An unexpected discovery, a shared journey in Freemasonry and a special family bond made the installation of Jonathan Edwards an occasion to remember. Some installations in Freemasonry are memorable for the ceremony itself; others are made special by the people involved and the stories that unfold along the way.
For Hardshaw Lodge No 8722, the installation of its new WM Jonathan Edwards was an occasion that brought both together, celebrating not only a significant milestone in one man’s journey through Freemasonry, but also the special bond between a father and his son.
Brethren and visitors gathered at St Helens Masonic Hall for an installation meeting that would be remembered for its excellent ceremonial work, generous charitable giving and, above all, the warmth of a family story that lies at the heart of Freemasonry. The lodge was opened promptly at 4.30pm by the outgoing WM Ryan Billington. Following the customary business, the lodge was opened in the third degree and the brethren prepared to receive the distinguished visitors.
The presence of Deputy Provincial Grand Master Frank Umbers was announced by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Dave Boyes and he was admitted alongside grand and acting Provincial grand officers along with Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson. Frank was formally welcomed by WM Ryan Billington and duly offered the gavel of the lodge, which he briefly accepted before returning it. Explaining that he had come to enjoy what he anticipated would be an excellent installation ceremony, his words proved well founded.
The ceremony began with Hardshaw Lodge Director of Ceremonies Darren Forshaw, occupying the chair of King Solomon to conduct the installation. The master elect, Jonathan (Jonny) Edwards, was then presented to Darren by his father, Timothy (Tim) Edwards. For Tim, this was clearly no ordinary duty; to present his own son as master elect of the lodge was a moment of immense pride and one that gave the installation ceremony a particularly personal significance.
Jonny recited his obligation perfectly and the installation ceremony proceeded magnificently, with everyone involved demonstrating the preparation, care and dedication that had gone into making the occasion such a success. The address to WM Jonathan Edwards was delivered by Andy Clarke, while Kenneth Wesley gave the address to the wardens. The working tools of a master Mason were presented by Ryan Billington, those of a fellow craft by John Williams and those of an entered apprentice by Michael Armstrong
Paul Brunskill delivered the address to the stewards and Frank Umbers gave the address to the brethren. Every address was presented impeccably, adding to the quality of a ceremony that reflected great credit on Hardshaw Lodge and all those who had contributed to it. For Jonny, however, the significance of the day went far beyond taking his place in the chair of King Solomon.
Jonny’s journey into Freemasonry began in 2021, when he was initiated into the Craft. As his blindfold was removed, he discovered something he had never expected: his father was sitting among the brethren. Tim had joined Freemasonry in 1993, becoming a member of Stability Lodge No 4321. After resigning from the lodge for personal reasons, he spent around 30 years as an unattached Freemason. Jonny had never known that his father had been a Freemason.
Another important influence was Jonny’s uncle, secretary of Hardshaw Lodge, Sandy Kean and the man who had proposed him for membership. Sandy often spoke openly about the friendship, camaraderie and fellowship he had found in Freemasonry, particularly within Hardshaw Lodge. Those conversations sparked Jonny’s interest and encouraged him to discover Freemasonry for himself. Little could he have imagined that his decision would eventually bring him to the chair of King Solomon, with his father not only present to witness the occasion, but playing an important part in Hardship Lodge.
Following his installation, Jonny had the privilege of investing his father as the junior deacon of Hardshaw Lodge. The son who had discovered his father’s past in Freemasonry on the night of his own initiation was now the WM, with his father serving as one of his lodge officers. It was a remarkable progression in their shared story.
The emotion behind the occasion became even clearer later in the evening, when Jonny responded to the toast to his health at the festive board. He began by expressing his gratitude for the support and guidance he had received throughout his journey in Freemasonry, recognising that every person in the room had, at some point, helped shape the Freemason he had become.
He paid particular tribute to Darren Forshaw, whose work as lodge director of ceremonies had helped ensure that the brethren were prepared and confident in their respective roles. Jonny reflected on the fact that Darren had been the junior deacon at his initiation and was now the man who had installed him as WM.
