Tonight, Thomas P. Keser, Worshipful Master, conferred the Entered Apprentice Degree upon candidate Maynard Williams of Portland, Connecticut.

Pictured from left are Bro. Maynard Williams and WB Thomas P. Keser, Worshipful Master. (--photo by Tom Mumford)

The Bretheren that assisted, and very ably considering it was "Step Up Night" for the Lodge, were Bros. Thomas F. Mumford as Senior Warden, James W. Hartzel, Jr. as Junio Warden, Maykel Torriente as Senior deacon, Robert M. Oakliff as Junior Deacon, WB George Swanson as (Acting) Senior Steward, and Bro. Robert W. Wagner, as Junior Steward.

Bro. Torriente received Mr. Williams into the Lodge of Entered Apprentices in due and ancient form. WB Keser determined his faith in God was well founded. Bro. Torriente, with the assistance of WB Swanson and Bro. Wagner, conducted Mr. Williams to The South, The West and The East where he was found to be endowed with all of the essential qualification of a Mason. The pleasant music being played was courtesy of Bro. Peter D. Lenk, Organist.

Bro. Mumford then taught the candidate how to approach The East as an Entered Apprentice. After placing him in due form, WB Keser obligated the candidate and made him a Mason. Further assistance was offered by WB Landry who presented Bro. Williams with his Apron and the EA Apron Lecture. Bro. Mumford taught him how to wear it as an Entered Apprentice.

After being reinvested with what he had been divested, WB Robert E. Godwin presented him, as the youngest Entered Apprentice, with the working tools of the profession and taught him their uses. Then, WB Swanson and Bro. Oakliff presented the First Section Lecture, and did a great job! This was followed by WB James A. Tyler, Secretary, who gave the newly minted Brother the Charge of an Entered Apprentice.

A wonderful evening was had by all. Other Warren Brothers in attendance included Bros. Justin Smigel, Ryan Howard, Devin C. Schleidt, Patrick M. Landry, and Thomas Matthews, Tiler, along with WBros. Frederick W. Frost III, Richard R. Washburn, Chaplain, and David A. Berndston, (Acting) Marshal. Additionally, we had the pleasure of the company of WB Michael Jascot, who was in attendance from Granite 119 in Haddam, Connecticut, and was accompanied by a new Entered Apprentice from his Lodge.

The Degree was preceded by a sumptuous dinner consisting of a traditional lasagna, a Cuban rice with chicken casserole, and breads and salads, provided by the Bretheren. Coffee and dessert was provided after the Degree. WB Keser also offered tastes of his latest brewing.

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