Pilgrim Lodge’s Installation November 2024

On 25 November 2024 I had the great privilege of being invited to attend the Installation of – now – W Bro. Wharton as Worshipful Master of Pilgrim Lodge No. 7728.

Despite having only visited Pilgrim once before, as I neared the doors of the North Leeds Masonic Centre, I was greeted by a sea of friendly and familiar faces. Although limited by numbers due to the size of the temple, the venue was abuzz. Worshipful Brethren and Brethren from across the Province – from New Freemasons to Grand Lodge Officers – were in attendance to witness this special occasion.

Once the Lodge was opened, we were treated to a visit from W Bro Doyles: The Provincial Senior Grand Warden and personal representative of The Right Worshipful Grand Master (Yorkshire, West Riding). He entered with appropriate pomp and ceremony, took his place to the right of the Master’s Chair, and the proceedings continued.

Over the course of the ceremony, the Installing Master and the officers of Pilgrim Lodge conducted an incredibly well choreographed evening. The ritual, songs, mutual trust, and respect that were on display was second to none and I as an onlooker was in awe. I can only imagine how W Bro. Wharton felt being at the center of it all.

Following the ceremony, we retired to the Sand Moor Golf Club where the celebrations began. We took to our seats to find immaculately curated gift bags on our seats. Matthew had gifted each of us mementos, for an Installation that none of us would forget. Following a delicious four course meal, the night became a blur of toasts, speeches, and songs. Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge, past and future masters of Pilgrim Lodge, and distinguished guests stepped up to pay respect and share anecdotes about the friendship, kindness and joy that W Bro Wharton has brought to our lives and to our masonic journeys.

It’s nights like this that show us what freemasonry is all about.

Brotherly Love: there was not a single person in the room who didn’t love Matthew dearly and were honoured to be able to show their love and support for him on this important night.

Relief: over £501 was raised by the attendees for charitable funds both for the Masonic Festival and for the St George’s Crypt (a homeless charity in Leeds). In addition, a further £86 was raised for Teddies for Loving Care (TLC).

Truth: many good men came together to support a friend and brother; to endeavour to observe and imbue the moral lessons and symbology of the order; and to best represent themselves, freemasonry in general, and the newly installed Worshipful Brother to the highest standards.

By. Bro. Eóin Byrne, member of The Lodge of Dawn No. 6511