The Lodge of Integrity Number 163 met at Manchester Hall on Monday, the 31st of October; it was an extra special night for all those members and guests that attended, as they assembled to celebrate the diamond jubilee in Freemasonry of VWBro Nolan Morrison.
The Worshipful Master WBro Gerry Hodson was delighted to receive the Provincial Grand Master and his deputation and, as is customary, offered the gavel to the Provincial Grand Master, who was delighted to accept it on this special occasion.
WBro Martin Caller then delivered a heartfelt tribute to Nolan, explaining that he had been close friends with him for over 30 years. WBro Caller described VWBro Morrison as a man rather than a Mason, and during his tribute, it was made clear that Nolan had always been a perfectionist.
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master then delivered a further moving tribute in which he detailed all of Nolan’s Masonic achievements
Since his initiation, Nolan has joined many lodges and chapters, of which he is still a member of today, including L8408 East Lancashire Provincial Grand Stewards Lodgeand L3747 East Lancs. Provincial Grand Officers Lodge, L64 Lodge of Fortitude.
Nolan was given the prestigious Grand Rank of Past Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works in 1986 and then was made a Past Senior Grand Deacon in 1993 and then Past Grand Sword Bearer in 1996.
The Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro Chris Wildman, then read out the presentation of the certificate in recognition of VWBro Nolan Morrisons’ sixty years in Freemasonry; the Illuminated certificate was then presented to Nolan by the RWPGM, after which Nolan paraded around the Lodge to rapturous acclaim from all the brethren.
The RWPGM and the celebrant then retired from the Lodge.
A convivial social board followed, where more toasts to Nolan were made, and a sizeable amount was collected for charity.