Members of St Paul’s Lodge No 5449 gathered at the Widnes Masonic Hall to celebrate with Colin Rowan on reaching the remarkable milestone of 50 years in Freemasonry. Colin was initiated into Marlborough Lodge No 1620 on 5 of May 1975, marking 50 years this May. It was great to see so many of Colin’s ex-work colleagues turn up to support Colin on his remarkable achievement.
The evening started with everyone gathered in the bar, having a drink and sharing memories about Colin’s exploits in the police force. Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Dave Boyes asked all the brethren to make their way to the temple to formally begin the celebration. The lodge was opened promptly at 7:00 pm, and once the lodge business was completed, WM Chris Farley opened to the third, where Dave Boyes announced that Andy Whittle, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, stood without and demanded admission. Chris replied that the lodge would be delighted and honoured to receive him.
Chris welcomed Andy to St Paul’s Lodge and hoped that he would have a very enjoyable time, and as is his right, offered Andrew the lodge gavel. Andy was delighted to be offered the gavel and said that on this very special occasion, he was more than happy to accept it.
After taking his position at the head of the gathering, Andy then adjourned the master Masons lodge and resumed labour in the first degree. Andy asked the inner guard, Martin Ryan, to admit the entered apprentices and tyler so that they could be part of this very special occasion. he then requested Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Dave Boyes to bring Colin Rowan to the floor of the lodge and ensure that he is comfortable. Andy then began recounting the remarkable life and times of Colin, from his childhood to the incredibly respected man he has become.
Colin was born in 1937 as the second child of Jessie and David Rowan. He had an older sister named Sheila, who sadly passed away at the age of 89. Colin’s family later welcomed another son, Alan, who is currently 82 years old and resides in Corbridge, Northumberland.
Colin began his educational journey at Ranworth Square Primary School, located near his home on Stainburn Avenue, just off Scar Green Avenue. His family had moved to this address when he was two years old, in Norris Green, Liverpool. Colin attended Ranworth Square Primary School until his 11th birthday, after which he passed a scholarship exam and gained admission to the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Boys on Mount Street, Liverpool.
During his time at school, Colin played football and cricket, enjoying a brief but memorable sporting career. He notably served as the captain of the Ranworth School Football Team, a role that 12 years later would be taken on by another passionate athlete, Joe Royle, who went on to play for Everton. Colin’s academic achievements were not particularly notable. He completed his studies at the institute with four ‘O’ Levels.
The start of Colin’s Masonic career began when he was initiated into Marlborough Lodge on 5 of May 1975. Colin’s services to his lodge have been recognised by the Province of West Lancashire several times, with his last promotion to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.
Colin’s journey into Freemasonry was planned probably not long after he was born, as his father David, was a member of Marlborough Lodge, which held their meetings at Liverpool Masonic Hall Hope Street. In fact, his entrance into the craft was delayed by the members of the lodge so that once he joined his third degree ceremony could be delivered by his father, who was due to go into the WM’s chair. Colin was therefore initiated on Monday 5 May 1975, with his father David in attendance as his proposer, his seconder was his uncle Roland. Colin was duly passed to the degree of a fellow craft on 1 March 1976.
Unfortunately, three weeks after his father David’s installation in January 1977, he collapsed and died in Ormskirk Hospital whilst visiting the lodge organist, meaning that he never did get to raise his son. Colin was eventually raised to the sublime degree of a master Mason on 5 October 1977. Colin’s incredible life story, with pictures, can be read in full by clicking here.
The brethren listened attentively as the story of Colin’s life was presented by Andy, who then called upon David Atkinson, Chairman of the Mersey Valley Group, to read the certificate of achievement from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. When Alan received his certificate, all the brethren stood and gave him a resounding round of applause. Upon closing the lodge, WM Chris invited everyone to attend the festive board, where the celebration of Colin’s fantastic achievement would be continued.
At the festive board, the celebration continued with delicious food, great company and more stories about Colin’s adventures as a serving police officer and his 50 years of dedicated service to the Craft. The evening was filled with laughter and the affection felt for Colin was obvious. He has been a dedicated servant to St Paul’s Lodge, and everyone hopes this continues for many years to come.
The raffle at the festive board raised £295 for both Masonic and non-Masonic charities, while the almoners plate collected £184.91, making a total of £479.91. This is a magnificent sum to conclude what had been a fantastic evening of celebration.