Gordano Lodge Celebrates the Chinese New Year with an Initiation
Gordano Lodge enjoyed a particularly full and memorable evening in February, combining the Lodge’s first Initiation ceremony of the year with a vibrant celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Upstairs in the Temple, the Lodge welcomed its newest member. The candidate was the nephew of the Lodge Secretary and Organist, W.Bro Marshall (Matt) Westley, and the grandson of the late Bro H. Morgan Iles, a long-standing member of Gordano Lodge during the 1960s and 1970s. In this way, the evening continued a proud family tradition in Freemasonry.
The Initiation ceremony featured the valued support of visiting brethren from several Lodges. W.Bro Duncan Williams of the Forest of Mendip Lodge kindly took the Chair, assisted by Bro Tom Beasley of the Lodge of Love and Honour, W.Bro Mike Wilson of Severn Lodge, and W.Bro Ian Burbage (Bubbs) of the Forest of Mendip Lodge. This experienced team delivered an impressive and well-received ceremony for the new Brother.
Downstairs, the Festive Board proved equally memorable. The dining room had been beautifully decorated with traditional Chinese ornaments, many of which had been brought back from China by W.Bro John Wyatt of Estune Lodge. The occasion marked the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Fire Horse. Brethren enjoyed a first-class Chinese meal prepared by Zena (and were reassured that horse was definitely not on the menu!). A toast explored the links between Freemasonry and ancient Chinese traditions, after which the newly-initiated Brother was welcomed with the Entered Apprentice Song and an explanation of the Chain.
The evening was, in every respect, a great success: an excellent ceremony, superb food, and warm companionship.
Continuing the Lodge’s international culinary theme — which has already included Indian, Italian and Burns Night suppers — the March meeting will celebrate St Patrick’s Day, and Brethren are already looking forward to an evening of Irish Masonic craic.
