On Wednesday 2nd March, the Rochdale District Team supported Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Peter Rhodes in celebrating 50 years in Freemasonry for WBro Rodney Schofield, PProvGSwdB.
Rodney was initiated into Charity Lodge 3342 by his Father in 1971 where he remained until its closure in 2016. He then joined The Lodge of Harmony 298.
After receiving the Provincial and District Deputation, Bro Michael Royds, Worshipful Master of Harmony handed the gavel to WBro Peter Rhodes who called off the lodge to allow WBro Rodney Schofield’s family, friends and non-masonic guests to join the celebrations in the lodge room.
Peter hosted a quiz based on the music of 1971 and then, with his wife by his side, Rodney received a fitting tribute to his Masonic career from WBro Eric Kirkbride, PAGDC and was paraded around the lodge to great acclaim by his guests and brethren in attendance.
Following the recommencement of Masonic business, Bro Michael Royds presented a cheque for £500 from The Lodge of Harmony to the East Lancashire 2026 Festival.
The brethren and guests then enjoyed an excellent festive board, where WBro Rodney was toasted by WBro Ian Hancox, PAGSwdB and received a heartfelt gift from the members of Harmony lodge to celebrate his time as a Freemason.