On 3 March 2026 at St. Martin’s Lodge 2320, our Deputy Assistant Provincial Grand Master along with a deputation of Grand Lodge Officers and Provincial Officers attended a very special meeting at Rochdale Masonic Hall.

The lodge was opened in due form, minutes approved and there was a knock at the lodge door and VWBro John Griffin, Deputy Assistant Provincial Grand Master, demanded admission. VWBro Griffin was offered the gavel by the Worshipful Master which he gratefully accepted and proceed to lead the celebrations for WBro Bowden.

In the words of VWBro Griffin:

A proposal was made for one Brandon James Bowden (24 yrs) to be initiated into St Martin’s Lodge No 2320 and the proposer was his father HERBERT FOWDEN – seconded by his uncle ALFRED FOWDEN

The ballot took place on 7th December 1965 which lead to his initiation on 1st March 1966, (a Tuesday) and the reason why we are here celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of WBro Fowden some sixty years and two days later!

Brandon’s father was initiated in 1952, so he had been a mason for some thirteen years before Brandon was initiated.

Of course in those days you had to declare an interest and we talked about that – how times have changed.

There was a waiting list in those days to join but Brandon being a Lewis he was initiated sooner than some of the other candidates and he told me he was the 92nd member of the lodge at the time.

How wonderful not only to be a Lewis BUT for your father to take the WM Chair, you were
indeed very lucky I can think of one other mason in this room that happened to and the funny story he tells about it. SDT – tell the story later.

I know that Brandon’s uncle took part when we discussed this he was possibly one of the Wardens, am I correct Brandon? So to have your father and uncle involved, truly a family affair.

The other connection with SDT comes later but before then we know that Brandon took all the offices of the lodge becoming MASTER of St Martin’s in OCTOBER 1974 – actually quite quick for those days, especially in a big lodge.

In the same year (1974) he was exalted into Charity Chapter No 3342.

In 1977 Brandon joined East Lancashire Centurion Lodge, due to his military connection and went through the CHAIR of that lodge in 1981.

Four years later, in 1985 he received his Provincial appointment to PProvAGSwdB.

In 1997 he was promoted to PProvDepGSwdB

10 years later (2007) to PProvSwdB, THREE Sword Bearer Ranks

Having become First Principal in Charity Chapter in 1980 Brian received preferment to a Provincial Rank in 1985 as PProvSoj (they did not give you a sword in that one Brandon

Brandon’s association with SDT connects him to his masonry in the lodge at Rochdale (SDT being a Rochdale mason) but also their connection and association in East Lancs Centurion.

This takes us to 2016 – in March of that year it was Brandon’s Golden Jubilee year and I asked him which APM attended to help him celebrate his 50yrs in the Craft – it was no surprise that he said that SDT did it at East Lanes Centurion and how wonderful that he is here tonight to square that circle so to speak.

Funnily enough – also in 2016, Brian was promoted to his current Provincial Rank as PProvJGW, (November 2016) – SDT you obviously had a hand in that!!

SO – Family connections through masonry, father, son, uncle.

A military link and dedication to duty.

Is it any wonder that we are here tonight to celebrate the dedication and commitment of a wonderful mason.

In these days of fast and throw away culture – along with looking out for oneself first, it is no wonder that we, as masons BUCK THAT TREND and have so many who are commitment to service and to putting others before self and dedicate themselves to a greater good for the benefit for all, through their public and private endeavours.

Brandon, you are clearly one who has and does so.

50 years of continuous Service and Commitment to anything should be celebrated for its longevity – but SIXTY YEARS even more so.

Bradon, it is my privilege to be allowed to help you celebrate on this wonderful occasion. AND …. I know I speak for everyone here when I say that we are all Delighted – AND HONOURED to be here this evening to be able to celebrate this momentous achievement with you.

Our thanks for your service to freemasonry and many CONGRATULATIONS SIR on attaining your Diamond Jubilee in the Craft.