Raising: Bro. Jonathan Kim Rance.

Unusually for the month of February the weather, local, long distance and international transport systems all allowed for a good attendance to celebrate the raising to the sublime degree of a master mason.

The ceremony was conducted by the Worshipful Master in the Chair. However, in keeping with our policy of sharing the work in the lodge, the WM requested a past master W. Bro Rory Shackleton to assist him by taking the Chair of King Solomon for the duration of the Ceremony of Raising.  W. Bro. Richard Bradburn, a personal guest of the candidate from the Old Reptonian Lodge No 3725, delivered the exhortation in fine style. The Working Tools were explained in detail by Bro Jeffrey Smith, Whitsters Lodge No 4717, another guest and friend of Bro Jon Rance.

Bro Jon had been proposed by W. Bro. James Milne LGR and initiated on 11th November 2008. The Old Wellingtonian Lodge being blessed with an increasing number of candidates from College wishing to become freemasons Bro Jon had been passed to the 2nd degree by courtesy of the Old Cliftonian Lodge No. 3340 on 15th January 2009.

The former Secretary, W. Bro. John Ross-Barnard JP having returned from a year’s travelling around the world presented W. Bro. Cdr. Stephen Dudley RN with an ornamental china bottle of Australian Navy “Pussers” (purser’s) rum to mark Bro. Stephen’s elevation to London Grand Rank. Members warmly applauded him. 27 members enjoyed a festive board at the Pillars of Hercules.