VWB Shimokawa congratulates Bro Adams on becoming a Master Mason
As reported in previous editions of this Newsletter, the Third Degree conferral for Bros Adams and Ishibashi planned for April 24 had to be postponed when it became clear that we would not have enough Brethren to work the degree. The date was pushed back one month and on May 29 Bros Adams and Ishibashi were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in the presence of VWB Yoshiharu Shimokawa, the Senior Grand Lecturer, who honored our Lodge with an informal visit.
VWB Shimokawa having been invited to join WB Inomata in the East, and with Bro Sagara in the West and WB Buda in the South, both Brethren were admitted into the Lodge and then obligated by WB Inomata in English. Bro Jordan presented them with the Working Tools of the Degree.
VWB Shimokawa congratulates Bro Adams on becoming a Master Mason
After the WM had directed the candidates to retire and restore themselves to their personal comfort, the Lodge was called free from restraint, and some changes were made in the work assignments, with WB Buda taking over as KS, WB Inomata as HT, and Bro Honda as acting SD. As is our custom for double Third Degrees, the Tragedy was enacted twice: in short form for Bro Ishibashi and in long form for Bro Adams. During the Tragedy VWB Shimokawa gently and discreetly corrected some of the errors in our floorwork, reminding us in a timely manner of the importance of not only memorization but also movement about the Lodge. After the Three Pillars had returned to their usual places, WB Inomata called the Lodge back to labor for the purpose of receiving the Lecture of the Degree, delivered in English by Bro Sagara.
VWB Shimokawa congratulates Bro Ishibashi on becoming a Master Mason
The Charge was delivered by WB Buda and the WM gave the customary advice and admonitions at the end. Given the privilege of addressing the Lodge as its newest Master Masons, Bros Adams and Ishibashi thanked all who had made their Raising possible and expressed their determination to live up to the highest social and moral standards of a Master Mason. Bro Adams added that he came from a family with Masonic ties dating back to the 18th century and, standing West of the Altar, was keenly aware that he he now stood in the same position as so many of his ancestors.
Rear: Bro Tsuji | Bro Ogawa | MWB Watanabe | Bro Ogawa | Bro Anderson | Bro Honda | Bro Taniuchi
Front: Bro Sagara | Bro Ishibashi | Bro Adams | VWB Shimokawa | WB Inomata | Bro Sneathern
Being a Special Meeting, no business was transacted and there were no announcements from the West, South, Secretary's Table, or the Floor of the Lodge. Before closing, WB Inomata asked VWB Shimokawa to say a few words. In response, VWB Shimokawa kindly praised the quality of our ritual and congratulated us on a fine Third Degree.
Our next meeting will be in one week's time: our Stated Meeting for June to be held on Saturday the 5th.