Double Elevation at Ormskirk Priory RAM
 
The December meeting of Ormskirk Priory Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No1019 is always fun; as it the Christmas meeting and this year the fun was enhanced by having a double elevation ceremony.
Maurice Evans; Ian Pye;Geoff Gill; Adam Woods
The meeting was held on Thursday 8th December at Ormskirk Masonic Hall. After the Commander, WBro Geoff Gill, Pr. RAMGR, had opened the Lodge and signed the approved minutes, there was a successful ballot for a new member. Once the two candidates for elevation, Bro Ian Pye and Bro Adam Woods had been tested they entered the Lodge, escorted by the Deacons, Bro Paul Carr, SD and Bro Colin Shannon, JD. WBro Gill carried out a fine elevation ceremony and explanation of the signs.
Ian Pye & Adam Woods
The explanation of the tools was given by WBro John Rawcliffe, RAMGR and the explanation of the steps was done by WBro David Rawcliffe, Pr. RAMGR. Ormskirk Priory RAM is very lucky to have the Rawcliffe brothers as members, because they can turn their hand to any part of the Royal Ark Mariner ritual at the drop of a hat. With the ceremony over the candidates were welcomed into the Royal Ark Mariner degree by, VWBro Maurice Evans, PGJO; RAMGR the PGM’s Special Rep for the Ormskirk and Southport Mark Lodges.
Maurice Evans & Geoff Gill
With meeting over it was time for the festive board. As always it was a really good meal. This was followed Carol singing. Unfortunately, there was no organist this year and so the singing was lead by VWBro Maurice Evans. Very special thanks must go to the Scribe WBro Fred Hargreaves. Fred puts so much work in to make the night a success, from decorating the tables and supplying the song sheets and organizing the raffle. It is the behind the scenes touches that make the night so enjoyable.
Fred Hargreaves
We wish Brothers Ian Pye and Adam Woods a long and happy association with Ormskirk Priory RAM. The Commander, WBro Geoff Gill and all the members of Ormskirk Priory Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No1019; would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Healthy and Happy 2023.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell