On Monday 17th November, the Companions of Prince Edwin’s Chapter No.128 gathered at Bury Masonic Hall to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of EComp Peter Seddon — fifty years since his Exaltation into the Holy Royal Arch.
The event was honoured by the presence of The Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, EComp Stephen Holland, accompanied by a Delegation of Area Officers and Officers of Supreme Grand Chapter. EComp Holland presented Peter with his Golden Jubilee Certificate, issued by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Robert Frankl, in recognition of his dedication to the Royal Arch.
Prior to the presentation, EComp Peter Watson delivered a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on Peter’s journey through both Craft and Royal Arch Masonry. He began by recalling his previous tribute for Peter’s fifty years in the Craft, noting that much of the same admirable qualities carried through into his Royal Arch life.
Peter’s Masonic journey began unexpectedly in the 1960s when a casual invitation for a cup of tea from a shopkeeper — the father of EComp Watson — led to a lifelong friendship and ultimately a path into Freemasonry. Born in Bolton in 1942, Peter pursued a career in the Lancashire Constabulary, where he served with distinction, from beat patrols to specialist task forces, and also as a police sketch artist. He concluded his thirty-year service in law enforcement with roles emphasising community engagement, fairness, and support for the vulnerable, before moving on to a second career in the Probation Service, earning national recognition for his innovative work.
Within the Craft, Peter’s dedication was evident from the start. Following his Initiation, he worked his way through every office in the Lodge, ultimately serving as Worshipful Master. He later received Provincial honours, first being appointed ProvJGD and subsequently promoted through the ranks to his current position of PProvJGW. His natural enthusiasm made him an obvious candidate for the Royal Arch, where he was exalted into Goulburn Chapter, later amalgamated with Turton Chapter, rising to First Principal in 1990. More recently, he attained the rank of PProvGSwdB, reflecting his continued commitment and engagement with Royal Arch Masonry.
Beyond Freemasonry, Peter’s dedication to the community has been extraordinary. He chaired the Bolton Outward Bound Association, supported youth rehabilitation through the Bolton Junior Attendance Centre, participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, served as a School Governor, and contributed to Victim Support. Despite these commitments, he has always found time for personal passions, particularly music, performing live as a guitarist and vocalist from his teenage years onwards.
EComp Watson concluded his tribute by recognising Peter’s remarkable achievements — both within and outside Masonry — and expressing confidence in many more years of friendship and fellowship.
This Golden Jubilee celebration was a fitting recognition of EComp Peter Seddon’s fifty years of dedication, service, and enthusiasm for the Holy Royal Arch, and a testament to a life of commitment to both Freemasonry and the wider community.
