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W Bro Tanweer S. Chowdhury MBE, AGDC, writes…

On 24th March 2026, I was one of thirty privileged Brethren to attend the hidden gem of what is the South East London Masonic Centre. As a guest of the very welcoming and vibrant Luminary Lodge No 6635, who meet at the excellent SELMC, not only did I witness a very efficient Installation Ceremony delivered for the Lodge’s 76th Worshipful Master, James Enright; but even better was to follow, as James then proceeded to most skilfully Initiate his youngest son, Louie, who on that day was aged a sprightly 18 years and 7 days!

Following on from his Installation Ceremony (which was performed most competently by W Bro Sam Lucas and with a barnstorming rendition of the ‘Address to the Brethren’ thrown in by W Bro Adriano Conti (Adriano appeared having come straight from hospital moments prior to delivering his address!); the newly inducted WM James then delivered a truly first-rate Initiation Ceremony in very fine style for the confident candidate, Louie.

As well as the candidate’s father James’ superbly heartfelt and emotional Obligation, the work of Brother Adriano as the Acting Junior Deacon was faultless. An emotional day for all three, as “Uncle” Adriano had also known the candidate since birth!

It was also very pleasing to see the Enrights’ personal fan club present amongst the esteemed guests too, including two cousins, Bro John Enright and Bro Alfie Stringfellow of Thistle and Rose Lodge of Bedfordshire No 9351, who had travelled from Dunstable for this grand occasion. Also, the WM’s former boss, W Bro Lee Thoroughgood, together with four other members of Kelsey Park Lodge No 5701, West Kent attended. They enjoyed themselves tremendously.

The overall work in the Temple was truly excellent. The initiation had everything: first rate ritual delivered with sincerity and feeling to a very confident and an equally first-class candidate. It was also splendid to witness a sublime North East Corner, Charity Charge and Charge after Initiation performed by W Bro Dave Cook, the Lodge Director of Ceremonies. We were also fortunate to witness a presentation of the ‘White Gloves’ by the Lodge Visiting Officer Darren Horan (who also presented the MetGL Initiates Guide in a very informative and interesting style). Special mention goes to Fellowcraft Weliton De Oliveira, the stand-in Inner Guard who was witnessing his first Initiation Ceremony since his own; it must have been quite a treat for him!

We were also spoilt with a very memorable long closing of the Lodge, delivered by the outstanding W Bro Maurice Heaster, OBE. This was received with a very hearty round of applause by all present.

A most enjoyable, well run and very family-ish Festive Board then convened in the tremendous SELMC dining hall. It had a warm atmosphere, with the right balance of humour throughout. Adriano delivered a very meaningful and at times emotional toast to Brother Louie, who at times welled up with the kind words. Such a wonderful occasion for James, Louie and those fortunate to be present.

Louie, a student of Bromley College, said that he was totally “blown away” by the ceremony, even though he admitted that none of it made any sense! He is really looking forward to his Masonic journey. He did also comment that when the Lodge VO had informed him that he was a “Lewis", he was thinking to himself, and was just about to say, ”no mate! I’m Louie”!!!

I implore anyone who hasn’t visited the SELMC for a Masonic meeting, please do so! You are in for an absolute treat.

Father and son: WM James Enright & Bro Louie Enright, Luminary Lodge No 6635

James, a Freemason now going on 9 years, was Initiated on the 28th November 2017 in Luminary Lodge No 6635 and Raised on the 25th September 2018. James journeyed energetically through the various offices with aplomb and on the 26th March 2024 was installed as the 74th master of Luminary Lodge No 6635 and again as the 76th on the 24th March 2026.

As a youngster he displayed a fascination with Freemasonry, since “earwigging” an early conversation, about his Great-great Uncle and Freemason, George. The conversation in question was between his mother, Nan and Great Aunt, which set off a burning desire within James; who proceeded to question his mother. She provided best information as she thought correct, for example ‘secret handshakes’, ‘it being shrouded in mystery’ stating “If you could ever get to be one, you would have done alright in life”. This caught James hook line and sinker, who remembers saying to himself, “One day I’m going to be a Mason and I’m going to find out what the secret handshake is”!

James loves being a Freemason and, in his words, “the striving to improve yourself everyday by becoming, even if only by 0.00001% better a man than you were yesterday”. He very much enjoys the Ancient History, Traditions, Rituals and Charitable Work e.g. LAA, LFB. He tells me, the fact that at a Festive Board you could be sitting next to a caretaker, a judge, a road sweeper, a carpet fitter or a scientist is something that he finds quite fantastic. He has made life-long friends and continues to make new ones. James very much considers the Brethren in Luminary Lodge as his family. “Without a shadow of doubt, becoming a Freemason is one of the best decisions I have ever made”.

James is an excellent Ritualist and regularly learns and practises his Ritual in his kitchen. This has, over the years, produced a fair amount of curiosity from his family members, particularly from his children. However, Louie, the youngest son, clearly interested and having proceeded with the who, why, what, when, where and how questions, was provided with brief explanations including the charitable work around the LAA Appeal. His interest intensified after he attended James’ Ladies night along with the rest of his family. When Louie turned 17, James said, “You will be able to join next year when you turn 18. Is that something you would like to do?“ to which Louie replied, “I dunno Dad, how can I join something that you can’t tell me anything about?”

It was a fair point, so James explained to him why he couldn’t tell him the secrets, and reiterated some of the things he cherishes about the Craft and the ethos of being a Freemason. He also said, “You don’t realise it yet, but you already possess many virtuous and honourable qualities. In your heart, you’re a Mason, and yes, you will learn all the secrets on your journey should you make the choice.”

Any previous concerns over Louie’s young age were countered by his father, who says, “If you knew Louie, you would know that he is a perfect fit for our institution. He conducts and expresses himself at all times with impeccable manners, respect, maturity, kindness and honour and is an incredibly compassionate, disciplined and considerate young man. He’s an old soul in a young body or an old head on young shoulders!”

On 24th March 2026, at the age of 18 years and 7 days, Louie was Initiated into Luminary Lodge No 6635 at SELMC. I am sure that we all wish Louie a wonderful Masonic journey and every success in life.

W Bro Tanweer S Chowdhury MBE, AGDC is Adjutant for W Bro Col Simon Bennett, PSGD, PGStwd, Metropolitan Grand Inspector

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This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 61 – Summer 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 61 here.

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