As part of their special year, Silhill Lodge was delighted to welcome members of the General Lodge of Instruction, aka GLI, to their recent meeting.  The Worshipful Master, Michael Morris, wished to follow up their tremendous centenary meeting with another of note.  Knowing GLI’s excellent work in preparing junior brethren for higher office, they were not going to disappoint.  Such was the draw that the temple at Knowle was packed with brethren from the four corners of Warwickshire and beyond.  From the seniority of as Assistant Grand Master, one Steven Varley, to some of the newest brethren fresh from their own initiations, they all came prepared for something special.

Having opened the lodge and conducted the usual business, the Master handed over to John Emms, senior preceptor of GLI.  He explained that this particular lodge of instruction can trace is origins to around 1854 and it was first recognised by the Emulation Lodge of Improvement in 1970.  It meets at Severn Street every Thursday from September to May and, starting from 7pm, they open and close in all three degrees each and every week before resuming in the degree appropriate for the ceremony to be practiced.  Working strict emulation, they are always happy to accommodate lodges keen to rehearse ahead of a meeting.

John thanked the Master for the honour of coming to deliver the demonstration.  He then introduced the GLI team, after which those brethren took their respective offices: as WM (opening & closing) Paramjit Thaper; Worshipful Master (ceremony) Gerald Johnson; Senior Warden Alek Šapić; Junior Warden & Charge Navi Thaper; Senior Deacon & Working Tools  James Pagett, Junior Deacon Paul Geddes, Inner Guard Daniel Kearns.  That left one very important component – the candidate – and this was filled by Ian Ramsay.  Why Brother Ian, you may ask.  Well on the 17^th October 1966, Mr Ian Ramsay became Brother Ian Ramsay and also the first initiate of Solihull Lodge No 8088.  A daughter lodge of Silhill, sadly they recently handed back their warrant, but there are still very close links.  Ian had come up from the wilds of Dorset for the occasion, accompanied by a small contingent including Harry Barnes, a Past Provincial Grand Master for Dorset.

To say that the ceremony went well would be an understatement.  It was clear that an awful lot of hard work had been put in by some brethren junior in Masonic service.  The ritual was delivered both faultlessly and also sincerely, no doubt taking Ian back all those years to his ‘first’ initiation.  Having resumed his rightful place, the Master thanked all who took part saying that it had been a remarkable demonstration and that the preceptors must be very proud.

The treats kept on coming as Ian proceeded to present to the lodge a new cable tow that he had worn during the demonstration.  It was of a special ‘nautical’ flavour complete with much symbolism – well, we are Freemasons, after all!  In giving it to the Master, he thanked him for allowing him to particulate in their centenary celebrations.  Michael responded by thanking Bro Ian most sincerely, assuring him that it will be cherished and future candidates will be told of its origin.  The Inner Guard, Firdos Avari, another past member of Solihull Lodge, was then pleased to present the Worshipful Master with a loving cup and three goblets, presented by his erstwhile Primus Master, that has recently been discovered when consolidating the effects of the now sadly erased lodge.  Michael expressed his deep gratitude to those brethren from Solihull Lodge for such a thoughtful gift.

Having completed the business of the lodge, the Master rose for the three customary times.  After the First Rising, the Assistant Grand Master invited the Grand Officers to join him in bringing greetings from Grand Lodge – a lovely touch and rarely seen (well, it’s not every day that you have an AGM present!).  After the Third Rising and once collective greetings had been given, Rich Pinner rose and gave particular greetings on behalf of Sheila Wells.  Most unusual, one would think but Rich explained that Sheila is the mother of his best friend and, more importantly, the daughter of Worshipful Brother Hand, Silhill’s Primus Master!

The Master had one more surprise up his sleeve as, having closed the lodge, he invited Harry Barnes to deliver a wonderful piece of Dorset ritual – the closing address – ending in those familiar words spoken by the Immediate Past Master.  Another treat quite possibly heard for the first time in Warwickshire.

Such a memorable occasion demanded a photographic record and, once the requisite piccies had been taken, the assembled throng moved from labour to refreshment.  What then followed proved to be a most convivial Festive Board with much humour and chatter, and with a buzz that proved that all were enjoying themselves.  Heaven knows what Michael has in store for the remainder of Silhill’s special year.  Keep an eye open for more information and consider getting to their next meeting, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.