The act of paying homage at a memorial is never simply a moment; it is a dialogue between past and present, an acknowledgement of what has been, and a silent hope for all that is yet to come. To place a floral tribute for Diogo Jota at the memorial to John Houlding, is to unite two distinct yet deeply interconnected threads of Liverpool’s and Anfield Lodge No 2215 story, past and vibrant present.
As the founder of Liverpool FC, John Houlding’s legacy is monumental. He was a publican, politician and Freemason, whose influence reached far beyond the pitch. John Houlding’s vision and tenacity in the tumultuous footballing landscape of the late 19th century gave birth to a club that would become one of the world’s most revered sporting institutions.
Likewise in 1887 John Houlding, along with other football supporters, founded Anfield Lodge, named after the ground that Liverpool FC have played at since their inception. John Houlding, Past Junior Grand Deacon, was the first master of Anfield Lodge.
It was with this in mind that the brethren of Anfield Lodge felt it appropriate to place a floral tribute at John Houlding’s memorial, which can be found in the precincts of Anfield Stadium. Robbie Quinn, a past master of Anfield Lodge, had the honour of placing the lodge’s floral tribute, along with the many other tributes surrounding John Houlding’s memorial.