We frequently talk of good things coming in twos and threes, whilst five and seven or more are significant in Freemasonry.  How often do we get four of anything?  Twins are common, triplets not so much but quadruplets are positively rare (at least in my experience!).  The recent meeting of Meridian Lodge included a quite extraordinary ceremony with the Master, WBro Matt Perkins, initiating no fewer than four candidates.  With double ceremonies becoming more common, a suitable process has been developed to maintain the solemnity of the ceremony but is there anything in place for a quad-initiation?  Bro Matt obviously thought not so came up with what can only be described as Perkins Workings, and jolly good they were too.

As with all successful lodges, behind a good master is a great team and this was certainly evident in Meridian.  Both Deacons along with two other experienced brethren each took care of one of the candidates – Messrs Stephenson, Fletcher, Fabian and Knight – with the Junior Deacon, WBro Mark Tyers ably taking the lead with the usual instructions.  A second VSL was placed at the Master’s pedestal to enable all four to take their obligations simultaneously.  The care with which the ceremony was performs and each candidate guided around the room was tremendous.  The work from the Chair was exemplary but those of you who know Bro Matt would expect nothing less.  All of the team performed with great sincerity and care culminating in a quite superb Charge to the Initiates from the JW, a certain WBro Rob Perkins.

Having completed a most memorable ceremony, the Master was pleased to invite the Deputy Grand Superintendent, WBro David Graham, to present the four initiates with some information on the Royal Arch.  The newest members of the Warwickshire Masonic family then took their place in the lodge, no doubt somewhat perplexed about what had just taken place.  Just think back to your own initiation and remember how you felt!  The sense of welcome was palpable and one possible issue was that the lodge next meets in May 2027!  This won’t be a problem as Bro Matt, in his capacity as one of our APGMs, is heavily involved with our Light Blues Club.  No doubt, Bros Aaron, Adam, Alex & Tom will soon be heading off to an initiation ceremony nearby to see it from a different perspective.

Bro Matt has enjoyed a truly magnificent time in the Chair of Meridian and has seen lodge membership grow exponentially.  Meetings have indeed been fun including Hawaiian & Medieval themes (although thankfully not on the same nights!!).  All good things must come to an end and WBro Lad was particularly pleased to formally declare WBro Dad as Master Elect.  Bro Perkins Snr’s installation will take place in May 2027 and, having witnessed Perkins Jnr’s Masonic prowess, it will be another evening to remember.  Bring your father, uncles, brothers and sons but perhaps don’t do as one brother inadvertently suggested and bring your sister, regardless of how qualified she may be!