In what seems like the blink of an eye, but is in fact closer to a gap of 18 months, Frank Pearson has celebrated his golden jubilee in the Royal Arch to complement his 50th anniversary in the Craft stating that: “Freemasonry has given me more than I could ever give back.” Frank was in the company of 50 fellow companions, with the celebration being led by Gary Rogerson, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, at Barrow’s Fairfield Masonic Hall.
Before the chapter was opened, assistant scribe Ezra, Ian Hallatt read the dispensation to confirm the change of venue to Barrow’s Fairfield Masonic Hall, to give attendees a little more elbow room. The three principals, Jamie Lindsay, Mort Richardson and David Baker opened the chapter and the regular business was concluded, whereupon Gary Rogerson entered the chapter room escorted by acting Provincial grand officers, grand officers and Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Chris Gray. Gary was greeted by the three principals and offered the sceptre of the chapter, which he gladly accepted and occupied the chair of first principal. While the ceremony was somewhat shortened, as much of the information had been included in Frank’s recent golden jubilee celebration in the Craft, the companions present were treated to a retrospect of Frank’s personal and Masonic lives.
Frank’s journey into Freemasonry began in September 1973 when he joined the Dalton-in-Furness Lodge No 6828 and just 18 months later he became a Royal Arch companion with his exaltation into the Dalton-in-Furness Chapter No 6828 on the 5th of February 1975, a time of profound social and cultural change. From the very beginning, it was evident that he possessed all of the qualities required as a dedicated Freemason and companion, with a thirst for knowledge, a willingness to serve and an unshakeable commitment to the principles of the Craft and in particular Royal Arch Masonry. Some of the points of interest culturally and historically at that time were as follows: In 1975 the United Kingdom held a national referendum on whether to stay the European Community, only two years after joining it. In February, the Tory Party elected its first female leader, a certain Margaret Thatcher. North Sea oil started to flow. Lord Lucan was found guilty of murdering his children’s nanny at the Old Bailey in his absence. The British Royal Navy were still patrolling the North Sea to protect British fishing vessels from aggressive action and attacks from Icelandic vessels in the cod war dispute. Musical hits of the day included: Love is the drug by Roxy Music, Love to Love you Baby by Donna Summer and Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Here in the North West of England the average cost of a new house was £4,900 and if you went down to Holkerford, a new Ford Cortina car would set you back £1,765 and the average salary was £2,500 or if you worked on the tools in Vickers about £40 a week. A litre of fuel was 16p and more importantly a pint of Hartleys best bitter at the Globe Inn, in Ulverston was 20p.
Roger requested that Frank should be seated in front of him to receive and enjoy the presentation of his 50 years in the Royal Arch. Frank Pearson was born in February 1944, entering this life at number 51 Longlands Avenue, Barrow-in-Furness, as the cherished only child of Francis John and Margaret, who was affectionately known as Peggy. The name Francis John has proudly been passed down through four generations of the Pearson family, a tradition that reflects their strong heritage and deep familial bonds. Growing up, Freemasonry was a familiar presence in Frank’s life, with his father and uncles active in both the Craft and Royal Arch. His father, Francis senior, had a distinguished professional career, starting as a boilermaker’s apprentice at Vickers Shipbuilding and progressing to become a draughtsman. Then in 1943 he left the shipyard to join the Barrow Steelworks drawing office as clerk of works, looking into the reconstruction of the plant which at that time was undergoing considerable changes due to the war effort. Later earning him global recognition for his contributions to continuous casting technology in steel production, a source of great pride in Frank junior. His educational journey took him from Abbotsmead Infants School to Holker Street Senior School, where he excelled as a sportsman, particularly in rugby, even today his enthusiasm for the game is still there, only now as a supporter of the local Barrow Raiders, attending all the home games accompanied by the chapter’s first principal. After completing his schooling, Frank joined Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering as a mechanical fitter, later qualifying as a mechanical draughtsman and contributing to projects like the Polaris submarines and Sulzer train engines, in many ways mirroring his father, Francis senior’s experiences in his professional life. Frank retired in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of professional excellence.
To take a step back at this point, in the late 1960s, fate took Frank to the Bay Horse pub, where he met the love of his life, Denise Whalley. Their love story culminated in their marriage on 18 September 1971 at St. George’s Church, Barrow. Together, they built a beautiful life in Elterwater Crescent, where Frank still lives to this day, having raised their daughter, Joanne Elizabeth, and celebrating the joy of their granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth. Despite Denise’s lifelong battle with lupus, a condition that affects the immune system, the couple’s bond remained unshakable. Since her passing in 2013, Frank has honoured her memory in his support to lupus charities, embodying the compassion and commitment that define his character.
