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's father, and Wayne’s Grandfather, Gordon Jones, was initiated into Freemasonry in 1995 at the age of 56 into Dunovarian Lodge No. 8726 which meets 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 said: “Dad was very proud that I was the Master of the Lodge and would always tell everyone that his son was “in the chair”.
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 role 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'.
