Portcullis Start the Year Raising a New Master Mason

Portcullis Lodge who meet in Langport has enjoyed a busy year under the Mastership of Mike Norton with five initiations and two passing ceremonies. This month Mike completed the set in January by raising Morgan Jewell to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.   The week had started off on a sad note as many Portcullis Brethren were at the Funeral of Graham Lock, a stalwart of the Lodge for over 40 years! He will be deeply missed by all the Brethren at Portcullis. 

The raising ceremony for Morgan was carried out in splendid fashion by the Master and his team with the highlight being the Lodge’s DC Denis Paull (80 years old) explaining the tradition history in splendid fashion. Morgan was delighted with the ceremony and said he had a “fantastic night”.  The festive board was buzzing with atmosphere Andrew Gordan Reif from Nyanza responded to the visitors’ toast in fine style. The raffle raised £145 for the Lodge Charity account and the Whisky draw and raffle raised £100 for the Worshipful Master’s charities of the year.  This took the total to over £2500 raised for the year!  The leadership of the Lodge will be handed over to Andy Alterndorf next month who will be installed as Master of Portcullis Lodge on 12th February. 

Senior Deacon Mike Laird with Morgan Jewell & the Master Mike Norton