina, Pakistan and the UK.   They all took their obligations on different Volumes of the Sacred Law.   

Candidates to be raised to the Third Degree from the left Bro Abdul Bardan, Bro John Sullivan, Bro Haris Iftikhar and Bro Enrique Garland

The four candidates for the Third Degree were Brothers’ Haris Iftikhar, Abdul Bardan, Enrique Garland and John Sullivan and in the Second Degree, Brothers’ Hassan Gyhas, Andrej Arpas and Jordan Donohue.  The ceremonies were split, WBro Bill Maynard PProvJGW opened the Lodge and conducted the Third Degree Ceremony, whilst WBro Geoffrey Creswick PProvSGW conducted the Second Degree and closed the Lodge. Both ceremonies were impeccably led and well supported by the Senior and Junior Deacons and other junior brethren.  WBro Paul Rose PSGD, PProvAPGM was the Director Ceremonies.   The Third Degree Charge was given by the Junior Deacon Bro Tayyab Jawaid, whilst WBro Geoffrey Creswick presented the Third Degree tools.  The Senior Deacon Bro Dr Mohammad Apsa presented the Second Degree tools; all three brethren gave a flawless presentation.

Also in attendance was the Past Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Paul Rink OBE, who also took part in both ceremonies along with the Lodge Mentor; WBro Henry Bentwood PAGDC.

WBro Geoffrey Creswick, WBro Paul Rose and WBro Bill Maynard

This was yet again a special evening for Old Mancunians’ Lodge and at the Social Board there were over 30 brethren of which many were in their early twenties.  This is really good news and shows that Freemasonry has much to offer younger men, who in turn are able to really enjoy and be grateful of their membership.

“to find out more about the Universities scheme”.

First Year Success!

The first year of the Lodge Academy has now come to an end with the start of the new 2010 – 2011 Masonic season.

Meeting on the forth Monday of May, June, July and August, thus reflecting our normal meeting days, the Academy has undoubtedly been an outstanding success and thanks must go to all those who made such an effort towards this end. Available to, run by and for all brethren from Senior Warden down, as well as potential candidates, the Lodge has benefited from four new members, three potential new members, one joining and one potential joining member.

Each Lodge member is able to download a leaflet called ‘So you might like to become a Mason’. The distribution of these leaflets, hopefully, leads to an introduction to the Academy and its members. Once a ‘Notice of Motion’ is declared the Candidate immediately goes onto the Lodge email list and receives summonses and all the additional material issued by the Secretary thus giving him a feeling of belonging to his Lodge at a very early stage in his Masonic career.

The flip side to the objectives of the Academy is that it is managed by the Senior Deacon of the year, usually assisted by the Junior Deacon and the introduction to positions of such considerable responsibility within the Lodge structure at so early a stage in a Masons life can only prove invaluable to their future ambitions.

Plans are already well in hand for speakers for the new Academy season starting May 2011 and your contacts from Installation date 25 October 2010 are as listed below.

Your contacts are:

John MM Bissett at tel: 07989 994 529. email: john.bissett@emrltd.com

Stefan J Petrie at tel: 07791 255 818. email: stefan@manchester.com

MINNEHAHA LODGE ACADEMY

The next meeting of the Lodge Academy will be 23 August 2010

The purpose behind the Academy is to encourage brethren from Senior Warden down – the future of any Lodge – to get together in a more relaxed environment than the Lodge room and, for instance, review the previous season, run through a ceremony moving everyone forward one office or perhaps invite a guest to talk on topics of particular Masonic interest.

This summer so far we have enjoyed talks about admission into, and the purpose behind, the Royal Arch, Mark and the various Additional Degrees. More recently we enjoyed a talk called ‘Progress through the Lodge and beyond’ and last month a very well attended, entertaining and informative address from WBro Tony Costello, the Provincial Mentor, called ‘Why we do the things we do’.

For the August meeting we will learn, by means of a PowerPoint presentation, how Lodge member WBro Peter Cowin, as part of a 4 x 4 Rally in aid of the charity ‘Help for Heros’, along with some 45 other participants, followed the route of the invading allied forces from the Normandy beaches to Hitler’s retreat in the hills. As a result of the splendid effort put in by Peter, the Lodge has decided to direct some of its fund raising proceeds to this Charity and present it at the ‘Charity Giving Evening’ at Freemasons’ Hall on 04 May 2011.

