On the evening of Thursday, 25 March, Mr Paul Janssens took his first step in Freemasonry. Paul has a long standing interest in the study of esoteric sciences and it is not at all surprising that Paul has found his way into the Craft. Lodge Commonwealth of Australia welcomes Bro. Janssens to our ancient and honourable Order.

Bro Janssens conducted himself with purpose throughout the ceremony as if not wishing to miss a single word, particularly to the Charges, which were all well delivered. Paul's ceremony was attended by a notable number of visitors and included W Bro. Alan Carnall, WM Lodge Gowrie; RW Bro. Tom Boom, Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew; Bro. Jeff Moon, Lodge Emu Plains and expected affiliate member; and a number of FCFs and EAFs namely Bro's Jagjeet Basant, FCF, and Chani Singh Kashmirian, EAF, both of Lodge Capitol; and Bro Malcolm (EAF), of Lodge Queanbeyan St Andrew.

W Bro. Robert Guth, our SW, again did not hesitate in accepting additional responsibility when our JW, W Bro. Ben Bopf, advised that he would not be able to attend the meeting due to competing professional priorities. Robert prepared a excellent supper comprising BBQ sausages, mash potato and vegies supplemented by cake and ice-cream.

The JW's Chair was ably filled by W Bro. Keith Cossart; the SD's duties were met, at very short notice, by W Bro. John Tregellas-Williams; Bro. Alex Slater provided the harmony for the evening with Bro. Penglase acting in his familiar role as IG; and W Bro. Tony Rex met the responsibilities of our IPM, VW Bro. Ron Goleby, who is absent on holidays in Tasmania.

Everything came together well, for which our DC, VW Bro. Graeme Moller, must be acknowledged, to provide Paul with ceremony and ritual befitting the significance of this occasion.

 
Bro. Janssens is Presented with the Documents of the Ceremony
(L-R) W Bro. Roman Cholawinskyj, Bro. Paul Janssens and Bro Ray Newcombe (JD)

Toast to the Newly Initiated Brother
(L-R) W Bro. Roman Cholawinskyj, Bro. Paul Janssens and Bro. Nick Martin

Paul Responds to his Toast
(L-R) W Bro. Allan Carnall, WM Lodge Gowrie, W Bro. Roman Cholawinskyj,
Bro. Paul Janssens, Bro. Nick Martin and VW Bro. Graeme Moller (DC)

Bro. Janssens Circulates with the Broken Column
(L-R) RW Bro. Ian Angus, W Bro. Sid Penhaligon, W Bro. John Tegellas-Williams (Caring Officer)
and Bro. Paul Janssens

The WM Expresses his Gratitude to the Stewards
(L-R) W Bro. Robert Guth (SW), Bro. Steve Wilde and Bro. Nicholas McCaskie (Steward)