Old Palmerians complete Pathway journeys with multiple ceremony
A quadruple raising ceremony 'challenge' carried out by Old Palmerians' Lodge with wonder and splendour
The Old Palmerians Lodge No. 5632, that meets at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre, Thurrock on the 8th May 2024, undertook a very special meeting of a Quadruple raising ceremony.
The four candidates, Joseph Ebe-Arthur, Jonathan Bowler, Frankie Russell and Ian Colley were all ‘direct applicants’ to the lodge through the Members Pathway and their Masonic journeys spanned almost a three-year period.
A number of availability issues caused a slight backlog for these enthusiastic young Masons to have a staggered progress, with two of them having their Passing ceremonies taking place at the Old Parkonians’ Lodge No. 4709.
The decision to carry out a multiple ceremony wasn't taken lightly, but a pressing reason for acceptance was that ‘new members’ were being recommended by these direct applicants bringing in organic growth to the lodge. The decision was therefore made, and extensive planning commenced.
The Lodge under the Stewardship of their Worshipful Master (WM), Paul Morgan and Director of Ceremonies, Joe Curtis pulled together with the Old Palmerians officers and members to deliver a fantastically creative, and moving ceremony, that didn’t lose any of its wonder or splendour.
All four brothers were treated to a great experience, and all commented on how thoroughly enjoyable the evening was. It was also clear from the outset that their interaction with each other as a group both, inside and outside of the Lodge was developing a unique and special bond that will carry them through their Masonic careers: they are already asking if they can go visiting to see again the ceremony, they were proud to be a part of.
The meeting was additionally attended and very much appreciated by both the ‘current and past’ Provincial Grand Membership Officers, Jeff Palmer and Ray Quiddington.
The combining of multiple candidates in one ceremony may not be for everyone, but for these four young Masons, and the members of the Old Palmerians Lodge in particular, it was a very special event that will be remembered for all the right reasons in the months and years ahead.
Link: Read earlier story of Old Palmerians Lodge which includes the passing ceremony of Ian Colley.
https://essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/old-palmerians-pass-pathway-direct-applicant
Photo
Top: Paul Morgan (WM) with his Officers, together with Grand Officers present
(Front row L-R) Joseph Ebe-Arthur, Jonathan Bowler, Paul Morgan, Frankie Russell, Ian Colley.