Traveling for business can often feel a bit solitary, but as a Freemason, it offers a unique opportunity to find a "home away from home" in any corner of the country. Last night, I had the pleasure of experiencing this first-hand when I visited Everton Lodge No. 823, meeting at the historic Liverpool Masonic Hall. After checking the local Provincial website and making contact, I was kindly invited to attend, and despite being from a different Province and having to go through the usual protocols to prove my standing as a Master Mason, the welcome I received was immediate and incredibly warm.
The meeting was a particularly special occasion: an Installation. Watching the serving Worshipful Master step aside for his successor is always a moving ceremony, but the real beauty of visiting is witnessing the subtle variations in ritual that exist between different Provinces and Lodges. While the core of what we do remains the same, seeing those well-polished local nuances was a genuine pleasure, and it gave me plenty of inspiration to bring back home to Sudlington Bridge. The evening was further distinguished by the presence of the Past Provincial Grand Master and his entourage of esteemed Provincial officers, whose attendance added a wonderful sense of prestige to the proceedings.
Following the excellent ritual in the temple, we moved to a Festive Board that was the perfect blend of tradition and high spirits. Any evening that begins with a Gin and Tonic before the meal is off to a good start in my book, but it was the company that truly made the night. As a relatively new Mason, I found myself surrounded by Worshipful Brothers with years of experience, all of whom were incredibly willing to share their stories and pass on their knowledge to help me grow as a brother. I was particularly fascinated by the story of the "Liverpool Masonic Rebellion" a piece of local history that has definitely sparked a new interest for me to pick up a book on the subject.
What struck me most about my time with Everton Lodge was the genuine care shown by everyone I met; they were truly invested in ensuring I had a great experience and were clearly proud to showcase their exceptional work. Though my business travels don't take me "Up North" often, the connections I made last night have already resulted in several open invitations to return. This visit was a powerful reminder that no matter where you are, you are never among strangers when you are among Masons. I look forward to seeing my brothers at Sudlington Bridge soon and sharing more about this fantastic trip.
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