Bendigo City Lodge No. 714
Double Second Degree Ceremony Report
Friday 12th November 2010
I was accepted as a joining member of this Lodge on the same night as the VMMA conducted the Installation in October 2010.
Since that night Worship Master Mal Pethybridge had his work cut out learning the second degree work in just a month. He did a very good job on the night with his ritual.
It was a pleasure to be able to sit alongside the senior warden, and VMMA member, Nigel Christie to assist with the various tasks when the EA’s were presented to the senior warden.
Although only two brethren were passed, Brothers Josh Heritage and Josh Barry on the night, the remaining 3 EA’s were in attendance and remained for the supper.
It was obvious that many of the senior brethren (the Grey Nomads) had not returned from their various winter travels and sojourns to the northern climates of NSW and QLD, as the attendance numbers were slightly down.
VMMA members in attendance were Mal Pethybridge, Richard Penna, Nigel Christie, Isy Ray, Jonathan Taylorson, and Ron Alderding.
Upon completion of the work we adjourned to the South for supper.
The usual toasts ensued and I was given the opportunity to speak briefly about the Breathless Ride and its results. These opportunities to speak about the VMMA, our work, and its importance are very important in educating the wider Masonic community.
It is always pleasing to give practical examples of how we are practicing the genuine tenets of Freemasonry, unlike some who can only talk about them!
I thanked Richard Penna for organising such a successful trivia night at the Bendigo RSL on Thursday 4th Nov 10 and the support provided by local Masons and the wider motorcycling community; some of whom are, or soon will be Freemasons.
Motorcycling seems to be a fertile recruiting ground for Freemasons.
Unfortunately our night drew to a close all too soon, and as the clock reached after 11 it was time to go.
With final farewells made it was in the car and home.
I am able once again to say that I had a very enjoyable night amongst friends and brethren, this time in my new Lodge.
Ciao for now, Pedro