On Friday 15thNovember 2019 Concord Lodge No 1534 celebrated the 60th Golden Jubilee for a very special member of the lodge.
WBro Thomas Keenan, having been initiated into Freemasonry in 1959, is one of the most iconic members of Concord Lodge and Friday evening was certainly a night to remember. The Lodge tyled at 6.30pm
WBro Tom Keenan with VWBro John Farrington, the Provincial Deputation and Members of the Lodge
WBro Andrew Pilkington, the current Worshipful Master of Concord Lodge No 1534, opened the Lodge after which the Provincial Deputation entered the Lodge. The Worshipful Master offered the gavel to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro John Farrington PGSwdB, which he graciously accepted before occupying the chair to conduct this Diamond Jubilee celebration.
The Lodge room was full, with members from many other Lodges in attendance, a real mark of the man of the moment, including four special friends of Tom who had travelled from Okeover Lodge in Derbyshire
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master then called off the Lodge meeting to allow Tom Keenan’s daughter, Julie, accompanied by family members and several of the Lodge member’s wives, to enter the Lodge room to participate in the 60thcelebration.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master delivered a fitting tribute to Tom Keenan, for his many years of service to Freemasonry.
WBro Gerry Russell then read out the minutes of the meeting in 1959 of Lodge Montgomerie Kilwinning No 624 in the Scottish Constution, when Tom was initiated into Freemasonry.
WBro Peter Bailey then delivered a very personal, in depth, tribute to Tom. It was clear to see that they had both known each other outside of Freemasonry, as well as in it, and that they had formed a real bond of friendship together over many years.
The 60thDiamond Jubilee Illuminated Certificate was then read out before being presented to Tom by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
WBro Steve Holland, the Bury District Chairman, presented Tom with a special 60th Anniversary lapel badge, on behalf of the District.
Tom with his daughter Julie and Son-in-Law, David
Tom, accompanied by his daughter, was escorted around the lodge, by the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro John Curry, to the acclamation of all the ladies and brethren.
The ladies and family members then retired from the Lodge room, and The Deputy Provincial Grand Master then re-opened the Lodge for business.
The Worshipful Master presented the Deputy Provincial Grand Master with a cheque, on behalf of the members of the lodge, to the ELMC to mark the occasion.
The deputation retired and the Worshipful Master concluded the lodge business.
The social board was a very happy and joyous occasion; the dining room was full with a most fabulous atmosphere, everyone present was treated to a fabulous six-course meal.
The formal toast to Tom’s health was proposed by WBro Anthony Wainwright, the Senior Warden, in a very personal manner and was received with warmth.
Tom Keenan responded in a most suitable manner, at the conclusion of which he received a standing ovation by all present.
Several presentations took place to mark this special occasion.
WBro Tom Keenan with VWBro John Farrington and the Worshipful Master, WBro Andrew Pilkington
APGM, WBro John Griffin; VWBro John Farrington; WBro Tom Keenan; WM, WBro Andrew Pilkington and APGP, WBro Kirk Mulhearn
A fantastic evening was had by all, the inclusion of the ladies at the celebration gave it a real personal touch. It was certainly one which Concord lodge can be justly proud of for many years to come.
Report and Pictures by Craig Hindle
You can see more pictures from this fabulous evening on the Concord Lodge website at http://www.concordlodge2016.com/gallery/
