On 12 May 2025 at Rochdale Masonic Hall the companions of Probity & Freedom Chapter 367 met to celebrate the fantastic milestone of Ian Warrington reaching 50 years in Royal Arch Freemasonry.

In his first official visit as Assistant to Provincial Grand Principles (APGP), EComp Douglas Smith, accompanied by a delegation paraded into the chapter room and led the festivities. Remembering special events of when Ian was born and when he was exhaled. Closely followed the presentation of a letter and certificate from the Most Excellent Provincial Grand Superintendent, Robert Frankl.

A personal tribute was presented by EComp Eric J Kirkbride:

lan is a war time baby born in 1942 in Heywood and having a sister 12 years older than him. His masonic career began in St Lukes Lodge 4294, and as a Master Mason in that Lodge became the first one to join Unity Chapter 298. Unusual because St Luke’s Masons had always joined Naphtali Chapter 266.

He was exalted by the late EComp Donald Spencer. In those days it was difficult to understand the progression routes in the Chapter, but lan was appointed Janitor now a progressive office in the Chapter.

Just to complete this part of my tribute I need to say publicly a huge thank you to lan for all the support he has been to me in my progress in the Royal Arch, culminating in me becoming the First Principal of Unity Chapter 298 in 2007 (Bicentenary Year). In the Craft as Rochdale District Chairman, lan supported me as District Mentor opposite to Les Taylor in the Oldham District and what a team they were under the eye of Martin Roche as Provincial Mentor.

When he retired from his working life, he took on driving for the Leonard Cheshire Horsfield Homes. Rodney Stott got him this job which he did for 9 years, the pay was outstanding, NOWT!!

You will have noticed from his Facebook page that he is well travelled, and with his two boys and two daughters has international places to go. USA, New Zealand, Germany, Dorset and Huddersfield.

One of the treasures of Unity Chapter 298 is the Thomas Townend jewel presented first in April 1947. Tonight, it is being worn by our last IPZ EComp Ed Blundell.

What an absolute delight to share with you all present my joy of knowing lan both in and of freemasonry. Being able to count him as a true and faithful friend always willing to go the extra mile.

Companions please be upstanding and join me in saluting, ECom Ian Warrington PPrGScN

The celebrations then continued at a very special social board.