Sixty Good Reasons to Celebrate
A ”very special evening for me” was how John Robinson PPrSGW (Jack to his friends) described the celebration of his 60th anniversary of joining Freemasonry.
The celebration took place in Horwich Lodge No 2324.
The meeting and festive board was attended by sixty nine members and guests, and Jack was pleased to see his many friends some of whom attended his
50th celebration. Jack was especially pleased to welcome Bill Huck who was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master who presided at that celebration ten years ago.
Our present Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Ray Martland gave the celebratory address to Jack, in his usual friendly, sincere, and entertaining way.
Ray told all those present of the many significant achievements not only in Jack’s 60 years as an active and enthusiastic Freemason but also throughout his
family and working life.
To mark the occasion, the Worshipful Master David Arrowsmith, presented Jack with an engraved set of Square and Compasses which Jack promptly presented
back to the Lodge expressing the wish that they be used at all future Lodge meetings.
Whilst giving greetings from Grand Lodge, John Robson (Chorley Group Chairman) commented on how Jack had been a constant source of advice and guidance
over the years which had helped to shape the Masonic careers of many of the Grand and Provincial Grand Officers who now play a major part in the future of the
Chorley Group and Province of West Lancashire.
At the festive board Frank Wilkinson proposed a truly heartfelt toast to Jack and with great fondness recalled the many brethren Jack and he had encountered over the years.
Not surprisingly the final word came from Jack, who shared many of his exploits, both Masonic and otherwise whilst thanking everyone for giving him this very special evening.
Jack has had a very extensive career in the Craft he was initiated into Horwich Lodge in 1951 alongside Arthur Kay, as a double first his proposer was
Tom Garstang and seconder Harold Kirkham.
Jack was Master in 1966 and held many offices: ADC, Festival Representative, DC, Secretary, Charity Steward, Chaplain and Master again in 1998.
15 years on had seen his involvement in Horwich Lodge’s Joint Social Committee as, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Chairman and Chairman.
First Provincial Appointment came in 1973, with Acting Rank as PrGStwd in 1977 a promotion to PPrJGD and PPrJGW in 1983 and finally PPrSGW in 1997.
Jack became a founder member of Anderton Lodge in 1973 holding Offices of DC, Charity Steward, Almoner and is now an Honorary member.
Singing is in the blood too, he has sung the Masters and Principals songs countless times over the years.
Jack was exalted into Horwich Chapter in 1969 and became First Principal 1983
Jack’s first Provincial appointment in the Royal Arch was in 1990 to PPrAGSoj, promoted to PPrGSwdB in 1998.
There is no doubt that his entire life has been an example of what makes a good freemason, as well as a good citizen, a good husband, a good parent,
and, in every way, a contributor to society as a whole.
Pictured left to right: Paul Hesketh, William Huck, John Robson, Ray Martland, David Arrowsmith, Jack Robinson, Frank Wilkinson, David Kavanagh, John Ashton.
Pictured left to right: Ray Martland, David Arrowsmith, Jack Robinson.