Frank’s journey into Freemasonry can be said to have begun in Vindobala Lodge No 5480, in the North East of England where his father and uncles were all members. With Frank spending many family holidays as a young boy over in the north east, with those family holidays particularly coinciding when Vindobala Lodge held its meetings, allowing Francis senior to attend his lodge. Francis senior, then later becoming a joining member of the Dalton-in-Furness Lodge, where he later proposed his son Francis Junior (Frank). ‘Our Frank’ then progressed into the Dalton-in-Furness Chapter where he has dedicated half a century to upholding the values of brotherhood, charity, and service.
Frank’s contributions to Freemasonry, his community and his family are an inspiration to us all. The celebration of both his golden jubilees is of the legacy of a life lived with honour, dedication and love, not just 50 years in the Royal Arch. His Masonic journey began over half a century ago when he first embraced the principles of Freemasonry. Initiated into his Craft lodge in 1973, he displayed a profound commitment to the tenets of brotherly love, relief, and truth. His dedication to understanding the deeper mysteries of the fraternity led him to take the next step by joining the Dalton-in-Furness Chapter. Frank’s exaltation into the Royal Arch marked the beginning of a lifelong quest for greater light in Freemasonry. With an eagerness to learn and a willingness to serve, he immersed himself in the rich symbolism and teachings of the Royal Arch. His companions recognized his sincerity and dedication and he quickly became an active member of the chapter, participating in exaltations and supporting his fellow companions. Frank’s 50-year membership is not only a testament to his loyalty but also to his enduring impact on his chapter and the wider Masonic community. Frank has been instrumental in mentoring new members and preserving many of Dalton-in-Furness Chapter’s long held traditions and his wisdom and steady presence have been a source of strength and inspiration to countless companions. Ian Hallatt, then read an extract from the minutes of Frank’s exaltation bringing a smile from Frank, in remembrance of that evening.
Having already stated that Frank’s journey began with his exaltation into Dalton-in-Furness Chapter on the 5 February 1975, his dedication and progression through the chapter’s offices culminated in his appointment as first principal in 1990, a role he held with distinction. Remarkably, he was called upon to serve as first principal again for a second term in 2010 and a third term in 2017, further underscoring the trust and respect he commands among the companions. Beyond these leadership roles, Frank devoted himself to the chapter as scribe Ezra from 1991 to 2000, and once again from 2021 to the present day, bringing his total service in this vital office to an outstanding 11 years. His diligence and excellence in fulfilling these duties have left an indelible mark on the chapter’s administration.
In Provincial Grand Chapter, Frank’s achievements have been equally distinguished. His first appointment came as Acting Provincial Grand Steward in 1993, a role that marked the beginning of his enduring service to the Province. His contributions were recognized with promotions to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 1997 and later to the prestigious rank of Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 2010. A fitting acknowledgment of his unwavering dedication and exemplary work. His rank as Past Provincial Grand Steward also earned him membership of the Provincial Grand Stewards‘ Chapter of West Lancashire No 8516, where he served for over 21 years, further contributing to the strength and unity of the Province of West Lancashire.
Frank’s Masonic career is defined not just by the ranks and titles he has held, but by the depth of his commitment to Freemasonry and his fellow members. His leadership, mentorship and service have been invaluable to both the Dalton-in-Furness Chapter and to the wider Masonic community. Whether as a companion, a leader or as steward of the Craft’s principles, Frank exemplifies the highest ideals of Freemasonry. Frank’s remarkable service has obviously not gone unnoticed. The Grand Superintendent, Mark Matthews, has extended his heartiest congratulations on achieving this outstanding milestone in a fine Masonic journey. As the leader of the Province of West Lancashire, he has recognized this incredible achievement by issuing a Certificate of Commemoration to mark this special day.
Before Gary Rogerson presented this prestigious certificate, Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Chris Gray read it aloud, sharing its sentiments with all the companions present. The words of the certificate, filled with admiration and gratitude, reflected the collective respect and appreciation of the Masonic fraternity for Frank’s exceptional service and steadfast dedication.
At the festive board, Owen Osmotherley proposed the first half of the toast to Franks’s health, recalling memories of their working and Masonic lives spent together, with some genuinely funny recollections and speaking of Frank’s great fondness for tradition, in particular Burns Selkirk Grace. Graham Slater completed the second half of the toast in his own inimitable manner, with amongst others, a memory of a visit to Thurston Chapter No 2525 in its days at Coniston, when he and Frank were involved in washing lettuce for the salads in a unique manner. Frank responded by offering profuse thanks to all those who had attended his celebration, speaking with great fondness for his late father, whose own entry into Freemasonry in Northumberland was precipitated by the prospect of a nine year wait to join a lodge in the Furness area. He also thanked his four close friends for ‘keeping him going for 12 years’ after the loss of Denise. The raffle raised the sum of £300 for Lupus UK in memory of Denise. As well as his jubilee citation certificate, Frank also took home a framed caricature drawn by Gary Rogerson with the help of computer artificial intelligence.