Eardulph Lodge hit some new milestones on Friday 10 th February when they initiated 3 candidates and saw one of their members receive a 70-year certificate. The Provincial Grand Master granted special dispensation to allow the Lodge to perform two ceremonies in one night.
The Lodge was opened at an earlier time by the Master, Ian Heaviside, with a top team of past masters to initiate Cameron Henderson. Cameron should have been balloted a year ago, however a severe stroke delayed his plans until he had sufficiently recovered. The team of past masters ensured that the ceremony was focused on Bro Henderson to make it the best experience possible. He was directed around the Lodge by the Junior Deacon David Battensby, with his dad, Alex Henderson the Senior Deacon.
The Lodge was then called off until the usual start time when the regular officers took their positions. The Lodge then performed a double initiation ceremony for Tom Keith and Lee Sample. The Charge was then delivered to all three candidates collectively. Both ceremonies were excellent and were a great foundation for the Initiate’s Masonic careers.
The celebrations continued when John Thompson, the Provincial Grand Master invited Danny Pollock to the floor to acknowledge his 70 years of membership. John discussed those years with Danny and many memories were recalled.
Danny was Initiated in Scotland in 1953 but moved to the North East to manage the Caterpillar factory in Birtley. He soon joined Eardulph Lodge in 1953 shortly after HM Queen Elizabeth II had taken the throne and has been a member ever since. A regular attender of both the Lodge and the Eardulph Whiskey Club.
Danny enthused about the ‘Eardulph family’ and how much he has enjoyed his Freemasonry. John thanked Danny for his 70 years of service and commitment to Freemasonry not just to Eardulph Lodge, but to our Province and Freemasonry in general.
John then presented Danny with his certificate however he wasn’t finished Danny was given a surprise field promotion to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, much to his delight and that of the packed Lodge room.
At the festive Board the ProvGM thanked Eardulph for another wonderful masonic night in Chester Le Street, he acknowledged the excellent ceremony to initiate three candidates and to still make the night special for Danny. He congratulated them all for thinking out of the box, for thinking differently. He congratulated them on their membership drive which will see 6 candidates along with three joining members in the coming months.
Later a toast was made to Danny by Alan Jenkins, a past candidate of Danny’s and long-standing friend. Alan recounted many funny moments including the Eardulph Lodge Whiskey Club trip to Edradour distillery and foreign escapades. Danny being a true Scotsman likes a wee dram. It was only fitting that he was presented with his favourite tipple, a special edition malt from Edradour distillery.
#Strongertogether
