WBro Gordon Leslie Hobbs PProvGSuptWks celebrates 50 years in Freemasonry
On the 25th May, Albert Edward Lodge No 1519 celebrated a second 50th anniversary in Freemasonry meeting in just two months, on this occasion the celebrant was WBro Gordon Hobbs PProvGSuptWks. The Lodge was opened and the business transacted before the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies WBro Andrew Taylor as ProvDepGDC led a District Deputation of over twenty Brethren, headed by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Richard John Farrington PSGD and consisting of District Officers, Acting Officers of the Year and numerous Grand Officers. WBro Farrington was delighted to accept the gavel and took the Master’s Chair. After introducing the Deputation, WBro Farrington asked that WBro Hobbs be placed in the Centre of the Lodge and directed WBro Steve Dowber PProvDepGReg, the Lodge Secretary to read the minutes from the Gordon’s Initiation meeting in 1967, following which WBro Keith Lomax PProvGSwdB gave a tribute on behalf of the lodge. He spoke about his personal relationship with Gordon which had spanned over 50 years. He went on to highlight some of Gordon’s achievements in Freemasonry including the hard work he put in practically in the renovation of Mill House in the 1960’s.
At this point in the ceremony it would have been tradition for WBro Farrington to highlight some of the world events happening in 1967. However as he had delivered this just two months earlier in the Lodge he made a slight change and reported events from the year WBro Hobbs was born, 1939. He reported that the world was very turbulent at this time due to the Second World War. The cost of living meant that £38 then would be worth £1200 today and that he shares a birth year with Jackie Stewart, John Cleese, Marvin Gaye and Tina Turner amongst others.
WBro Farrington then proceeded to present WBro Hobbs with his Illuminated Certificate and personal letter of congratulations from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master RWBro Sir David Trippier. The certificate was read to WBro Hobbs, following which he was perambulated around the Lodge to the acclamation of all present. The District Chairman WBro David Lightbown PAGDC then presented Gordon with his 50th anniversary lapel badge which he hoped he would wear with pride at all subsequent Masonic events.
Following a collection, the Deputation retired from the Lodge and the business concluded before the Brethren retired to the festive board.
The festive board was a lovely, and very hot occasion! This being the warmest day of the year so far. In his response WBro Farrington mentioned the Tercentenary events that have happened and ones still to come. However his main topic was the heartwarming response to the terrible attack at the Manchester Arena earlier in the week. Freemasons from across the Province and other Provinces across the country had donated over £90,000 within the first three days following the event.
In his toast WBro Lomax once again paid tribute to the Masonic career of WBro Hobbs and expanded on the practical work he did in turning Mill House into a Masonic meeting place. In his response, Gordon thanked everyone for attending and thanked the Brethren for making this evening such a special occasion for him. A wonderful evening and an excellent tribute to a Freemason who has given so much back over the last fifty years.