With 50 brethren present at Astley and Ellesmere Lodge No 730, John Longworth was surrounded by friends as he celebrated his 50th year in Freemasonry, including a group of visiting brethren from his mother lodge in Wigan.
John became a member of Astley and Ellesmere Lodge, after joining the lodge in 2024, but was previously a long serving member of his mother lodge, Holmes Lodge No 2708, joining in 1974 and taking the chair as master in 1985. John is also a member of Chorley Chapter No 6287 after being exalted in 1976, and a previous member of Setantia Chapter of Installed Principals No 7755.
Principal guest at his celebration was Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Lockett, accompanied by acting Provincial grand officers Peter Littlehales and Steve Gooding, and Chorley and Leyland Group Treasurer Colin Preston.
At the meeting, Peter took the chair of King Solomon to present John with a history of his life, which highlighted his success as a businessman and his continued service as a Freemason. John started his work life working on his mother’s farm with his 5 siblings. Following the sad and sudden passing of his father Jack when he was just 13, the family farm was sold in 1950 but John continued to work on farms, learning new skills and working his way up to Chicken Hatchery Manager in 1964.
The business expanded rapidly with hatcheries opening up all over the north of England. In 1971 the company expanded into rearing and selling beef, pork and turkeys, which John played a fundamental part in its development and success. 10 years later John left and setup his own business with a partner and following continued rapid growth in his own business, he sold his shares in 1994 and retired at the grand age of 58.
John’s retirement was spent with his family, supporting his wife and on the golf course, becoming captain of the Chorley Golf Club and representing them at numerous tournaments across the UK and in Europe. It is clear that John has led a happy and successful life and continues to be an active member in Freemasonry.
Following the meeting, everyone enjoyed a fantastic festive board and further stories, and toasts were shared to complete the celebration of his life and his 50 years of service as a Freemason.
