A 50th anniversary in Freemasonry is always a special and somewhat infrequent event. To celebrate two golden jubilees is a rare feat indeed. However, such is the case for Colin Mills who was honoured with an ‘emergency convocation’ at Hesketh Chapter No 986 to celebrate 50 years in Royal Arch Freemasonry, following his 50th Craft anniversary a few years earlier.
Some 30 plus companions were present at Preston Masonic Hall as the chapter was opened and welcomed Paul Hesketh, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, along with other grand and Provincial grand officers. The acting first principal, Gordon MacLellan, offered the chair to Paul which he accepted with pleasure before treating those assembled to a very interesting summary of Colin’s life and times.
Colin joined freemasonry in 1967, when he was initiated into Walton Priory Lodge No 5992. Some six years later in 1973 he was exalted into the Royal Arch when he joined De Grey and Ripon Chapter No 1356 in Liverpool, subsequently resigning after joining Hesketh Chapter in 1984. He attained the first principal’s chair in 2004 and again in 2009. He served as almoner for five years and then as scribe Ezra for eight years before retiring from this office in January of 2023. In 2019 Colin also became a member of the Bikers’ Chapter No 1380, which meets at Bryn Masonic Hall.
West Lancashire Province recognised Colin’s contribution to Royal Arch Freemasonry when he was appointed Past Provincial Grand Sojourner in 2011 and further promoted to his current rank of Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah.
After summarising Colin’s other Masonic Order achievements, Paul concluded by asserting that he was in no doubt that Colin is a perfect example of what makes a good Freemason as well as a good family man and contributor to society as a whole and is an excellent ambassador for the organisation.
Before presenting Colin with a commemorative certificate signed by the Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews, Paul asked the Chorley and Leyland Group Chairman Peter Allen, to read it aloud for the benefit of all present.
Before closing the chapter, Paul was asked to take a donation of £200 for the benefit of the Stroke Association. The companions then retired to the dining room to enjoy a fine meal of turkey and a catch up with friends old and new to conclude what had been a very enjoyable evening for everyone present.