Era Lodge No. 1423, one of the Province’s oldest Lodges having been consecrated in 1873, continues to demonstrate that a rich history and a vibrant future can go hand in hand.
The Lodge, which meets at Cole Court, recently enjoyed a truly memorable meeting when more than sixty members and visitors gathered to witness a remarkable double Initiation that celebrated not only the beginning of two Masonic journeys but also a family tradition spanning more than two centuries.
At the meeting on Saturday 13 June 2026, W. Bro Ricky Thomas invited W. Bro Jack Flint to occupy the Chair of King Solomon for the Initiation of his two grandsons, Jakob and Robert Byrne-Jones. Having expressed an interest in joining Freemasonry several months earlier, both candidates took their first steps into the Craft surrounded by family, friends and Brethren.
The ceremony became a genuine family occasion. W. Bro Jack was assisted by his brother, W. Bro Michael Flint, who served as Senior Deacon, and his youngest son, W. Bro Keith Flint, who acted as Junior Deacon. The occasion carried special significance for Jack and Michael, who themselves were initiated together by their father into Hampton Lodge No. 6435 in 1967, almost sixty years ago.
The ceremony showcased many of the beautiful traditions of Freemasonry. Brethren present enjoyed the rarely witnessed Mode of Preparation, expertly delivered by W. Bro John Hoare of Roll Call Lodge, while Era Lodge’s Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro Phil Cooper, presented an informative explanation of the significance of the white gloves presented to every new Mason.
W. Bro Jack then delivered both the Charge after Initiation and the First Degree Tracing Board with great sincerity and skill, providing Jakob and Robert with an inspiring introduction to the principles and teachings of Freemasonry.
As if the occasion were not already steeped in symbolism, W. Bro John Hoare revealed that the traditional pennies presented during the ceremony carried the dates 1944 and 1967. These years held special meaning for the Flint family, with 1944 marking Jack’s year of birth and 1967 commemorating the year Jack and Michael themselves were initiated into Hampton Lodge.
Another remarkable connection to the family’s Masonic history was highlighted by W. Bro Tim Hill, who pointed out that the Inner Guard’s poniard used during the ceremony had originally belonged to Hampton Lodge No. 6435 before its closure. It was, in fact, the very same ceremonial implement used during Jack and Michael’s own Initiation almost six decades earlier.
For W. Bro Jack Flint, seeing his grandsons initiated into Freemasonry was an immensely proud moment. Their admission to the Craft continues an extraordinary family tradition dating back to 1819, documented by Grand Lodge Certificate No. 67, one of the earliest surviving Grand Lodge Pillar Certificates.
The meeting was a wonderful demonstration of everything that makes Freemasonry special: family, friendship, tradition and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. It also reflects the continued strength of Era Lodge No. 1423, a Lodge that is not only proud of its distinguished past but is actively building its future by welcoming new members and ensuring that its traditions continue for generations to come.
