Oh what a night!
It was mid October in 2023 when nearly 30 members of the current Provincial Team descended on Parrett and Axe Lodge, who meet in Crewkerne, to perform a Raising ceremony. Nikita Lester was the candidate answering the questions in fine form, and was a great candidate indeed.
The PGM Ray Guthrie took the chair, in an exemplary manner, and to the surprise of everyone (including himself) he did not err into Royal Arch words – although the word Companion did slip in once! The night was held in good humour, with everyone enjoying themselves, even if the acting Junior Wardens signs were a little different!
Every member of the team who took part, did their job very well and were congratulated by Garry Sharp the Provincial Director of Ceremonies.
A great ceremony was capped off by an excellent meal and good company, with the food being piping hot! Ray thanked Parrett and Axe Lodge for inviting the team to conduct the ceremony and talked about the changes to Provincial Fraternal Visits in the way we are going to meet the Membership Challenge. Ray also mentioned the number of Somerset Masons that are no longer active in any Royal Arch Chapter saying “things have changed and why not visit a Chapter to see for yourself, you will always be welcomed back”
Pictures courtesy of Les Pickersgill.
