DAVID SIMPSON
Entered Apprentice, Lodge Royal Kent No. 15, United Grand Lodge of England
Dear Brethren, I was lucky enough to be accepted as a member of Royal Kent Lodge No. 15 and was initiated on 9th June. I woke in the morning feeling very apprehensive about the ceremony. I am sure that before we were initiated, we all had thoughts of unfamiliar rituals which we were uncertain about. As the day progressed, I realised that my apprehension was, in fact, excitement about what was about to begin.
I travelled to the Freemason’s Hall in London with my proposer, Brother Jared. On arrival, we met with some of the brethren as well as the Worshipful Master. It was a very relaxed and supportive environment. I was asked several times whether I had brought the carrot!
Finally, the time had arrived for me to be prepared for the ceremony. I was taken to a side room and prepared. It seemed like an age while I stood, blindfolded, awaiting the start. I will say that it was a wonderful and fulfilling experience. It was a while before I realised that I was being guided by Brother Jared. I trusted him completely and he made me feel comfortable throughout. When I was allowed to remove the blindfold, the true splendour of the Lodge room was revealed to me. I was able to see that we had visitors present. I was honoured to have been initiated in the presence of 11 brethren from the Grand East of the Netherlands, who also joined us for the festive board after the meeting had been closed.
The festive board was held in the ballroom, where I was able to enjoy the food, toasts and also experience the Masonic fire. Gifts were presented to the Worshipful Master of Royal Kent Lodge and these were gratefully received. Most of all, I enjoyed sharing the evening with my new brothers from my home lodge as well as the visitors who were all extremely supportive and made the evening extra special. I really feel part of something very special and I am looking forward to a long and happy future as a Freemason.
