On Friday 20th March, Edwinstowe Lodge celebrated WBro Alan Bernard Marshall’s 50 years in Freemasonry. In open lodge the minutes of his initiation meeting were read, followed by a presentation by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro Reginald Henry Green.

At the tender age of twenty-five years, Alan, then a sales representative and grandson of two of Edwinstowe’s founder members, was initiated into the Lodge at the Masonic Hall, Goldsmith street, having been proposed as an initiate by his father who also acted as Worshipful Master to conduct his son’s ceremony.

WBro Alan was passed on 12th February 1960 and raised on 10th November 1961 finally becoming WM in January 1972 when 114 Brethren attended the Installation festival.

He readily became an active Mason within Edwinstowe Lodge and during his 50 years has held office as Chaplain, Charity Steward, Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Lodge Representative on the Charity Committee of Provincial Grand Lodge and has sung in the lodge at Installation meetings and at the festive board since 1975.

His pursuits in Freemasonry outside Edwinstowe Lodge has seen him involved in the management of Edwinstowe Lodge of Instruction and he is presently Scribe E in Edwinstowe Chapter having been Z in 1978.

It is evident that Alan has been a most dedicated Mason to both his own Lodge and freemasonry in general. This is something for which he has been deservedly rewarded by being given Provincial Honours in several ranks over the years and presently holds the rank of Past Provincial Grand Registrar and, as a tribute to the esteem in which he is held within the Edwinstowe Lodge he was made an honorary member in April 2005.

In conclusion, WBro Alan is a most generous and genuine man who brings harmony to the lodge and he was congratulated on this remarkable and happy occasion.

Pictured: W Bro Rev'd JM Burgess, VW Bro Reginald Henry Green Deputy PGM, W Bro M Tomsett, W Bro A Marshall & W Bro J Reid