At Hundred of Gore Lodge, family connections are something the brethren hold very dear. The start of the year has provided a wonderful reminder of how Freemasonry can span generations, strengthening bonds both within the Lodge and beyond.
In January, the Lodge celebrated the raising of two members who, in everyday life, are father and son. Their advancement added another proud chapter to the Lodge’s growing tradition of family involvement—something that has become a hallmark of Hundred of Gore Lodge.
The story continued on 2nd March, when the Lodge completed its latest intake with the raising of three more brethren to the Degree of Master Mason: Craig May, Courtney May and Casey May. The three brothers share not only their family name but also a deep Masonic connection. They are the grandsons of one of the Lodge’s much-loved senior members, W.Bro Denis O’Sullivan PPrJGW.
W.Bro Denis had the joy of seeing two of his grandsons initiated into the Craft and knew that a third would soon follow. Sadly, he passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 22nd December 2023, but his legacy clearly lives on within the Lodge and through his family’s continuing Masonic journey.
With these recent additions, the Lodge can now proudly count three father-and-son combinations among its members, one of which also includes a son-in-law. The arrival of the three May brothers adds yet another strong branch to the Lodge’s growing family tree.
And the story may not end there. Word has it that a fourth May brother is showing interest in joining what has affectionately become known as the Lodge’s “Family Lodge.” Watch this space!
The triple ceremony itself was no small undertaking. Such ceremonies require careful coordination and a large number of officers to perform the ritual properly. Yet the challenge was embraced with enthusiasm. Particularly notable was the contribution from the father and son who had only been raised at the previous meeting, both of whom stepped forward to serve as Deacons.
They were joined by a number of supportive visitors who gladly lent a hand to ensure the ceremony ran smoothly. Their assistance, combined with the Lodge’s own dedication, ensured that the event was both impressive and enjoyable for everyone present. Several visiting brethren had attended specifically to witness how the Lodge would conduct such an ambitious ceremony, and they were not disappointed.
The celebrations continued afterwards at a lively and enjoyable festive board, where the brethren and guests reflected on a memorable occasion filled with pride, tradition and fellowship.
In the accompanying photograph, Craig and Casey May stand on the Worshipful Master’s right, with Courtney May on his left—three brothers now united not only by family ties but also by the shared bond of Freemasonry.
For Hundred of Gore Lodge, it was a day that beautifully illustrated the enduring strength of family, friendship and fraternity within the Craft.
— Mick Childs, Secretary
Hundred of Gore Lodge
