You may recall those words inscribed on the beautifully illustrated ceiling of The Grand Temple at Freemasons Hall, The United Grand Lodge of England:

“He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom.” – 1 Chronicles 22:10 KJV

For members of the Dover Castle Lodge, No 7202 these words have a special and unique allusion to the journey undertaken by them, in which a Son, initiated in December 2021 brought his Father into our lodge in December of 2022.

During his First Degree Ceremony, the First Degree Tools (tools used in Freemasonry to represent moral teachings) were presented by his Son who also guided him around the lodge as our Junior Deacon. A role which plays an important leading part in the ceremony of initiation.

For his Second Degree or “Passing” Ceremony, an explanaition of the second degree tracing board (an illustration of the temple used to teach moral lessons in Freemasonry) was delivered by his son. Detailing the building of King Solomon’s Temple in detail and explaining the way ancient Masons would navigate the temple in those days. For this ceremony, Father was conducted around the lodge by Son who acted as our Senior Deacon, a leading role in the second degree ceremony.

Detailed Ceiling of The Grand Temple (UGLE) Photo Credit: http://www.templelodge33.ca/tag/united-grand-lodge-of-england/

After the ceremony, many compliments were recieved by the Lodge from our guests and visitors who congratulated us on delivering a well performed second degree. A unique ceremony which will not be forgotten by those who attended and one which certainly made an impressive impact on the mind of our candidate.

Father, son and lodge alike look forward to our candidates “raising” or third degree ceremony in due course.