A new Brother, a Provincial surprise, old friendships and plenty of Alphabeteering
There are some Lodge nights that will be remembered for a long time, and Wednesday 23rd September was certainly one of them at Bedic Lodge No. 5915.
A new Brother was welcomed into Freemasonry, ten visiting Brethren joined us from four different Lodges, an old friend was fondly remembered, the Alphabeteer Challenge was put into action — and an unexpected visitor made our candidate’s first night in Freemasonry even more memorable.
Welcome to Bedic, Bro. Matt Gage
The main business of the evening was the Initiation of Bro. Matt Gage, who took his first steps in Freemasonry and was warmly welcomed as the newest member of Bedic Lodge.
The ceremony was very much a team effort. Bro. Boylen presented the Working Tools of the First Degree, W Bro Bridge acted as Junior Deacon, W Bro Woods delivered the North-East Corner and the Charge after Initiation, while W Bro A. Gettings explained the Signs and Secrets of the Degree.
But Matt’s first evening as a Freemason had another surprise in store.
Bro. Matt Gage receives a very special welcome from RW Bro John David Watts, Provincial Grand Master.
Bedic was delighted to receive an impromptu visit from RW Bro John David Watts, Provincial Grand Master, who took the opportunity within the Lodge to personally welcome Bro. Gage into Bedic on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham.
For a Brother on the night of his Initiation, it was a particularly special and unexpected addition to an evening he is unlikely to forget.
A Fraternal Visit from Penshaw
We were also delighted to receive a fraternal visit from Penshaw Lodge No. 3194, with seven of their Brethren including Worship Master W Bro Keith Morrison joining us for the evening.
The visit was particularly fitting given the historic relationship between our two Lodges. Bedic Lodge was founded in 1943 by 16 Freemasons from Penshaw Lodge, making the friendship between Penshaw and Bedic, one which stretches back more than 80 years.
Together with visitors from three other Lodges, Bedic welcomed 10 visiting Brethren from four Lodges in total.
Welcome to Bedic! The Brethren point out the most important man in the room — our newly initiated Bro. Matt Gage.
Following the ceremony, Matt was welcomed on behalf of Cornerstone and presented with his Cornerstone pin badge, marking the foundation he has now laid for his own Masonic journey.
At the Festive Board, W Bro Andrew Crow proposed the toast to the Initiate, with Bro. Gage ably replying and thanking the Brethren for the welcome he had received.
We hope it marks the beginning of many happy years at Bedic.
Welcome, Brother Matt.
Remembering Bro. Tom Keers
The evening also gave us an opportunity to remember our late Brother Tom Keers, PProvGPurs, who passed away on 30th July, shortly after celebrating his 80th birthday.
Tom had been a member of Bedic Lodge for more than 34 years and will be particularly remembered for his long service as Tyler — quite literally the man at the door for generations of Bedic members, candidates and visitors.
Away from Freemasonry, Tom was an exceptionally talented stickmaker and stick dresser, and a founder member and Chairman of Durham Stickmakers. His craftsmanship was admired far beyond the North East, with his work finding its way into some very distinguished hands.
One story shared during the evening captured Tom’s character particularly well.
Tom had carved a beautiful adder’s-head walking stick which caught the eye of the Duchess of Northumberland. There was only one problem — it wasn’t for sale.
The Duchess asked to buy it. Tom said no.
She returned the following day and asked again. Tom still said no.
Eventually she told him to name his price and that she would return in an hour.
Tom turned to his wife Brenda and said:
“I’ll fettle her.”
When the Duchess returned, Tom named his price.
She simply replied:
“Would you like cash or cheque?”
The story brought a well-deserved smile to the room and was a fitting way to remember the character behind the craftsman.
For all the remarkable people who owned something made by Tom’s hands, to us he was simply Tom — a friend and Brother of Bedic Lodge.
The Brethren stood together and raised a glass to his memory.
Absent, but not forgotten.
The Alphabeteer Challenge in Action
With 10 visiting Brethren from four different Lodges in attendance, the evening could hardly have provided a better demonstration of what the Alphabeteer Challenge is all about.
The challenge was created at Bedic with one simple aim — to get Brethren visiting.
Participants work their way through the alphabet by visiting different Lodges, recording each visit in their Alphabeteer Journal along the way.
And on Wednesday evening, the journals were being used exactly as intended.
The Worshipful Master, W Bro M. Nanson, had the pleasure of stamping and signing the Alphabeteer Journals of visiting Brethren, officially recording their visit to Bedic.
There was also one particularly notable journal requiring the Bedic stamp, as RW Bro John David Watts, Provincial Grand Master, joined in with the challenge and had his own Alphabeteer Journal stamped and signed by our Worshipful Master.
For something designed to encourage Brethren to travel, visit new Lodges, meet new people and enjoy more of what Freemasonry has to offer, it was fantastic to see the challenge being embraced.
And, as was pointed out during the evening, Alphabeteer also provides the perfect excuse when heading out for yet another Masonic night:
“I’ve got to go out tonight — I still need a Q!”
A Night to Remember
W Bro Daniel Crow, W Bro Jim Watchorn and Bro. Martin Proud enjoying the evening at Bedic.
All in all, it was one of those evenings which demonstrated so much of what Lodge life is about.
A new Brother taking his first steps in Freemasonry. seven Brethren from Penshaw continuing a friendship between our Lodges that stretches back generations. Visitors from across the Province. An unexpected visit from our Provincial Grand Master. A much-loved Brother remembered with affection and laughter. And Brethren getting out and visiting through the Alphabeteer Challenge.
A new Brother welcomed. An old friend remembered. Old friendships renewed and new ones beginning.
Welcome to Bedic, Bro. Matt Gage.
To absent friends and first steps