Third Generation Freemason experiences a unique occasion
The Kenneth Cross Lodge of Dorset Provincial Grand Stewards’ No. 9508, colloquially known as ‘The Steward’s Lodge’, met at Blandford on Wednesday 14th June to Raise Wayne Gosden to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.
But this meeting was different. As Provincial Stewards are normally appointed after leaving the Chair of their Lodge there is no requirement to conduct ceremonies other than installation. In fact since 1993 the Stewards’ Lodge has only ever conducted a Passing Degree. This was the first occasion that a Raising was performed in the Lodge’s history.
Wayne is a Blandford Freemason from the Lodge of Honour and Friendship No. 1266 and the son of The Stewards’ Lodge, Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Richie Jones. This makes Wayne a Lewis and his father Richie is also a Lewis. Also present was Luke Jones, who is Wayne’s brother and of course another Lewis.
Richards father, and Wayne’s Grandfather, Gordon Jones, was initiated into Freemasonry in 1995 at the age of 56 into Dunovarian Lodge No. 8726 which meet in Dorchester. Gordon was introduced to Freemasonry by long term family friend, Derek Yeonmans. Richard followed suit in 1999, joining the Lodge of Honour and Friendship, at Blandford where he lives and works. On the night Richard joined the Lodge, his father and Derek became ‘joining members’.
Richard said, “Having been a Freemason for 23 years, I now fully understand how special it was that Dad and Derek joined my Lodge with me”
Richard was Master of 1266 in 2007 and did a second year in 2008. Although his father didn’t want to be Master, and didn’t ‘progress’ through the offices of the lodge, Richard recalls “Dad was very proud that I was the Master of the Lodge and would always tell everyone that his son was “in the chair”. Brother Gordon Jones passed away on the 16th July 2010, four months before Richard was appointed a Provincial Grand Steward.
Richard and his wife Christine have four sons, and Richard always hoped that they would have an interest in Freemasonry. So far, two have joined; Luke (who joined in 2018) and Wayne (who joined in March 2022). Luke wears Gordon’s Master Mason’s apron and Wayne was presented with Richard’s.
Each Lodge has its unique idiosyncrasies so, for a Lodge that doesn’t conduct ceremonies, last night was an impressive achievement. Ted the new Master, also previous Master of 1266, conducted the ceremony with consummate ease supported by his excellent team of officers making the occasion even more special for Wayne and his family. Richard played a key roll in the ceremony.
Blandford Freemasons from the Lodge of Honour and Friendship No. 1266 and Bleckly Clarke Lodge No. 8290 and ten other visiting Lodges enjoyed the evening.
Mike Haines the Provincial Senior Grand Warden gave an enlightening presentation about the meaning of the term Lewis in Freemasonry. Mike wasn’t surprised when almost half the people at the meeting stood to identify themselves as Lewis’s.
Dorset Freemasonry Communications Team
What is a Lewis:
A Lewis is an operative tool, Freemasons symbol, and the name given to the son of a Freemason.
In building parlance a lewis is an instrument used in operative masonry. It consists of a cramp iron which is inserted into a cavity specifically prepared for that purpose in any large stone, so as to give attachment to a pulley and hook whereby the stone may be easily raised to any height and located in its proper position. This form of ‘heavy lifting’ was known to the Romans, and several taken from old ruins are now in the Vatican. In addition, in the ruins of Whitby Abbey in England, which was founded by Oswy, King of Northumberland, in 685, large stones were discovered with the necessary work undertaken for the insertion of a lewis.
The Steward’s Lodge:
The Kenneth Cross Lodge of Dorset Provincial Grand Stewards’ No 9508 warranted in 1993 is able to enlist a maximum of six new members each year when Dorset Freemasons are appointed to the rank of Provincial Grand Steward. Members of the Lodge wear their red apron at meetings, unless in Active Office and not holding Office in the Lodge.
Communications Officer
The Kenneth Cross Lodge of Dorset Provincial Grand Stewards’ No. 9508