He also thanked the brethren who had assisted with the ceremony, his former director of ceremonies, Paul Brunskill, and his predecessor in the chair of King Solomon, Ryan Billington, whose dedication had helped maintain the lodge’s health, harmony and strength. But when Jonny turned to his father, the personal meaning of the evening came into particularly sharp focus.
Addressing him as ‘Dad’, Jonny thanked Tim for his time, support and willingness to spend time with him after lodge practices. He acknowledged that they had always been a close family but explained how Freemasonry had created opportunities for them to spend more time together, just the two of them.
Jonny described the enjoyment he had found in the one-on-one, or ‘bloke’, time that Freemasonry had enabled them to share. It was a simple but powerful observation. Freemasonry had not replaced the bond they already enjoyed; it had given that bond another dimension, creating shared experiences and memories that father and son could treasure.
Jonny also paid a heartfelt tribute to his uncle Sandy, thanking him for introducing him to Freemasonry, providing guidance and passing on his knowledge. He even acknowledged Sandy’s care of his grandfather’s regalia until Jonny joined the Craft.
With affection and humour, Jonny joked that the emotional nature of the evening had prevented Sandy from being responsible for every stage of his progress in Freemasonry. His words captured the gratitude, family affection and good humour that characterised the occasion.
Looking ahead to his year as WM, Jonny expressed a simple hope: that the lodge would continue to build on its strong foundations by supporting one another, enjoying genuine fellowship and upholding the high principles of the Craft. The spirit of service was also very much in evidence during the installation meeting.
Following his installation, Jonny presented the lodge’s charitable donations to Frank Umbers, who was delighted to receive the generous contributions: £500 to St Helens Masonic Hall, £350 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £250 to Cancer Research, £250 to the Air Ambulance, £250 to Women and Children’s Aid. Total charitable donations: £1,600. The donations demonstrated the lodge’s commitment to supporting its local community and charitable causes. It was a fitting part of an evening that celebrated personal achievement alongside the importance of helping others.
Following the lodge meeting, the brethren retired to the bar to raise a glass to their new WM before taking their seats for the festive board. The atmosphere was full of fun, laughter and fellowship, with visitors joining the brethren to celebrate Jonny’s installation as WM. The number of visitors in attendance was a testament to the regard in which Jonny is held, both within Hardshaw Lodge and beyond. The traditional Master’s Song was sung by Paul Brunskill, with the brethren enthusiastically joining in the chorus, adding to the convivial spirit of the evening.
Before leaving, Jonny presented Frank Umbers with a bouquet of flowers for his wife and a bottle of gin for Frank himself, as a personal expression of thanks for honouring the lodge with his presence. The evening concluded with the happy, relaxed atmosphere that had characterised the occasion from the outset. For Tim, seeing his son installed as WM was one of the proudest moments of his life. But the evening meant even more because Jonny’s enthusiasm for Freemasonry had inspired him to return to the Craft after so many years away.
Being invested as junior deacon by his own son made the occasion more special still. Tim has now taken his first step as junior deacon and is working towards the master’s chair himself. In time, he hopes to follow his son into that same distinguished position at Hardshaw Lodge, creating another chapter in a family story that has already given the lodge so much to celebrate.
Their journey is a wonderful reminder that Freemasonry is about more than ceremonies, titles or offices. It is about friendship, mutual support, personal development and the bonds that grow through shared experiences. For Jonny and Tim, Freemasonry has provided something particularly meaningful: the opportunity to share an interest, spend valuable time together and continue learning alongside one another.
What began with an unexpected discovery when Jonny’s blindfold was removed in 2021 has developed into a shared journey through Freemasonry, with father and son now serving together in the same lodge and as Jonny begins his year as WM, Tim begins his own journey towards the chair of King Solomon.
One father, one son, one lodge — and a journey through Freemasonry they can continue together.
Story by Paul Brunskill