A third degree ceremony, to raise brother Neil Crawford, and to welcome the Provincial Junior Grand Warden (Worshipful Brother Carl Sams) and his escort, was the main business listed on the summons of St Thomas Lodge for their regular meeting of Wednesday the 5th of November.
Meeting at the Purbrook Masonic Centre, St Thomas Lodge may be Small in number, but their Master (Worshipful Brother Archie Dickie) delivered a truly sincere raising ceremony for Brother Neil. 
St Thomas’s Director of Ceremonies (W.Bro Barry Cockings) held a tight grip on proceedings as he gave a tutorially guiding prompt (from memory), or a signal to a Deacon who may have been about to place a step out of sequence. The Lodge Mentor (W.Bro Roy Goring) was audible, doing exactly what he ought, in providing a running commentary to an Entered Apprentice who was present. The ceremony was drawn to a close with a masterful presentation of the traditional history by the Lodge DC.
The candidate for raising, brother Neil, is 43 years old and a serving member of the Royal Navy. Living in Plymouth, he is married and has a 16 year old son. Neil has Freemasonry in his blood, his Grandfather and Godfather both having been Masons. It was particularly fitting that he wore his Grandfathers Master Masons apron on the night of his raising. I spoke with Neil before the ceremony. He described how a civilian colleague had facilitated the start of his Masonic journey. This journey is perhaps typical of many members of our armed forces. He is only in our area due to his current Naval posting and expects to work in London on eventually leaving the Navy, Plymouth will quite probably remain his home town. Whilst he may ultimately become lost to St Thomas Lodge he will hopefully remain a lifelong asset to Freemasonry wider. 
The Provincial Junior Grand Warden was quick in making all those present feel at ease and in communicating the current Provincial doctrines. He was also pleased to present the lodge with their bronze honorific for the 2027 MCF festival.
The increased numbers present at dinner, due to the presence of the Provincial team, helped to swell the monies raised for the Lodges charities. In true Masonic fashion St Thomas Lodge spared no effort in relieving those present of their charitable monies.
St Thomas Lodge has held two initiations this year and is currently scheduled to hold two more in 2026. I am sure we all wish them continued growth and success.
Congratulations to Brother Neil on his raising, and to St Thomas Lodge on hosting such a successful evening.