Our get together starts 6.00 pm (ish!) at the Nelson Tavern on Hulme Road in Failsworth, M35 0PW, and you are all most welcome to attend and not just our own junior members, but accompanied non-masons as well.

As always it will be a good, relaxed occasion from which much can be learnt.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Your contacts are:

Simon de Wynter-White. Tel: 0783 83 82 560 
Or e-mail at: lordsimon665@hotmail.com
John MM Bissett at: john.bissett@emrltd.com

Ref:Academy web story(4)

Issued by John A Knowles, PAGDC,  Secretary
3 BEAMINSTER CLOSE, HEATON MERSEY, STOCKPORT. SK4 3HX      0161 442 6781   john.knowles2@talktalk.net

The Minnehaha Lodge Academy meets on the forth Monday of each summer month, May to August, which mirrors the Lodge meeting days during the Masonic season. The purpose behind the Academy is to encourage brethren from Senior Warden down – the future of any Lodge – to get together in a more relaxed environment than the Lodge room and, for instance, review the previous season, run through a ceremony moving everyone forward one office or invite a senior Officer to talk on what his duties are.

This Summer we have enjoyed talks, first about admission into, and the purpose behind, the Royal Arch, Mark and the various Additional Degrees within the Masonic movement and then more recently a talk on ‘progress through the Lodge and beyond’.

At our next meeting we are delighted to welcome WBro Tony Costello, Provincial Mentor, who is to give us a talk loosely entitled ‘Why we do the things we do’. The date of this meeting is Monday 26 July 2010, 6.00 pm (ish!) at the Nelson Tavern on Hulme Road in Failsworth (post code: M35 0PW) and you are all most welcome to attend.

As always, a good relaxed occasion from which much can be learnt.

Since its launch a year ago, the Minnehaha Lodge Academy has met on the forth Monday of each summer month, May to August, which mirrors the Lodge meeting days during the Masonic season.

The purpose behind the Academy is to encourage brethren from Senior Warden down – the future of the Lodge – to get together in a more relaxed environment than the Lodge room and, for instance, review the previous season, run through a ceremony moving everyone forward one office or invite a senior Lodge Officer to talk on what his duties are.

As a consequence of the Academy meetings in the summer of 2009 the Lodge has benefited from two new initiates, one Joining member and visits by members of other Lodges in the Province.

Anyone is welcome to attend Academy meetings including potential candidates and visitors from other lodges in the hope that it will generate inter lodge visits.

Yet another Excellent Evening at Old Mancunians’ Lodge No. 3140

Worshipful Master Bro Jeremy Paul with Bros Haris Iftikhar, John Sullivan and Abdul Bardan

Under the Universitys' Scheme, which was launched by the Assistant Grand Master, RWBro David Kenneth Williamson, in 2005, Old Mancunians’ Lodge, No. 3140 is certainly making a contribution of new members to Freemasonry, especially in our Province of East Lancashire. On Monday 12th April they Passed a further three Brethren in an excellent Second Degree Ceremony, led impeccably by their Worshipful Master, Brother Jeremy Paul, who was well supported by his Senior and Junior Deacons.
The three candidates Brothers’ Haris Iftikhar, Abdul Bardan and John Sullivan were initiated in March 2010.  Unfortunately Brother Craig Bennett initiated in November 2009, was unable to attend, due to ill health. The Senior Warden, Bro Mark Piano, who was the first Brother to be initiated under the Universitys' scheme in East Lancashire, gave the Second Degree Charge and Brother Dimitar Kazakov presented the Second Degree tools.  Both Brethren gave a flawless presentation.
Also in attendance was the Chairman of the 2015 Festival, WBro David Thompson, who accepted a cheque on behalf of the Lodge from the Worshipful Master for a sum of £1200.  WBro Thompson replied with thanks, saying, ‘it was a generous donation’.
This was yet again a special evening for Old Mancunians’ Lodge and at the Social Board there were over 30 brethren of which many were in their early twenties.  This is really good news and shows that Freemasonry has much to offer younger men, who in turn are able to really enjoy and be grateful of their membership.

WBro William Gow PAGSuptWks
Fifty Years of Masonry

WBro Gow & Provincial Deputation

WBro William Gow PAGSuptWks, Secretary of the Lodge of Truth, No. 1458, celebrated fifty years in Freemasonry on Saturday 27th March, at Freemasons’ Hall, Bridge Street. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Martin Caller, accompanied by the District Chairman, WBro Gerry Young and other officers from the District of Starkie was in attendance.

