R Holt - Fraternity lodge

W. Bro. Ron was celebrating his 50 years in freemasonry. The anniversary should have been held in November 2014 but then it would have clashed with our Installation. It could not be held in December as that is traditionally when Fraternity holds its Christmas Ladies Dining In.

Ron readily agreed to delay the event until January.

The ceremony was conducted by W. Bro. D. J. Winder, PGSD, Assistant Provincial Grand Master with 40 brethren and visitors attending. Among the visitors and guests were the Preston Group Chairman, W. Bro S. W. Bolton PPrGSuptWks and vice-chairman, W. Bro. G. W. Saul, PADC, along with several Grand Officers.

W. Bro. Winder gave an exceptional account of the celebrant’s private and Masonic life. He explained his career in the plumbing trade, his National Service as a paratrooper, his devoted family life with his wife Isobelle, his hobbies – including his musical prowess as a cornet player for  Longridge Brass Band and of course his interest in horse racing. Emphasis however was directed at Ron’s long and distinguished career as a Freemason.

He was the Worshipful Master of the former Vanguard Lodge 7170 three times, the first time in 1977, again in 1997 and finally just prior to amalgamation in 2004. Ron has since been the WM of Fraternity Lodge in 2012 and was succeeded in the chair of King Solomon by his son, John, who is the current Worshipful Master.

Ron is renowned for his grasp and knowledge of ritual, especially when called upon to stand up and recite. He is an example to all of us and deserves all the congratulations and praise heaped on him at the ceremony.