Leigh-on-Sea Lodge hold their historic Masonic marathon
All three degrees performed at one meeting adds another milestone to this forward-thinking lodge
On the 5th of June 2024, Leigh-on-Sea Lodge No. 4708 hosted an extraordinary emergency meeting at Saxon Hall, the Southend Masonic Centre, where the Lodge conducted all three Degrees in a single evening.
The Provincial Grand Master (PGM), Paul Tarrant headed the distinguished guests including Assistant PGM’s Colin Felton and Geoff Turpin as well as the Essex Cornerstone Chairman, Paul Williams, Secretary, Ron Hodgson and Events Manager, Adam Harvey.
The three degrees - Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason - mark essential stages in a Mason's journey, each representing deeper knowledge and commitment within Freemasonry.
Organising such a unique meeting required meticulous planning and coordination. The Lodge members devoted considerable time and effort to ensure the seamless execution of all three degrees in one evening.
The raising of James Compton was the first of the three ceremonies conducted by Bradley Thurgood highlighting the significance of this third step in Masonry and the responsibilities it entails. As one of the Lodge’s Past Masters, Bradley’s willingness to assist the lodge, paired with the superb level of his ritual and is a prime example of the commitment to Masonry that he has and can be seen across the entire Lodge.
The second ceremony was the passing of Thomas Barnett and conducted with great precision by the Worshipful Master (WM), Jayson Read. The ceremony underscored the importance of progression and learning within the Masonic journey. Jayson’s perfect rendition of the ceremony of passing exemplifies the high level of work and commitment he has to the Craft and other orders he is a member of.
Finally, the third ceremony was the initiation of Matthew Soars. Being a third-generation Lewis (the son of a Freemason), his ceremony was conducted by his father, Gary Soars, who stepped in as WM for the occasion. Matthew's grandfather, Colin Felton, assisted by serving as Junior Deacon, adding a deeply personal and familial touch to the proceedings.
Matthew’s initiation stood out as a particularly emotional moment, with three generations of Masons participating in the ceremony. The familial bonds and Masonic tradition are intertwined beautifully in Leigh-on-Sea Lodge, with a vast number of ‘sons’ of Freemasons being active members of the lodge. These families have been involved dating back to the founding of the lodge in 1925.
The Lodge has a rich history of upholding Masonic traditions and fostering brotherhood since its consecration and this unique, historic and memorable meeting was testament to that.
The successful execution of all three degrees in just one evening not only adds to the Lodges significant milestones but, shows it is in good hands for their forthcoming Centenary Meeting in March 2025.
Photos:
Top (L-R): Jayson Read (WM) – Geoff Turpin (APGM) – James Compton – Matthew Soars - Thomas Barnett – Paul Tarrant (PGM).
Middle (L-R): Matthew’s relations added in bold...
Geoff Turpin (APGM) - James Compton – Colin Felton (APGM Grandfather) - Matthew Soars – Gary Soars (Father) – Graham Felton (Great Uncle) – David Poett (Uncle) - Paul Tarrant (PGM).
