On Wednesday 17th September 2025, Saint John’s Lodge No. 795 held a truly remarkable and memorable meeting at Sindlesham, when a packed Lodge of 120 Brethren gathered to witness a very special occasion.
Brothers Fletcher (23) and Finlay (21) Heppelthwaite, both from Sindlesham, were Initiated into Freemasonry by none other than their own father, VWBro Mark Heppelthwaite, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire. With the permission of the Lodge’s current WM and Officers; other active Provincial Officers also took the place of key Lodge Officers for the Ceremony. A Double ceremony also requires for a pair of Deacons to lead both Candidates. In this case a brace of Assistant Provincial Grand Masters also were put into temporary Office.
The evening was historic for more than one reason. It is a rare privilege for any father to Initiate their son into the Craft – but to Initiate two sons on the same evening is something few will ever witness. The sense of family pride and fraternal warmth filled the Lodge room, making the occasion deeply moving for all present. Along with the to-be-expected jokes about Worshipful Brother ‘Dad’ copiously sprinkled throughout the evening, the two new-made Freemasons clearly enjoyed themselves.
Fletcher, who works as a Financial Analyst, and Finlay, employed in Sales, both impressed the assembled Brethren with the dignity and sincerity with which they took their first steps into Freemasonry. They said, “The ceremony was amazing and wonderful.” The support shown by the Lodge members and visitors alike reflected the significance of this Initiation, and it was clear that the Heppelthwaite family have a bright future ahead in the Craft. VWBro Mark said, “What an honour to be allowed to Initiate my two boys into St Johns Lodge. It was also an opportunity to get other members of the Berkshire Executive involved.”
The Ceremony was conducted with great solemnity, but also with a spirit of joy and celebration, fitting for such a rare event. Afterwards, the Brethren retired to a Festive Board, where the sense of camaraderie and family was palpable. Toasts also reflected on the uniqueness of the evening and the importance of passing on Masonic values from one generation to the next.
The evening will long be remembered by all who attended, not only as a significant milestone for Fletcher and Finlay, but also as a proud moment for their father, VWBro Mark, and for Saint John’s Lodge itself, which is growing with 2 new members in one evening and more joining on the way.
Truly, a shining example of Freemasonry at its very best – tradition, family, and fraternity coming together in harmony and great humour.
