Two members from the Province recently travelled to Toulouse, France, to demonstrate pure Emulation Ritual as practised at the Emulation Lodge of Improvement in London.
WBro Tony Henley, author of The Silver Matchbox, invited WBro Mark Titterton to join a private team visiting the Province of Occitanie to demonstrate the First and Third Degrees. The event was hosted by the Provincial Grand Master, TRF (Très Respectable Frère) Keit N’Guyen, and organised by VF (Vénérable Frère) Daniel De Oliveira Costa and his team.
The demonstration team comprised of seven experienced Emulation Ritualists and holders of Silver Matchboxes. Following the late withdrawal of one member the planned officers roles needed to be rearranged. WBro Titterton stepped in to be WM for the initiation and SW for the Raising. WBro Harris, originally attending as a spectator, stepped in at short notice to assist, acting as Senior and Junior Deacon respectively.
Left to right: The team consisted of WBros: Mark Titterton, John Walden, Martin Faulks, Andrew Wilson, David Thompson, Jason Harris and Tony Henley.
A Spectacular Occasion
More than 150 French brethren attended the event on Saturday. Proceedings commenced at 10:00am with the formal reception of the Provincial Grand Master and distinguished guests. The English team was warmly welcomed before being placed in office and demonstrating a full Initiation in pure Emulation style.
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Following an extended lunch break, during which hospitality was very generous and convivial, the Lodge was called on for a demonstration of the Third Degree. The ceremony was delivered with clarity and with dramatic presentation, all the while under the watchful eye of David, the Preceptor, ever ready to pounce on the smallest error.
The response from the French brethren was heartfelt. Daniel later emailed the team some of the quotes he received after the weekend: -
“... And on a very personal note, I was blown away. Memorising the text is one thing, but what impressed me was the desire to share the experience, the commitment, the theatricality, the rhythm, and the musicality they brought to these texts we've heard dozens of times.
I immersed myself in the rituals again that very evening.”
— Dorian, Master Mason
“... I found it truly inspiring and incredibly classy. Knowing how to master a text and gestures by heart is already very difficult; the art of recreating it with such mastery commands respect. Personally, I loved watching it.”
— Jean, Entered Apprentice
Speeches of thanks followed the demonstration, together with the presentation of gifts and mementos by the Provincial Grand Master and his officers.
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Fellowship Beyond Borders
The day concluded with further fellowship and an excellent evening meal at a local restaurant. Several ladies who had accompanied the English party were warmly welcomed and thoroughly entertained.
Returning home on Sunday, the team reflected on a weekend of generosity, friendship and the adoration of our ritual.
This was Masonry at its very finest, employing the key values of friendship, integrity and respect.
Special Thanks
The visitors would also like to record their sincere thanks to the Worshipful Master, RWBro Pierre-Jean Darrore, for his warm welcome and thoughtful messages, and particularly for the generous gifts arranged for the ladies. Our gratitude is also extended to the Provincial Grand Master TRF Keit N’Guyen for his exceptional hospitality throughout the visit, and to VF Daniel De Oliveira Costa for the meticulous organisation and close attention to detail that ensured the weekend ran so smoothly.
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