WBro Caller, District & Deputy Chairmen with Lodge Members

Also present were, fellow officers of the United Grand Lodge of England; WBro Warwick Davenport, WBro Bill Porter, WBro Brian Howells and WBro Hans Riedlsperger and a large presence of Lodge members and visitors.

Colleagues of United Grand Lodge of England

WBro Gow was initiated into the Lodge on the 27th February 1960, having been proposed by his uncle, who was head of the CID in Manchester.  It wasn’t until 1964 before he became a Steward of the Lodge, since then has never been out of office!  Having served on the Grants Committee of the ELMBI, he was then appointed Secretary for Number 4 District and on completing that roll, he became Secretary of Friends of Freemasons’ Hall, a position he still holds today.
In his opening remarks, WBro Martin Caller said, “this was a very special occasion to a remarkable and well respected Freemason”.  He then went on to highlight significant events and changes during the last fifty years.  On completion of WBro Caller’s remarks, WBro Alan Roberts PProvSGW delivered a tribute on behalf of the Lodge.

Born in Beswick Manchester, now known as Eastland’s, WBro Gow won a Scholarship to Manchester Central Grammar School for Boys after passing his 11 plus, being six foot tall he became a valuable member of the rugby team.  At the age of fourteen he joined the Army Cadet Force and was also introduced to joining the Boy Scouts, becoming an assistant Scout Master at the age of eighteen!  On leaving School and deciding not to attend University he joined the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) as a student apprentice.

In 1954 as newly qualified apprentice WBro Gow registered for National Service and joined the Corps of Royal Engineers.  Whilst on National Service, he took a course in parachute jumping and on qualifying joined the 9th Airborne Division, firstly in Germany and then Cyprus, which at the time was involved in the EOKA crisis.  By this time he had become a Troop Sergeant and was a member of the 37th Field Engineering team that found and arrested Archbishop Makarios III, who later became President of Cyprus.

On returning to civilian life WBro Gow returned to CEGB continuing his studies where he gained a degree and became Principal of the Apprentice Training School.  However, in 1981 he had a rush of blood to his head and left CEGB joining a commercial firm called AHS specialising in central heating.  Twelve months later he returned to the CEGB, though not as an engineer, but as a Personnel Manager with responsibilities for staff welfare, retiring in 1998. Three months after retiring, he was back working as a consultant, an appointment he kept until 2003.

Before presenting WBro Gow with his illuminated Certificate and a letter from the Provincial Grand Master, WBro Caller again remarked on the contributions WBro Gow had given not only to Freemasonry but, his commitments to others!  WBro Gerry Young presented a fifty year lapel badge on behalf of the District.  WBro Harold Cooper ProvDepGDC, perambulated WBro Gow round the Lodge room to spontaneous applause. 

Presentation of Certificate 0f 50 years

The Worshipful Master Bro JT Armstrong presented a cheque on behalf of the Lodge to the 2015 Festival for £200.  WBro Caller replied with thanks.

On retiring to an excellent Festive Board, WBro Ken Edwards a District Officer of the Royal Arch and Son-in Law to WBro Gow proposed the toast to the Birthday Boy.  In his response WBro Gow thanked everyone for their attendance, saying, his first connection to the Lodge was in 1950 attending the Ladies Evening, at that time his Godfather, WBro Fred Plant, was the Worshipful Master.  He thanked WBro Roberts for his remarks in the Lodge room; commenting that, their friendship goes back to their childhood days. 

WBro Davenport & WBro Gow find time to reflect on times present and past

WBros Porter, Howells and Davenport

On conclusion of WBro Gow’s reply, the Lodge presented a Decanter and cut glass wine glasses, in recognition of his fifty years in Freemasonry. It was a wonderful way to finish what had been a very enjoyable evening.

