A Night Of Honour And Raising At Quantock Lodge

There was something special in the air at Quantock Lodge on the evening of 3rd December. The warmth of brotherhood, the pride of tradition and the joy of recognition all came together in a meeting that will be fondly remembered for years to come. The highlight of the evening was the raising of Bruce Freeman to the Third Degree – a milestone in every Freemason’s journey. What made it even more memorable was that the ceremony was performed by a team of Past Masters, each bringing their own quiet gravitas and ritual finesse to the occasion; Roger Biss took the Chair with calm authority, guiding the ceremony with the kind of steady hand and heartfelt delivery that only experience can bring. Bruce was expertly guided through the rising by Mark Ollerenshaw, who carried out his duties as Senior Deacon with precision and care, ensuring the candidate’s journey was both dignified and inspiring.

Bruce himself rose to the occasion magnificently, answering his questions superbly and inciting a well‑deserved chorus of applause from the attending brethren. It was a proud moment not only for him, but for all who shared in the ceremony: but the evening didn’t stop there. In a moment that brought a lump to many throats, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Barrie Palmer stepped forward to present a 50‑Year Certificate in Freemasonry to Peter Wellstood. The room fell into a respectful hush as Peter, seated proudly and holding the framed certificate, received warm words and heartfelt recognition for his half‑century of service to the Craft. The image above from the evening says it all — the regalia, the smiles, the chequered floor beneath their feet and the quiet pride in their eyes. It was a snapshot of what Freemasonry is all about: honouring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.

As the meeting drew to a close and the brethren retired to the festive board, the room was alive with conversation, laughter, and the kind of camaraderie that only Freemasonry can foster. It was a night of raising, celebration and deep appreciation; Quantock Lodge once again proved itself a place where tradition lives and brotherhood thrives.

Report by: David Gardner- Quantock Lodge Comms Officer