Mike Ashton, WM of Warton Lodge No 8411, assisted by officers of the lodge, conducted a ceremony of raising on behalf of City of Lancaster Lodge No 281. The candidate, Michael Eggington, a student at Lancaster University, was initiated and passed to a degree of fellow craft in his mother lodge, the City of Lancaster Lodge.
City of Lancaster Lodge was created in 2006 from the amalgamation of two Lancaster lodges: the Lodge of Fortitude No 281 and John O’Gaunt Lodge No 3815 (Lodge of Fortitude’s daughter lodge). After the amalgamation, candidates were in short supply, but one of the candidates was a graduate of Lancaster University who enjoyed Freemasonry so much, that he encouraged some of his friends to join the lodge.
It was suggested that City of Lancaster Lodge was as an ideal lodge to join the Masonic University Scheme. After extensive discussions between the lodge members and with the local Assistant Provincial Grand Master, the members of City of Lancaster Lodge agreed to try the University Scheme. This proved to be very successful and the brethren agreed to continue with the scheme. As a result of the scheme, City of Lancaster Lodge has many young candidates waiting to be initiated into the lodge. Thankfully, other lodges, such as Warton Lodge, are always eager to assist with the work.
The WM of Marton Lodge conducted the ceremony assisted by senior warden Dr Keith Lowson and junior warden Michael Yeadon. The candidate was escorted around the lodge by senior deacon Jimmy Nisbet accompanied by junior deacon Bob Mitchell. The exhortation was given by lodge treasurer Bob Skelly in fine style and the traditional history and charge were delivered by Keith Lowson.
Michael was supported by City of Lancaster Lodge WM, Michael McIntyre, secretary Lee Fisher, membership officer Jack Baxter, mentor Mick Gorry and inner guard Shyam Kumar. At the festive board, Michael and his father Martin were invited to join the WM on the top table.