Presentation from the Lodge

Special Night for Justice Lodge No. 4632

On Wednesday 24th March, Justice Lodge No.4632 was visited by six Brethren from the Grand Lodge of Denmark:

Bro Johnny Møller, Past Master, Lodge of The Rough Ashlar
Bro Michael Jensen, Master Mason, Hafnia Lodge
WBro Børge Holm, Lodge of The Rough Ashlar and a Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, The Danish Freemasons’ Order.  WBro Holm is also a member of, St. David’s Chapter No. 1147 in our own Province.
Ole Johansen, Master Mason, Hafnia Lodge
Arne Hansen, Past Master, Lodge of The Rough Ashlar
Thorning Lindegraard, Past Master, Hafnia Lodge

Members of Justice Lodge with the WBro Caller, WBroYoung, WBro Durkin and WBro Borge Holm

WBro Caller, the Worshipful Master with the Brethren from Denmark

This coincided with the raising to the Third Degree of Bro Garth Orlando Dallas.  The visit was arranged by WBro Alan Jones the Lodge Treasurer, who spent several years living in Denmark.

In attendance from the District were, The Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Martin Caller accompanied by the District Chairman for Starkie, WBro Gerry Young and the Deputy Chairman WBro Brian Durkin.

WBro Trevor Parkinson the Worshipful Master, welcomed WBro Martin Caller, before handing over the Chair of King Solomon to WBro Leslie Hutchinson the Assistant Director of Ceremonies.  WBro Hutchinson performed the Third Degree ceremony in a sincere and word perfect manner to a large gathering of Brethren.
Before closing the Lodge, the Worshipful Master WBro Trevor Parkinson made a presentation to WBro Caller of £500.  This, together with £700 previously donated to the 2015 Festival,will allow Justice Lodge to become Patrons of the Festival.  WBro Caller replied with thanks.

WBro Martin Caller welcoming Bro Garth Dallas with the Worshipful Master and WBro Hutchinson

The Ceremony completed, the Lodge closed, an equally and enjoyable Social Board followed, which ended a perfect evening.

The Celebration of 50 Years in Freemasonry of WBro George Carter, PProvGSwdB

WBro George Carter & WBro Martin Roche APGM.

The Brethren of Britannia Lodge No. 3005 had great pleasure in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of WBro George Carter, being initiated into Freemasonry.  This took place on Friday 19th March at Freemasons’ Hall, Bridge Street. The Lodge was pleased to welcome Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Martin Roche, who was kindly representing WBro Martin Caller, the APGM for the District, who was unable to attend because of family matters. 

WBro Roche was accompanied by WBro Stuart Hughes, AProvGP, WBro Gerry Young, District Chairman, Starkie District, WBro Mike Birks Deputy Chairman, Sykes District together with the acting officers for the year, WBro David Bristol, ProvDepGDC and WBro David Hudson, ProvGStwd.
The ceremony in the Lodge was conducted by WBro Roche who informed all those present that George was initiated into the Lodge of Reverence No. 4596 on the 18th March 1960 at the tender age of forty.  George was Installed as Master in 1976 and served as the Lodge Almoner and social secretary for fifteen years.  On the closure of the Lodge in January 2006 he then became a member of Britannia Lodge.

The Lodge Secretary, WBro Ian McGregor read the minutes from George’s Initiation and WBro Graham Inskip gave a personal appreciation of George, giving several insights to a marvellous Freemason.  WBro Carter started work at Gardner’s engineering firm in Eccles, joining the Merchant Navy in 1939, working the North Atlantic crossings, finally being posted to the Far East where he joined the SS Demodicus.  On returning home after the war he joined National Vulcan, becoming an engineer surveyor and remained with them until his retirement.

WBro Carter married Joyce in November 1946 and they are now looking forward to celebrating their 64th Wedding Anniversary in November.  They are both keen ballroom dancers and this comes in very useful when on holiday, they are both very keen on cruising having been on two world voyages and are looking forward to two cruises this year!
WBro Roche presented George with an Illuminated Certificate (shown below with the Worshipful Master WBro Chris Lunn) and WBro Gerry Young presented a 50th lapel badge on behalf of the District.  WBro David Bristol ProvDepGDC perambulated George around the Lodge room to spontaneous applause.

The Worshipful Master presented a cheque for £250 to WBro Roche on behalf of the Lodge towards the 2015 Festival.  WBro Roche replied with thanks for the generous donation.

The Lodge closed everyone then retired to an enjoyable Festive Board.

WBro George Carter, Lodge members and Provincial Deputation

The celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry of WBro Geoffrey Ross - 25.2.10

Read all about this lovely evening HERE

Archives Navigation: Latest News | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 & earlier