R.W.J.G.W. Confers Third, Brother Second, Godfather First

For a long time, Peter Stephen Gardner told his father that he wanted to be made a Mason as soon as possible after he would become 21 on Dec. 31, 2002. Last March, when his father, Stephen Gardner, R.W. Junior Grand Warden, told him about the decision by R.W. Grand Master Marvin A. Cunningham, Sr., to allow young men aged 18 and older to petition the Lodge, Peter asked for a Petition immediately. He was a Master Mason two and a half months before he became 21.

By virtue of a Dispensation, Peter received his Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Mason's Degrees in Porter Lodge No. 284, North Catasauqua, on Sept. 27. Then by virtue of another Dispensation and the presence of the R.W. Grand Master, he received his Master Mason's Degree on Oct. 18. The E.A. Degree was conferred by Peter's godfather, Robert James Bateman, P.M.; the F.C. by his older brother, John Stephen Gardner, who had been a Mason for about 18 months; and the M.M. by his father, R.W.J.G.W. Gardner. The Guide for all three degrees was Peter's cousin, Robert James Bateman, Jr.