Tuesday 17th September saw the return of Craft Freemasonry to Filey after the summer recess, with the raising of Bro. William Houlden-Banks to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason at Royal Portus Felix Lodge 643.

The evening was made extra special by the presence of not only the Representative of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, John Wilkinson but also William's father and brother who are also Freemasons.

William and his brother, Charles, are third generation Freemasons with their grandfather also being a well known and respected Freemason in Filey and the local area. William’s grandfather, Charles Houlden (Bill), passed to the Grand Lodge Above in 2013 but is fondly remembered amongst the Brethren of Filey and further afield.

Charles, who now lives in Kent, had made the special 5 hour trip North to attend Williams third degree ceremony and watch what was an excellently conducted ceremony with many members of the Lodge involved in the work.

William's father, Dennis, was the Junior Deacon for the ceremony and the sword used by the Tyler was donated to the lodge by Dennis, in honour & memory of his father-in-law, Bill, making it very much a family occasion!

William joined the former Portus Felix Lodge before its amalgamation with Royal Lodge in February 2023 and is currently its enthusiastic Inner Guard.

The Brethren were also delighted to be joined by a number of visitors including a delegation all the way from Nottinghamshire who enjoyed seeing the slight differences in our own ritual compared to theirs, further South.

The evening concluded with a classic and very tasty roast beef and yorkshire puddings before the Brethren parted ways.

Well done in achieving the rank of a Master Mason, William, we look forward to seeing you enjoy Freemasonry and supporting you in your Masonic career.

Royal Portus Felix Lodge meets again on 15th October 2024 with another raising ceremony, where all visitors would be most welcome.

Photo: Charles (L), William (C) and Dennis (R)