In October, brethren of West Lancashire Lodge No 1403 held a double third degree ceremony and they were honoured to receive Chris Jones, WM of Free Wheelers Lodge No 9991 as a visitor. Chris contacted the lodge through the lodge Facebook page and asked if we could accommodate him in more ways than one.
As some may be aware, Chris is walking the coastline of mainland UK in an attempt to raise a staggering £100,000 for the MCF and awareness of mental health issues that can affect us all, directly or indirectly. As he progresses on his epic journey, he tries to visit as many Masonic halls and lodges as possible. Chris contacted the lodge through the lodge Facebook page and asked if we could accommodate him in more ways than one. As some may be aware, Chris is walking the coastline of mainland UK in an attempt to raise a staggering £100,000 for the MCF and awareness of mental health issues that can affect us all, directly or indirectly. As he progresses on his epic journey, he tries to visit as many Masonic halls and lodges as possible.
Chris was met by Adrian Hughes, director of ceremonies of the lodge, as he arrived at the Southport Masonic Hall at 16:00pm. Chris was quickly taken to Adria’s home so that he could drop off his huge backpack and get ready for the meeting.
Chris was greatly impressed by the grandeur of Southport Masonic Hall as Adrian gave him a quick tour around and furthermore, the visit enabled Chris to take a small part in the ceremony, which added to the experience for him. The two new fellow crafts were raised with all due solemnity by John Roberts master of the lodge.
At the festive board, everyone enjoyed a fine meal and when the toast to the visitors was proposed by Barrie Gabbott, in response, Chris told of his journey thus far, the reasons for doing it and how much he enjoyed the wonderful ceremony that was performed, for which he received much applause.
Adrian then thanked him for the comments regarding the ceremony but pointed out that there had been an error or omission here and there and proceeded to impose fines on the brethren in a light-hearted manner, with all donations going to the MCF via Chris’s challenge. The brethren raised £200 in this manner. After the festive board, everyone enjoyed a good chat and a few drinks before taking Chris back to Adrian’s home.
His self-imposed challenge is to do the walk and camp in a tent as he goes. Therefore, the accommodation was not just as a usual visitor to the ceremony and festive board but also to pitch his tent on Adrian’s lawn. Adrian did assure everybody that he was offered a more comfortable spare bed but true to his challenge he slept in his tent. The following morning Adrian took Chris to his favourite coffee shop where we met a couple of other brothers before he once again set off on his epic journey. The lodge felt honoured to meet Chris, he is the epitome of dedication, service to others and charity.