At Southport Emulation Lodge No 3675, an exceptional event was held as a Lewis, and true gentleman, Martin Rimmer, became the fifth member of the same family in the lodge.
Watching proudly was father and lodge mentor Ray Rimmer, grandfather and treasurer Frank Pointon, cousin and junior deacon Paul Rimmer as well as step-uncle Steven Thorley. Group Chairman Phil Stock, well known to certain members of the family, had also made a special effort to attend and welcome Martin into Freemasonry.
The lodge began in the traditional manner as Martin waited outside his lodge with his father Ray, who is also the long-time lodge mentor. The WM Peter Bickers, a superb Mason who seems to be permanently in the chair in one lodge or other, first opened the lodge with his practiced panache. The business of the lodge was then conducted in good order.
Following a successful light blues social in January, this included the Southport Hall manager’s son Elliot being proposed as an initiate, while his father beamed from the inner guard’s post. The elected officers for the next year were also agreed with Pete confirming he would stay in the chair, and the safe hands of the initiates grandfather Frank Pointon being re-elected as treasurer.
The main event, both for the lodge and family, then began. Martin, having been prepared by the proud and practiced hands of his father Ray, was brough in for the ceremony. Adding an extra special touch to the ceremony, Martin was led round by his cousin Paul, who so happened to be the lodge junior deacon.
Paul, a promising ritualist in his own right, assisted the WM in performing what can only be described as a perfect example of the first degree ceremony. The master was also assisted by director of ceremonies and long-time friend of the initiates father Bill Mitchell and step-uncle Steven Thorley, who proudly both undertook a section of the ritual each. The first degree working tools were then presented in a most eloquent and confident manner by Rob Park. Throughout it must be said that Martin conducted himself with great dignity, as the various members of his family looked proudly on.
The evening then proceeded to the festive board, where a note must be made to the eloquence and charm of Martin’s speech. Exceptional in such a young man it was greeted with a round of applause. Martin’s smile and warmth during the evening brought joy to the lodge, and doubtless that warmth will one day welcome a new generation into Freemasonry. In the meantime, it is clear from the way that joy was reciprocated, that Martin has found a home and friends for life in Southport Emulation Lodge, just like many of his family before him.